“Maybe the reason we are so influenced by Disney is because we unconsciously are connected to our inner children who yearn for playfulness and simplicity”
The Magic of Disney From One Generation to Another
ABOUT MY ONE MINUTE DOCUMENTARY
By Andrea Vargo
After seeing the Walt Disney Archives: Heroes and Villains exhibit at the Arlington Museum of Art, I was immediately inspired by not only my personal connection with Disney but the influence that this iconic company has had on so many aspects of our everyday life, including our clothing.
The Disney brand has found a way to influence several aspects of our lives or at least make it so no matter where we go, we’re meeted with a familiar character or the most famous mouse in the world, Mickey. We have become so intertwined with the different variations of Disney-isms that we have, sometimes unknowingly, housed it in our everyday lives. Even in fashion, brands have been taking inspiration from Disney movies for decades and we see that on runways, in clothing stores, and vintage shops.
I wanted to showcase the commonalities between the clothing we wear and the influence that Disney and its characters have had on our homes and in our closets. This commonality is not just seen in children, although that’s usually what we assume, but in the trends that we adopt as adults, too. We see coquette dresses, lace bows, and ruffle skirts and we wear them because they’re stylish and what’s “in”, but the popularity of those styles come directly from the princess movies we watched as children.
Maybe the reason we are so influenced by Disney is because we unconsciously are connected to our inner children who yearn for playfulness and simplicity. We want magic in our everyday lives and Disney has made it easily accessible. We’re able to buy mugs with our favorite characters and drink our coffee from them before going to our adult jobs, providing a little joy in our daily routine. We buy sweatshirts with Mickey on them, sometimes because they’re comfortable in feeling but also because it portrays a character who is comfortable to us.
Identifying the similarities between Disney and our home lives has been simple because it truly is everywhere. Generations after generations have experienced the magic and influence of Disney, and we continue to pass it on because of what it represents. When we think of Disney we think of happiness, hopefulness, and family, and who wouldn’t want that every day of their lives?
Meet Andrea Vargo
My name is Andrea Vargo, but everybody calls me Andi. I was born and raised in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in journalism at The University of Texas at Arlington and have completed a certification of Fashion Journalism at the London College of Fashion. I am a mother of two beautiful girls and married to the best husband. I am passionate about fashion, writing, and photography, although it’s my lifelong dream to one day become a Disney Princess. I enjoy incorporating all my interests into writing and sharing the things I find joyful and exciting!
About AMA+UTA CreateCollab
Throughout the Fall 2024 semester, the Arlington Museum of Art is partnering with The University of Texas at Arlington and a senior-level digital storytelling class to explore a wide variety of contemporary themes inspired by the museum’s mission, values, and exhibitions.
Class projects include photo essays, one-minute documentaries, and one-minute podcasts about themes as broad as creating detailed flower arrangements, a life saving cat cafe, everyday heroes, and environmental art.
Associate Professor of Communication Erika Pribanic-Smith, who teaches the class, values opportunities to bring real-world experiences to her students.
“My goal is to give my students real-world experience in all of my classes, creating real stories using real sources,” said Dr. Pribanic-Smith. “Creating stories that will be published for the public to see, not just submitted for a grade, gives students extra incentive to put forth their best effort. Furthermore, working with professionals gives the students another layer of feedback to reinforce what they’re learning in the classroom. I prefer to work with organizations like the Arlington Museum of Art who will benefit in some way from the students’ content so that we are providing a service to the community.”
