Many people seem to think that Disney conveys subliminal messages that contain sexually-related innuendo, but perhaps the messages are much more subtle than some might expect.
Editor’s note: Kaua‘i resident Maile Aiu, who just got a master’s degree from the University of California at San Diego, is guest rental-reviewer this week and next. Paul Booth’s reviews will return later next month.
Many people seem to think that Disney conveys subliminal messages that contain sexually-related innuendo, but perhaps the messages are much more subtle than some might expect. For example, “Toy Story” appears to be just a fictional story about the world of toys, however, it is also conveys ideas that are analogous to the desires, emotions and attitudes of males and females.
One illustrated theme is the desire to have something new to play with. In “Toy Story,” Woody, who is Andy’s perfect companion, is suddenly replaced by a newer, more-exciting Buzz Lightyear who has “more gadgets on him than a Swiss-army knife.” Andy now feels the desire to play with a better toy and, as a result, simply throws Woody in the toy chest along with the other rejects. This theme is also a predominantly male trait. He may enjoy playing with his female companion until another female with more attractive “gadgets” comes along.
Naturally, he desires to have somebody new to play with, and the old female becomes another addition to his used collection of toys.
The second illustrated theme in this movie symbolizes how women generally react to rejection. After realizing that Buzz Lightyear is a threat, Woody reacts by claiming that he is “not afraid of Buzz” because he knows Andy is not going to replace him. This can be seen as the perfect example of what is referred to in the dating world as “denial.” Woody’s failure to acknowledge that he is no longer needed is synonymous to the willful hope of any female who believes she can still regain the affection of the male who has obviously moved on.
There is a third theme that defines both male and female traits. This is the reaction to jealousy. In “Toy Story” Woody decides that the only way to regain his so-called “property” is to get rid of Buzz. His plan for revenge involves “accidentally” pushing Buzz out a window. Similarly, jealous males and females often try to ease their envy by seeking revenge on their competition. This may involve such things as name-calling, picking fights, or perhaps in extreme circumstances even pushing somebody out of the window.
“Toy Story” does not contain any X-rated images but in a unique way, the characters symbolize the silly mannerisms that males and females often demonstrate in romantic relationships.
Perhaps the deeper message of the film is that relationships may sometimes be both childlike and ridiculous.
True affection involves realizing that humans are just simply not like toys.
