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Jordyn Stump
Dr. Parker
Feminist Visions of Justice
11-20-2015
Martin and Kazyak Critical Summary
In their article titled Hetero-Romantic Love and Heterosexiness in Childrens G-Rated
Films, Karin Martin and Emily Kazyak analyzed popular childrens movies to determine how
heterosexuality was constructed. They watched 20 films (many of which were Disney films) and
particularly focused on any story lines, images, scenes, songs, or dialogue that depicted
anything about sexuality, including depictions of bodies, kissing, jokes, romance, weddings,
dating, love, where babies come from, and pregnancy (156). Using this criterion, the researchers
found frequent and prominent references to heterosexuality. While more subtle, many films also
included references to sexuality in general and the male gaze. Because children often watch
these movies repeatedly, the messages and themes expressed in them become ingrained in their
minds at a very young age. While meant to be entertaining, these films also promote
heteronormativity, making it difficult for people to imagine other ways of life (153).
As someone who grew up watching Disney movies and still loves them to this day,
articles like this one are both interesting and eye-opening to read. As the article mentioned,
children are socialized about heterosexuality and heteronormativity at such an early age. As a
kid, I didnt realize how aggressive the promotion of heterosexual relationships was in Disney
movies, but thats because I had no other relationships on-screen to compare them to. As a young
girl, I just knew that falling in love with a dreamy guy, getting married, and having a wedding
was what every girl had to look forward to. Now, I see how destructive that mindset is. Disney
plays such a pervasiveness role in the lives of young children, and its disheartening knowing
that they greatly influence the privilege of heterosexual relationships. Because heterosexuality is
assumed and expected, anything different requires justification and explanation, which is
inherently unfair. Like I was, my younger cousins are also being raised on Disney movies. Its
mind-blowing to witness how theyve been socialized about heteronormativity at such young
ages. Through movies, television shows, and even the encouragement of their parents, they know
which sex is expected of them to be with. At family gatherings, I try to express my liberal ways
of thinking onto a 5-year-old by telling her she can love whoever she wants, but its hard to
compete with the years of socialization, courtesy of Disney.
Another interesting point that this article brought up was how heterosexual relationships
are portrayed as being exceptional, magical, powerful, and transformative (157). Martin and
Kazyak also point out how cross-gender friends in Disney movies are usually different species,
with the subtle message that cross-gender relationships can only be romantic. In fact, female
friendships are rare to find in childrens movies, unless girls are being mentored by a much older
maternal figure. In Disney movies, friendships and familial relations are meant to provide
comedy and comfort, respectively, but are not nearly as influential and important as romantic
relationships. Speaking from personal experience, I have to disagree with Disney on this one. My
relationships with my sister, parents, and extended family offer much more than simply comfort.
I also have great friendships (with absolutely no potential for romance) with members of the
opposite sex. We can have fun together and can engage in deep conversations, without inevitably
falling in love. As for the relationships that are most influential to me, I would have to say that

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my female friendships are the greatest thing to have ever happened to me. I have lived with,
laughed uncontrollably with, cried with, and been through the ringer with many of my female
friends. Its unfortunate that Disney glazes over the importance of friendship and the power of
familial love to focus solely on heterosexual relationships.
Works Cited
Martin, Karin A. & Kazyak, Emily. Hetero-Romantic Love and Heterosexiness in Childrens GRated Films. Feminist Frontiers. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2009. 153-163. Print.