Need an Intercot opinion!

So I am in college and in english class yesterday, my professor was giving us instructions on how to write our final paper and he was using the subject "Disney is bad for children" as his topic example through out class. He kept saying things like he doesnt let his kids watch them because they send the message that individuality is bad. It was so hard for me to stay quiet! So I decided to rebuttal and switch my paper topic to how Disney is good for children and families. What are some points that you guys may have?

Nice! I wonder if he truly believed that or if he was just playing devil's advocate and/or just giving an example.

First thing is I feel his example point is totally incorrect. Most Disney shows (sounds like he was talking TV) call out and celebrate individuality. They try to show all people adding value: geeks, jocks, nerds, artsy-types, etc. He seems clueless on that one. A simple list of the current lineup and one or two examples of characters they celebrate their individuality might be good.

As far as points to expand on Disney being good for children and families are Focus on Quality/customer service (how to treat people nicely), Cleanliness, Innovation and Invention (using education and technology to entertain), History (Hall of Presidents), Geography/Cultures (World Showcase), Green initiatives/earth day movies, Imagination, Dreams, family time together, importance of fun... So many things...

The 1st thing that comes to mind is a trip we took in the late 90's when my 2 oldest were teenagers. They were not problem teens just typical eye rolling, can't be seen with you Mom teens. For a whole week at WDW there was no teen angst...no moodiness, no fighting with each other. Just fun, laughs, being silly and enjoying being a family. I still look back on that trip as one of my favorites..and so do my now grown up teens. Disney brings the best out of people.

he was definitely serious haha I have a pretty small class and the professor also taught at my highschool so I know him pretty well and he is definitely that kind of person..

i for sure want to mention a lot about epcot and the animal kingdom because I feel like his opinion is very disney channel/magic kingdom focused.

There's the whole back story to Disneyland being the result of spending time at the park with his daughters and wanting a place that would be clean and have things for the whole family.

As far as individuality, look at Mulan. And went against the grain and saved her country.

And how about Disney's effect on autistic children? I recall a recent (past year) story about a father who wrote about using Disney stories and movies to connect with his autistic son, just good stuff.

Considering it was his example, and you know his opinion, I think delivering a counter argument here is risky and a bad idea. First off, it shows a lack of originality/imagination on your part. Either you really wanted to stick it to him and argue (bad enough) or you didn't really think about your own topic and just latched on to countering his example. It's likely to lose you a few points. And you have to be extra solid to pull it off. Possible, but do you really want to start from a disadvantage or a harder place? You're putting extra pressure on yourself from the start. I was an English major and a lot of my friends and family are professors. I really don't think they would be impressed by this move.

But... you say you know this professor well. The only case I would advise doing this is if you think you know him that well and suspect he was somehow goading or encouraging you to try this topic. Possible but not likely. Teachers usually choose examples from "safe" topics-- topics that are not likely to be chosen or used by the students. Obviously you are passionate about the topic, though, so maybe that will give you the edge you need. Good luck!

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Originally Posted by SBETigg

Considering it was his example, and you know his opinion, I think delivering a counter argument here is risky and a bad idea. First off, it shows a lack of originality/imagination on your part. Either you really wanted to stick it to him and argue (bad enough) or you didn't really think about your own topic and just latched on to countering his example. It's likely to lose you a few points. And you have to be extra solid to pull it off. Possible, but do you really want to start from a disadvantage or a harder place? You're putting extra pressure on yourself from the start.

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I agree, as the mom of 2 in college this was the first thing that popped into my mind. You're taking his topic idea and putting your own spin on it rather than developing your own.

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Originally Posted by VWL Mom

I agree, as the mom of 2 in college this was the first thing that popped into my mind. You're taking his topic idea and putting your own spin on it rather than developing your own.

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Me to, besides who cares if your teacher doesn't like Disney it has no impact on anything in your life outside of listening to him in class. Really the last thing you want to do is write a paper telling him how wrong he is and then have to deal with the fallout from that for the rest of the semester. Some people like Disney, some prefer the beach or a casino. But I can guarantee you won't change his mind by writing a paper.

I also agree with Sherri. Think of a more original topic.

An integral piece of learning to be a good writer is being able to make clear and concise points, and develop them, even when the topic or theme is something you don't personally agree with. Learning to argue (on paper) both sides of an issue is important for developing both your writing and critical thinking skills, and will help you understand the opposition's position, which will help make you better able to assert your own position when the time comes. I would suggest writing a paper on both sides of the issue, or at least at outline, then write the one to turn in following the professor's guidelines. I'll bet your paper will be better and you'll get a better grade. Then you can tell him afterward that you really think Disney is good for children, but also show that you understand his position.

I definitely wouldnt have considered this if it had been any other professor. I get the whole originality and irritating the professor thing. I guess you would have to understand the context of how this all unfolded. I figured he would get a kick out of it. I actually spoke to him today and he said he is looking forward to seeing my argument

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Originally Posted by taleasoldastime

I definitely wouldnt have considered this if it had been any other professor. I get the whole originality and irritating the professor thing. I guess you would have to understand the context of how this all unfolded. I figured he would get a kick out of it. I actually spoke to him today and he said he is looking forward to seeing my argument

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Cool! Enjoy the assignment. Sorry to give you any extra worry, just thought it was something to consider. Apparently, you have it covered. Carry on! :cool:

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Originally Posted by taleasoldastime

i for sure want to mention a lot about epcot and the animal kingdom because I feel like his opinion is very disney channel/magic kingdom focused.

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When you mentioned the Disney channel the first thing I thought of was the stars of those shows like Miley Cyrus..Lindsay Lohan....Selena Gomez..Shia LaBeouf. We have all seen the reports in the media of bad behavior from them and others as they have gotten a bit older and moved away from their Disney roots. The problem is Disney markets these stars to children who then hold them in high regard, These children then may rationalize, justify and perhaps even copy the negative behavior of their idols.

This probably isn't the direction you want your paper to go, but I just wanted to add another view point for you to consider.

Good job on speaking with the professor and clarifying that your topic will be alright.

Now, as to rebuttals. I can't speak much to current DTV subjects, but it could just as well be movies they were referring to not letting his kids watch. So with that in mind...

You could bring up Quasimodo, Stitch, Merida, Elsa, Dumbo, Tramp, Professor Ned Brainard, Tigger, Tod (and Copper), Wayne Szalinski, Ariel, Flik, Remy, Lewis Robinson, and Wreck-It Ralph as evidence of how Disney celebrates individuality and encourages youngsters to reach for their dreams. It's up to you how deep in detail you want to go in these examples.

cuz Nemo wasn't different.......

Use your imagination. Go along with his thesis until the very end and flip the script in the last paragraph by "realizing" everything you wrote about no individuality was wrong to begin with.

How did your paper turn out?