In the midst of the chores of unpacking, catching up on all that needed to be attended to, we found an unexpected opening of two hours free time. Well, hallelujah! Staying in the condo would have meant we would not have the break we needed so we needed to get out. Time for the movies in a comfortable reclining seat and watch The Little Mermaid. I am not sure if we saw the same movie that all those self-righteous critics and nit pickers saw, but it mattered not a whit as to the color of skin of Ariel or indeed, any of the actors.
What we saw was a Disney film remastered, in color, with the same story we had known from years ago. The same story we read to the kids as they grew up and the same story that my grandchildren loved. The girls ran to Pocahontas and Ariel characters while in Disney and color did not weigh into their choice of targets of their rather enthusiastic affection. Nor did the fact that many of the characters were animals such as Chip n' Dale and indeed all the famous Disney characters, including the eternal Mickey Mouse, now under attack from DeSantis who must have adored the Grinch as he grew up. Into the fascist he is.
What we saw was a modernized, though not really, film which featured the known characters, and beautiful scenery as only Disney can do. It was the iconic story of two star-crossed would-be lovers who sought and found true love, despite all the glitches along the way, achieving, apparently, a happily ever after ending.
In fact, though, the ending was not 100% happy, as Arie had to leave behind her entire mermaid, mermen, family, for one could not be human and mermaid at the same time. Nor could she bounce back and forth. For those who need to see society addressed in Disney stories the Little Mermaid is chock full of lessons. Though why we cannot take the kids or ourselves to these movies and simply enjoy them is beyond me. But there they are if one must seek. People can change and reformulate their choices and biases. People can learn and indeed do, that no matter the form one takes, knowledge, getting to know each other, is the path to tread for it does lead to good endings and pleasant walks to that ending.
It clearly indicates that adventure, exploration, commitments to improve the world are good things, happy things, admired by all. Except for the grinches. For that opinion, please travel to Tallahassee or to the nearest human trafficking station state approved and taxpayer funded.
There were people of color aplenty within the cast, including the Queen who so kindly and lovingly adopted a foundling rescued from the sea. Ironically, the same sea which provided for the love of his life and his grand plans to change the world. It mattered not at all and neither did the supposed color of skin of Ariel. She simply was a beautiful mermaid who yearned for change, who defied a parent's edicts and plans for her life, (sound familiar, anyone) and fell in love with an an unacceptable person - at least to her father. Her sisters agreed with their father though they came around at the end as the King was resurrected, saved by his daughter after he had sacrificed his own life for her.
What the hell are people screeching about? Go choose some other film to criticize like perhaps the old blacksploitation films, of the endlessly, needlessly gory films of horror and murder and mayhem. There are so many films out there which can better serve to satisfy grinchy needs. Not the Disney films which simply give the kids -and adults - what they want, what they need. A feel good story with beautiful film work of the times, encouraging all to accept others, to see the similarities, be optimistic and adventurous, go for your true love and altruistic plans for your future. Certainly, the handsome prince and the beautiful princess deserve it -and so do we all. Disney films vote for mingling rather than segregation of groups, for valuation of a person rather than erroneous group judgments.
What is wrong with that! I believe that the wrong here are the oh so weary adults who read things into places where they do not belong, and are not there. Any child asked about the film will not comment re the color of Ariel, only that her braids were really great. Other than to say the prince is handsome. Other than to be happy when they row off to a golden future and are helped by a mighty push of Triton. A heartwarming display of groups getting together, working together, improving the world and themselves at one and the same time.
C'mon, people, reach deep and find the child in you, the adult not spoiled by life disappointments or the crazy corruption and perversion of so much today. Put aside deep interpretations and insinuations which are not there!
Just take the message of love and optimism, of the wishes and dreams that can come true, even if we have to pay some price for it. Strive together, a for sure lesson of the film and one with which I fully agree - obviously.
It is that togetherness, the heartwarming results which are the crux of the film. Or one can simply watch and enjoy without seeking a theme or lesson. Be a child again and enjoy the wonder and the happiness, as the bad guy receives repayment for the agita he induced. Watch together and you will have a happy group- and shut down the grinch among you. Just a party pooper!
Do it, as in all things, together. Be the spark of improvement and justice and gather your group together. Therein one can find the strength and impetus, the path to the sought for answers for much of our world today. Together for the good. Together to provide needful healing for individuals and for our besieged and troubled nation and world.
Together.
Together - Together we can achieve it all.
Together we can
HEAL THE WORLD.
HEAL YITZY!
Yitzchak Elimelech ben Chana Sarah
May he be granted refuah shelaymah bimheyrah beyameinu.
May he be granted a timely and complete healing.
May he always remain on the road of faith, healing and strength.
May we all walk on that same road.
May Hashem hear all our voices raised in prayer.
Amen. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment