The display of animal families in popular youth movies and TV shows leads to a skewed perception of actual animal kingdom family dynamics. This part of the collection compiles examples of this perceived animal family dynamic as it relates to humans. Portrayal of animal families helps children relate to the story line but does not give them insight into the workings of families in the animal kingdom.
The Complete Nuclear Family
Disney's "101 Dalmatians" shows a clear depiction of a nuclear family. The mother (Perdita) and father (Pongo) assume stereotyped roles in raising their puppies. Perdita and Pongo fall in love and are assumed to be "married". The movie shows parental instincts of the two parents to save their puppies when they are kidnapped by Cruella De Vil.
Humanizing a Family of Bears
In "Little Bear" we see a family of bears in a typical family dynamic. The father (Father Bear) is away from the family for many of the shows because he is working. The mother (Mother Bear) takes care of everything around the house and plays the typical motherly role. Little bear is always finding himself in trouble and the mother and father bear work together to teach little bear a lesson. The bears are also dressed in human clothes and have mannerisms that are the same as humans which adds to the typical human family dynamic.
Classic Family Roles
Disney's "The Lion King" is a classic example of stereotypical family roles within a animal kingdom family. The father lion is Mufasa and he teaches his son Simba how to be a king which involves becoming a man. The females in the movie take on very motherly roles and the males are depicted as protecting the females by saving the kingdom. The classic mother-father family dynamic is interrupted by the death of Mufasa but Simba gains control of the kingdom and restores order when becoming mates with his childhood friend Nala.
Thinking Outside The Shell: Nuclear Family In Turtle Form
In the popular children's cartoon "Franklin" the story line revolves around a family of turtles. Much like in the show "Little Bear" a mother (Mrs. Turtle) and a father (Mr. Turtle) work together to teach their ever curious children (Franklin and Harriet) a lesson or a life value. The parents, much like a human family, provide support and guidance and discipline when needed. Thanks to the human roles Franklin's family fosters, the viewers can imagine a family of humans in turtle form.
A Unique Deer Family
In Disney's "Bambi", we see a mother deer who is name is unknown give birth to a fawn named Bambi. Bambi's father is the "Prince of the Forest" and does not play an extremely active role in the nurturing of Bambi as a child. Bambi becomes very attached to his mom and she raises him. Bambi's mother is shot and killed by a hunter causing Bambi's father to step in and raise Bambi. His father teaches him everything he needs to know about becoming the "Prince of the Forest". This family dynamic is very much a common stereotype of a human family. The mother raises the child while the big, powerful father protects them from harm and is gone for a majority of the day.
Aardvarks Hit the Nuclear Family Mark
In the popular TV series "Arthur", a family of Aardvarks show a prime example of a nuclear family. The show revolves around Arthur who has many animal friends. The show is set up so Arthur and his interactions seem to be human. Arthur goes to school, birthday parties, the beach, and has plenty of family time. Arthur's parents are both very involved with the raising of their three children and represent the ideal American family with active parenting. If you want to see how this family of aardvarks interacts click here.
Classic Underdog Lands the Pedigree
In Disney's "Lady and the Tramp", we see a love story unfold between two dogs. Tramp, who is a downtown mutt, and Lady, who is a sheltered pedigree begin to fall in love in a human fashion. They go on dates and long walks in the city which is a recipe for love. The two then cuddle up in a park one moon lit night and before you know it puppies have arrived! The family dynamic is once again similar to an idealized human family. The father is constantly trying to show his children that he is a brave dog while the mother remains stern with the puppies but also loving. The family can be seen interacting here.
Page created by Chris P.