Initial Reading
Read the following text and then complete the exercises that follow.
[1] When we talk about children’s movies, the first word that comes to mind probably would be “Disney”.Many young girls relate to Disney princesses. The characters in Disney movies are often welldeveloped—impressing young admirers. Many children watch these movies over and over again until they memorize the dialogue and songs in them. Almost all, if not all, Disney movies consist of a hero and a romantic fantasy. For instance, Cinderella’s rescue by Prince Charming can significantly influence a female’s psyche, including her ability to make wise relationship decisions as an adult.
[2] Disney movies provide children, parents, teachers and daycare workers with a little breathing space.While the children are busy watching these movies, parents and others can complete chores, etc.Moreover, these movies can help strengthen children’s communication, language, problem-solving and coping skills. Some Disney movies can even teach children words in foreign languages. Furthermore,these movies are used as a social tool, in which parents and children can come together over a common interest or activity.
[3] However, there is evidence that child-based movies have become significantly more violent in recent years and that parents have increased the amount of time they allow their children to watch them. In the past, children watched a limited amount of television and movies. Most children in the 60s, 70s,and 80s, tended to go to the movie theater to watch child-based movies. In fact, in the past “going to the movies” was an exciting event for most children. Why? Not only to watch a movie, but it also gave them a chance to socialize with friends. With the VCR and CDs, Internet and the like, movies can also become a solitary, isolative way of life.
[4] It is important to note that a passive lifestyle that consists of spending large amounts of time watching movies and television can influence a child’s thoughts and behaviours. If a child sees violent, sexual or unrealistic child-based movies and cartoons, he or she may internalize these images and concepts and this can contribute to acting them out in school or at home. Emotions from movies and music can also be internalized.
[5] Belief systems in children and teens are also influenced by movies, especially in the absence of an already established belief system. Many times present-day, child-based movies and cartoons are based on an element of aggression, which counteracts what the children might learn in school or at home. It is this extreme or constant attachment with television and movies that can lend itself well to depression in particular, but other mental health issues. Not that it is necessarily causal, though it can be in some instances, but it can be one contributing factor among several.
[6] Based on several studies, Children’s psychologist have pointed out that children’s films leave a pronounced footprint on the personalities and development of a child’s emotional, cognitive, and social abilities. Child-based movies and cartoons not only leave a lasting impression on the minds of children, they also influence children’s behaviours.
New Words
psychological /
saɪkə
lɒdʒɪkl/ adj.心理的；精神上的
psyche /
saɪki/ n.灵魂；心灵
chores /tʃɔː(r)z/ n.杂务；琐事
strengthen /
streŋθn/ vt.加强
evidence /
evɪdəns/ n.证词；证据；迹象
socialize /
səʊʃəlaɪz/ vi.交往；交际
solitary /
sɒlətri/ adj.独自的；独立的
isolative /'aɪsəleɪtɪv/ adj.孤立的
passive /
pæsɪv/ adj.被动的；消极的
internalize /ɪn
tɜ:nəlaɪz/ vt.使内在化；使藏在心底
concept /
kɒnsept/ n.观念；概念
teen /tiːn/ n.青少年
absence /
æbsəns/ n.缺席；缺乏
element /
elɪmənt/ n.元素；要素
aggression /ə
ɡreʃn/ n.攻击行为；敌对情绪
counteract /
kaʊntər
ækt/ vt.抵消；清除
attachment /ə
tætʃmənt/ n.依恋；依赖
depression /dɪ
preʃn/ n.萎靡不振；沮丧
mental /
mentl/ adj.内心的；精神的
issue /
ɪʃuː/ n.问题
causal /
kɔːzl/ adj.具有因果关系的
contributing /kən'trɪbju:tɪŋ/ adj.起作用的；作出贡献的
pronounced /prə
naʊnst/ adj.明显的；显著的
cognitive /
kɒɡnətɪv/ adj.认知的；认识的
behaviour /bɪ
heɪvjə(r)/ n.行为
Phrases and Expressions
1. relate to 与……有关；涉及……
2. consist of 由……组成
3. tend to 趋向；偏重
4. contribute to 促成；有助于
5. (be) based on 在……基础上
6. point out 指出
Related Information
1. Disney：全称为The Walt Disney Company，名字取自其创始人华特·迪士尼(Walt Disney)，大型跨国公司，总部设在美国伯班克，主要业务包括娱乐节目制作、主题公园、玩具、图书、电子游戏和传媒网络。皮克斯动画工作室（PIXAR Animation Studio）、惊奇漫画公司（Marvel Entertainment Inc）、试金石电影公司（Touchstone Pictures）、米拉麦克斯（Miramax）电影公司、博伟影视公司（Buena Vista Home Entertainment）、好莱坞电影公司（Hollywood Pictures）、ESPN体育，美国广播公司（ABC）都是其旗下的公司（品牌）。迪士尼于2012年11月收购了卢卡斯影业。
2. Cinderella：灰姑娘, 迪士尼经典动画故事主角。灰姑娘母亲、父亲相继去世，继母和其女儿们对她百般折磨，但灰姑娘得到魔法相助，最终成为王子的意中人。
3. Prince Charming：白马王子，童话中爱上灰姑娘的王子，后用来比喻女子理想中的追求者。