‘Finding Dory’ Exemplifies Traditional Family Values

Disney continues to satisfy a longing in audiences for childhood innocence, and for the eyes of a child that sees the wonder of life, as Finding Dory exemplifies traditional family values. On June 29, Box Office reported that Disney’s Finding Dory continues at the top of the box office. Box Office Mojo states  “…Twenty six weeks into 2016 and Disney’s year continues to impress as the studio has the #1 film at the weekend box office for the twelfth time…”

Movieguide.org states in its review of Finding Dory that “… the animated sequel to the classic family movie Finding Nemo shows Dory suddenly remembering she has a mommy and a daddy and getting help from her friends, both old and new, to reunite with them. Finding Dory is another heartwarming, funny, whimsical fish story from Pixar and Disney showing that family and friends make life worth living.”

Walt Disney: An American Icon states “…Disney characters upheld ‘traditional’ gender roles and ideologies. His view of the family was also traditional and sentimental. Disney grew up on a farm in rural Missouri, and he used themes of virtuous American folk and stressed individualism in his productions. He believed in…the values of the US middle class…”

Convivium states, “…Alongside the modern…disenchantment is a powerful counter-tendency, a basic human need to be enchanted, to fill the vacuum… For many in the contemporary world, religion and the deep sense of mystery that accompanies it has been supplanted by rational explanations and secular institutions. But our need for stories …that satisfy a longing.. of paradise…remains strong…At the heart of Disney World, I would argue, is …mythos that borrows heavily from the Christian story….In these stories, goodness…is always rewarded and evil…is always punished…Disney…promises consistency and stability…that remains impervious to the jadedness of the age…”

The value and need for a childlike spirit has been said best when “…Jesus called a little child to stand among them. ‘Truly I tell you,’ He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.…”