Who Says We Have to Grow Up
I believe in the magic of Disney. I know that’s a cliché statement. I make such an announcement and most people give me an odd look. They’re thinking “aren’t you a bit old for Beauty and the Beast?” Perhaps. I suppose it’s a matter of opinion. However, I am not afraid to say that I am a devotee of Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. I am Princess Jasmine’s biggest admirer. I am a lover of the Cinderella story.
I believe that Disney is a return to everything that’s good in our world. As Sebastian said in The Little Mermaid, “The human world? It’s a mess.” Isn’t it beautiful that for an hour and a half, we can escape our worries and experience that innocent silliness that we used to enjoy as children, before we’re learned of the woes of the world?
I believe that there’s nothing like hearing the word “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” to put a smile on someone’s face. We live in time when the media controls so much of our lives. The shows on TV are either violent and inappropriate or mindless and bawdy. Isn’t there enough suffering and violence in our world without reenacting it on television for entertainment? Why watch such things when you can envision your favorite princess dancing through the woods? When my friends and I drive to school every morning there’s a plethora of song choices. We could listen to music that only details the problems of our society. But why, when we can sing along to “Zip-a-Dee Doo Dah?”
I believe that Disney holds a message for everyone. Little girls watch these movies and see strong and independent women who will risk everything for their dreams. We could use more such people in the world. Anyone downhearted will get the message that, giving up gets you nowhere. In a little over a year I’ll be leaving home for college. For me, it will be “A Whole New World” and I want to have the confidence to face it.
I believe in miracles and love at first sight. These characters tell us that there’s a time for everything. They preach on the sacredness of the earth and the importance of harmony with our neighbors. They also teach us that there’s a time to be little selfish and that everybody needs a little romance in their lives.
I believe in the immortality of the human spirit. I don’t mean in a religious way. I think that we should never grow too old or too sophisticated for the things that make us happy. I trust in the idea of mind over matter. Our bodies may grow older but our spirits can stay young and guileless. If Disney movies make you happy, then keep watching them throughout your life. The world is a rough place to live. We should all find something to take a little of the stress away.
Finally, I believe that “if you keep on believing, the dream that you dream, will come true.”