Slipping us a new Mickey
Mickey Mouse, the way he was. (Disney Enterprises)
Apparently, we Americans -- particularly our kids -- don't think much of Mickey Mouse anymore. It's not that we can't stand the remarkably high-pitched sound of his voice. It's more that we have stopped listening altogether.
That's why -- as reported last week by the New York Times -- the people at Disney are in the process of reinventing their iconic character, attempting to make him feistier and more relevant to today's young'uns. In other words, M-I-C-K-E-Y may eventually spell badass.
I am not a huge fan of kiddie character makeovers. I wasn't particularly jazzed when Strawberry Shortcake was robbed of her bloomers and turned into a pre-teeny bopper who looks like she just got back from a shopping spree at Forever 21. And that sentiment goes double for the reimagined Holly Hobbie.
But Mickey Mouse is in another stratosphere. He is not only a recognizable personality to children all over the world, he is the face of one of the largest entertainment companies on the planet, and has been for decades.
And that's why it's even more vital that his image not be tampered with. Because once you turn Mickey into a tough guy, it's only a matter of time until Donald Duck starts talking like James Earl Jones, Goofy becomes a suave, decidedly serious life coach and Minnie Mouse ditches the big hair bows and poufy skirts so she can take up kickboxing.
I'll also point out that numerous kid-friendly characters -- among them Big Bird, Snoopy and Hello Kitty -- have remained enormously popular for many years without any significant tweaks. So I say: Disney, leave the Mouse alone.
And if you really want to reinvigorate his popularity, just cast him in a supporting role in a Pixar movie. Every young child in America will learn who he is faster than you can say "Toy Story 3."
Jen Chaney oversees movie coverage for the Post's Web site, contributes to Babble's Strollerderby blog and posts here in On Parenting every Thursday. She also once owned her own pair of Mickey Mouse ears.
Stories from today's Local Living section:
By Jen Chaney |
November 12, 2009; 7:00 AM ET
| Category:
Entertainment
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Comments
Posted by: 06902 | November 12, 2009 8:34 AM
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Umm - Mickey has changed numerous times over the years. Compare "Plane Crazy" or "Steamboat Willie" with "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" from "Fantasia." Then look at, oh, the '50s-era "Mickey Mouse Club" or the '90s-era "Mickey Mouse Club" or many of the comic books.
Changes are always a risk; this could be another "New Coke" fiasco. Or it could be a tempest in a tea pot.
Posted by: ArmyBrat1 | November 12, 2009 8:39 AM
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I think we should all suggest topics we would like to see covered on here in the future. Topics that seem relevant to us.
Posted by: sunflower571 | November 12, 2009 8:40 AM
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We did that a while back when Brian took over. Apparently it didn't help much.
Posted by: dennis5 | November 12, 2009 9:01 AM
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This is a perfectly relevant topic and I agree with the author's point.
Posted by: liziko | November 12, 2009 1:20 PM
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I think this is the most hilarious blog topic OP has ever had. But, what's going on here? Us parents aren't into humor or sumptin? Perhaps it's the news of the mass shootings, the talk of the death penalty, and the gloomy weather that has us DC area folks in a rut. You know, I come here for relief from that kinda stuff, and today, the bartender is a hoot, but the bar is empty.
OT - I disagree with Jen, who seems to be leaning conservative side of the Mickey upgrade. Personally, I think it's time for the little mouse varmit to get a nose piercing, or at least, an ear piercing. Then us parents can have a lively discussion on which ear, right or left, would be most befitting for Disney to promote their family values slant on kids.
Posted by: WhackyWeasel | November 12, 2009 1:44 PM
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My grandmother used to tell me that when I'd hear the REAL Mickey Mouse Club theme song, I'd burn rubber to get in there, and plop down in front of the TV for it. (I was MAYBE 3, so this was back in 1958-59 or so! Yeah, I know that ages me!)
A few years ago, I saw it listed in the local TV guide, turned it on, hoping to see the REAL MMC, saw the pitiful "remake". Words cannot convey the disappointment that I went thru.
Posted by: Alex511 | November 12, 2009 3:32 PM
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Blog topic: how to convince your kids that you're NOT a senile old f@rt because you say that the Annette Funicello Mickey Mouse Club was vastly superior to the Britney Spears/Christina Aguilera/Justin Timberlake Mickey Mouse Club.
Posted by: ArmyBrat1 | November 12, 2009 4:21 PM
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I'm afraid it's no longer possible to convince my kids that I still have some functioning brain cells left.
They *knew* I was too old and senile when they were Sesame Street fans, and found out I was already a 10-y-o when it debued, and my little brother started watching it at age 5.
Posted by: SueMc | November 12, 2009 4:39 PM
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Instead of "updating" Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald, retire their characters (maybe bring them back in cameos as the uncool grandparents). Introduce new, hip characters like Josh Mouse(wearing his Lebron jersey and baggy pants)and Kaitlin Mouse (dressed like a hooker). They can rap, listen to Ipods, play XBox and whatever else teens do these days...and after that flops, the can bring back "Disney Classic" where all the old characters don't look quite right(Sorry, I stole Armybrat's "New Coke" concept).
Posted by: kenman57 | November 12, 2009 6:13 PM
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Disney posted an 18% profit last quarter. That's all I have to say about this topic!
Posted by: cheekymonkey | November 12, 2009 6:30 PM
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fr armybrat1:
>...how to convince your kids that you're NOT a senile old f@rt because you say that the Annette Funicello Mickey Mouse Club was vastly superior to the Britney Spears/Christina Aguilera/Justin Timberlake Mickey Mouse Club.
Well, it WAS superior, as little britney can't sing to save herself.
Posted by: Alex511 | November 12, 2009 6:32 PM
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Well, it WAS superior, as little britney can't sing to save herself.
Posted by: Alex511
I don't think she can hear you from on top of her everest high mountain of money...
Posted by: 06902 | November 12, 2009 8:25 PM
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This could be a good thing, or be as bad as the Tropicana packaging makeover. Only time will tell.
Happy shopping,
~Kat~
@katluvsshoes
http://theshoppingvine.com/
Posted by: KatLuvsShoes | November 12, 2009 10:41 PM
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The comments to this entry are closed.
Snoopy is no longer relevant, though in fact has undergone tremendous change throughout his "existence", from walking on all fours and basically doing nothing, to becoming sherlock holmes, to having an alter-ego Joe Cool, etc. ad nauseum.
Hello Kitty has also been changed throughout the years, (mouth, no mouth, boyfriend introduced, talks, doesn't talk).
Why any of this matters I have no idea.