Disney is widely known as a defining characteristic of childhood. Their movies, theme parks, and ubiquitous merchandise are spectacles of innocence, from princesses to pixie dust. Growing up, I thought I could brush my hair with a fork just as Ariel did and emerge from the sea with perfect beach waves. I dreamt of lovers reuniting and dancing off into the sunset while spinning in circles long enough for my pajamas to transform into a flowing gown. As entertaining as this Disney magic is portrayed, some aspects of the Disney dynasty aren’t so magical.

1. What does Disney teach us about gender roles?

Young girls are hounded with images of beautiful princesses in peril. Girls are taught that the key to happiness is being beautiful, fashionable, well liked, and finding a Prince Charming to save them. Young men are taught that in order to be successful, they must be handsome, muscular, and heroic. If we were to analyze every Disney film, women need men to save them no matter how bright and intelligent they may be. For example, Cinderella needs a prince to help her escape from her evil stepmother and Snow White needs a man to kiss her in order to awaken her from her deep slumber. Disney’s slogan is,“Where dreams come true.” If so, can a woman’s dreams only be fulfilled if there is a man in her life? What kind of message is this sending to audiences everywhere?

2. Hey Disney, let's get our facts straight.

"Pocahontas," a beloved Disney film, which made me too want to “paint with all the colors of the wind” and run barefoot, transforms the history between Native Americans and English settlers into a contemporary romance. Disney’s versions of historical events are often the only versions children see and hear, perpetuating misunderstandings of history. There was no true love story between Captain John Smith and Pocahontas, a repetitive theme in the Disney film. In reality, Pocahontas was nearly 10 years old when John Smith arrived with the Virginia Company. She considered him a father figure but at no point a romantic interest. Disney inaccurately portrays the history of Pocahontas and transforms her from a brave young woman to fit into the formulaic Disney fairy tale.

3. The Disney physique.

Disney is so preoccupied with painting their princesses as pretty and shapely that they forget the concept of realism. On the other hand, male characters are at least somewhat proportionate while women are drawn far less realistically. More than half of the compliments received by the princesses in the films, around 55 percent, were based on appearance, while only 11 percent were on skill. Ariel in "The Little Mermaid" gave up her voice but she still had her body to seduce a man. What lessons is Disney teaching young girls regarding body image and ideal standards?

4. Is Disney racist?

"Peter Pan," the story of a boy who never grows up, runs into problems with the portrayal of Native Americans. There is a song called “What Makes the Red Man Red,” which is problematic enough. The chief of the tribe is the only one who speaks directly to Peter Pan in broken jargon, demonstrating a negative stereotype of the way Native Americans speak. In "Lady and the Tramp," the stereotypical East Asian is on full display with the Siamese cat characters who are portrayed as sneaky, devious, with buck teeth, thick accents, and narrow eyes.

Disney films such as these can certainly serve as good, even classic forms of entertainment, but it is also important to recognize how Disney portrays women, history, race, and body image, and sets unrealistic standards while sending potentially harmful messages to our kids, all in the name of entertainment.