Disney in the Classroom
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Mickey’s cartoons worked so well that I began to expand my study of Walt Disney’s work. This is how I discovered the whole Depression Era phenomena of the Three Little Pigs and that Disney made many propaganda shorts during World War II. These cartoons also proved very useful. As I read more about Disney, I began to use his cartoons and movies to illustrate more long-term changes in our society like Americans’ attitudes about race and gender. Calling attention to the radical changes in the portrayal of Minnie Mouse, from the early Mickey Mouse cartoons to the House of Mouse cartoons today, is a good example of how Disney cartoons can be used in this way.
Just your typical Halloween decoration
It was also during this time period that I began to decorate my room with Mickey, Minnie, and other Disney characters. I decided to do because when we discussed Disney cartoons and films I noticed that the most common comment students made was that the cartoons and films offered people hope. The room decorations seem to work this way too.
So my children’s interest in what I thought was a passé and unimportant character changed my life. Mickey Mouse (and Minnie!) have made me a more interesting, and more effective teacher. They have made me more approachable to students by giving all of them something they can all talk to me about. (Hence the large number of Mickey Mouse items I have been given. :o) So in closing I have just one more thing to say….
Happy 75th Birthday Mickey and Minnie!
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-- Lee "MouseBear" Suggs
Lee Suggs is a history teacher in Northern California.
The opinions expressed by Lee Suggs, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future of Disneyland and the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.
-- Posted November 4, 2003