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Disney cartoons have a significant influence on Arab children, shaping their perceptions and behaviors. While these cartoons provide exposure to different cultures and ideologies, the depiction of Arab culture in Disney films is often stereotypical and biased. This can lead to feelings of alienation and shame among Arab children regarding their cultural identity. Prolonged exposure to Disney cartoons may also overshadow traditional Arab stories and values, causing a disconnection from their own heritage. To address this, dubbing Disney shows to align with Arab norms is suggested, but watching actual Arab shows with cultural backgrounds is considered more effective in delivering culture to young children. Promoting diverse representation and cultural authenticity in children's entertainment is crucial for empowering Arab children to embrace their heritage with pride and appreciation. Welcome to another episode of Laila Rants, where we delve into intriguing topics shaping our world. I'm your host Laila and today we're exploring the captivating realm of Disney cartoons and their impact on Arab children. Disney cartoons have long been a staple in the lives of children worldwide, me included, offering unique stories, unforgettable characters, and valuable life lessons. But what happens when these cherished tales intersect with the cultural landscape of the Arab world? To unravel this fascinating topic, let's explore how Disney cartoons influence the perceptions and behaviors of Arab children. Let me tell you why I'm interested in speaking to you about this topic. As a kid, I was always fascinated by Disney cartoons and refused to watch more Arabic channels like NBC3 or Space Toon. Guys, keep in mind that these were the trends at the time. I would pay a million pounds to go back in time and get properly cultured as a kid. None of these shows taught me anything about my culture. I grew up a bit whitewashed from watching these Arabic shows, and my friends and I would not speak a single Arabic word to each other at school because we referred to Arabic as a more negative language. We found the way Disney stars dressed and sang very intriguing, and I would beg my mother to buy me dresses similar to the ones these characters wore. I only learned enough about my culture when I became aware of my surroundings and would search for information rather than be spoon-fed information by the United States. Disney shows serve as a window to different cultures and ideologies, providing Arab children with exposure to diverse narratives and characters. However, the portrayal of Arab culture in Disney films has been a subject of scrutiny. Often, Arab characters are depicted through stereotypes and misconceptions, maintaining certain biases and limiting the representation of Arab identity. For example, in the Disney movie Aladdin, there is a huge misrepresentation of Arab culture. It's a shame that an Arab immigrant kid who gets his information from cartoons would think that the Middle East is a desert where people ride camels, all people are thieves, violent, despotic, ruthless, and deceitful, and the women are either wholly veiled or in belly-dancing clothes. Also, Arab characters are portrayed as villains or sidekicks, reinforcing negative stereotypes and oversimplifying Arab identity. Additionally, the depiction of Arab settings and customs in a similar manner can distort the rich diversity between Arab communities. How do you think these representations impact the self-esteem and cultural identity of Arab children? The influence of media, including Disney shows, on children's self-perception and cultural identity cannot be underestimated. When Arab children see themselves portrayed in a limited or distorted manner, it can lead to feelings of alienation, inadequacy, or even shame regarding their cultural heritage. On the contrary, positive and authentic representations can foster a sense of pride, belonging, and cultural appreciation among Arab children. And I'm guessing that you can get these feelings from watching shows like Bakkar, for example, but these shows are not produced anymore for some reason. To add on, prolonged exposure to Disney cartoons might contribute to a disconnection from Arab culture among children. While these cartoons offer entertainment, they may inadvertently overshadow traditional Arab stories, folklore, and values. As a result, Arab children might become more familiar with Disney's fantasy world than their own cultural heritage, leading to a sense of disconnect and a loss of cultural identity. To solve this problem, we can perform dubbing of Disney shows to bring the content closer to Arab norms. However, watching actual Arab shows with cultural backgrounds is better in delivering culture to these young children. For example, watching Bakkar in Arabic is not the same as watching Tangled in Arabic. I think we should bring the Boogie and Tom-Tom era back. As we conclude, it's essential to recognize the profound impact of media on children's perceptions and identities. By promoting diverse representation and cultural authenticity in children's entertainment, we can empower young audiences to embrace their cultural heritage with pride and appreciation. Thank you for joining me on this journey through the intersection of Disney cartoons and Arab children. Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring!
