Kevin Shortsleeve's article centers on the idea that audience members and critics alike possess some degree of fear in relation towards the Disney Company.  The fears associated with Disney stem from two specific sources, namely, the films Disney created and the management style of the company.  The criticisms associated with Disney films include the following: the Disneyfication of fairy tales, or relying on an overly simplistic, sentimental approach to telling stories, simplification of morals, use of stereotyping, in conjunction with the advancement of democratic, and at times anti-democratic, ideals.  In regards to the Disney Company, fear has been driven by the treatment of employees, the totalitarian running of the company and themeparks, and the use of and idealization of the 1930's.  Shortsleeve summarizes the article best with the statement that the "Orwellian-style [of] management" in conjunction with the "selling [of] Utopian dreams of agrarian, monarchical kingdoms" has "impressed, entertained, and subliminally frightened audiences for nearly 70 years" (Shortsleeve 5).

  Shortsleeve's article is important because it reveals that there has been, and continues to be, a stigma associated with the Disney Company.  Specifically, that Disney movies elicit fears from audience members and have the ability to influence them.  Disney films are not able to be taken at face value and usually contain deeper messages and meanings.  Walt Disney and his animators were greatly influenced by contemporary events and ideals, which were infused into their cartoons and films.  Whether incorporated into their works overtly or subliminally, many Disney movies are able to be critically analyzed for their use of advancing influences and beliefs.  The feature-length, animated film Bambi contains elements that showcase this.

Shortsleeve, Kevin. "The Wonderful World of the Depression: Disney, Despotism, and the 1930s. Or, Why Disney Scares Us." The Lion and the Unicorn 28.1 (2004): 1-30.