Confessions...

I have a confession to make... I've seen the new Disney movie "Tangled" three (3) times.  I know, I know, judge me as you wish, but it is a delightful movie that just makes you walk away feeling good about yourself.  I think so many movies today sacrifice substance of story lines and character development for the sake of flashy new special effects.  So I love seeing new movies that are well written, entertaining, visually appealing, and just so happen to have a good message or theme.  One thing that I lament about being an "adult" is the fact that I am supposed to watch films that are age appropriate for adults.  Whenever I see that a new children's movie is coming out, and I want to see it, I try to line up a babysitting gig ASAP so I can see it.  I love the positive plots, the suspension of reality, and the frequent breaking into spontaneous song and dance!  I like believing for that hour or two that all is well in the world as long as you work hard, treat others with kindness, and just believe... in something.  

It's really easy to get jaded with the world, because so often the world just sucks.  To quote a popular bumper sticker "Sh!t Happens."  I just get tired and frustrated with people who reside themselves to the mentality of "life's hard... get over it."  I think it is irresponsible for us to adopt that mindset.  I subscribe to the theory of "when the going gets tough, the tough get going."  NOT that I at all see myself as a tough individual, but I believe that when life really gets us down we not only get by with a little help from our friends... we can thrive and succeed with the help of others, whether they be friends, family, or complete strangers.  I believe that Disney movies (and most children movies and the occasional romantic comedy) convey this message. 

My favorite thing about this past semester was the fact that my roommate and one of my best friends took an anthropology class on Disney.  They studied the history of Walt Disney, the influence his art and vision had on America' movies, entertainment, and general way of life.  The best part about this class was that they had to watch a ton of Disney movies.  I think that Beauty and the Beast, Enchanted, The Little Mermaid, Princess and the Frog, and Tangled are my favorite Disney movies.  I know 3 of those 5 are not the "classics", but I really admire the strong woman characters these stories depict, the awesome music, and the warm fuzzy feeling I get after watching one of these movies.  I think keeping in touch with childhood dreams and ambitions can keep us grounded in a healthy sense of pragmatic optimism that allows us to look at the world as being a place that is full of potential while getting crap done.