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By Amanda Carpenter

Disney's 'hetero' bias

A pair of researchers at the University of Michigan say Disney films make opposite-sex romances seem too special and magical, giving children narrow and misleading ideas about love.

Many of Disney's most popular musical cartoons follow a compelling yet predictable storyline that features a beautiful young woman who pines for love from a handsome man and encounters struggles from outside forces that must be defeated before they can be together. Disney movies such as "Beauty and the Beast," "Cinderella," "Little Mermaid" and "Pocahontas" and others follow this model.

"Characters in love are surrounded by music, flowers, candles, magic, fire, balloons, fancy dresses, dim lights, dancing and elaborate dinners," Emily Kazyak and Karin Marti wrote in the latest issue of Gender & Society. "Fireflies, butterflies, sunsets, wind and the beauty and power of nature often provide the setting for - and a link to the naturalness of - hetero-romantic love."

The analysts also complain that the films use "overtly feminized women and masculine males" and market toys such as dolls and fairy costumes that do the same.

Ms. Kazyak and Ms. Marti examined G-rated Disney films that have grossed more than $100 million between 1990 and 2005 for the study.

A press release about the study contained a White House-themed political message as well.

"President Obama may have declared June to be Gay Pride Month, but entertainment for children therefore continues to perpetuate a less inclusive message, leaving those outside its confines with little to build their own dreams of happily ever after," it said.

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