Snow White and the Seven Dwarves has a large array of media portrayal of disability. To start, it is about 7 dwarves. A whole book can probably be written on the disability associations seen in this movie. These seven dwarfs appear to be outcasts of society that are all living together in an area outside of society. Is this to say that being a little person makes you an outsider? And each dwarf had some disorder as well: Grumpy (depression), Sleepy (narcoleptic), Happy (is there a disorder aside from mania perhaps?), Sneezy (severe allergies), Bashful (social anxiety), Doc (speech disorder) and Dopey (intellectually disabled and mute).By naming each character after their disabilities, they are allowing the individual to be defined by their disabilities. A disability does not (and should not) define a person. Plus, they act like they needed Snow White (who symbolized perfection in appearance) to be present to bring order to their lives. She did their cooking, cleaning, sewing, washing, etc. As if individuals with a disability cannot take care of themselves.
I grew up watching Disney movies and love them just as much as the next. I am not suggesting one bans these movies or revolts. And I don’t believe Disney intentionally put out these subliminal messages. I just a trying to prove why false assumptions exist in regards to people with a disability.
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