9 Classic Kids Films That Taught Us All Terrible Lessons

1. Beauty and the Beast

Beauty-and-the-Beast As a young woman, a man keeps you locked in his house. You are never allowed to see your family again. The only way you are allowed any small freedoms is if you interact kindly with your kidnapper, and pretend that you're staying in his castle as a guest rather than as a prisoner held against your will. He expects you to act out date-like scenarios, such as having a romantic dinner together, and goes into fits of rage if you refuse. But somewhere along the way, you start to empathize with him and maybe even develop feelings for him. Isn't that romantic? Nope. It's called Stockholm Syndrome. But thanks Disney. Maybe the next time I'm kidnapped by a violent brute I'll go play in the snow with him and try to convince him to get in touch with his feelings. Little girls identify with the princesses, so the fact that this obviously unhealthy relationship is being presented as romantic...well, it's a little problematic.
Contributor
Contributor

Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.