Okay, so it's not a traditional fairytale, but it's Disney, and aren't most classic Disney films fairytales in their own right? Well, it does have relevance to the real world, especially today, when we're constantly judged on the image we present to the world. Well Dumbo, the baby elephant born with unusually big ears, is judged for the way he looks. He's different, and as a result he's shunned by his herd, the humans who take care of him - basically everyone except his mum and the mouse he befriends. Even his name, 'Dumbo', is given to him by the other characters as a form of mockery. Truth is, we can probably all relate to this famous character at one time or another in our lives. We all feel judged at times, perhaps not for our physical appearance, but for our opinions, beliefs, or tastes. A lot of us have probably been unfortunate enough to encounter some bullying in our lives. The ones that pick on us can't stand the thought of somebody who speaks/looks/behaves differently to them...I think that's just a little sad. But do you remember what happens to Dumbo in the end? Those big ears that everyone laughed at make him famous and everybody ends up loving him! He gets revenge on those that bullied him and by the end of the film he's smiling, back in the arms of his mum. It really is a fairytale ending. So, isn't it good to be different? Standing out from the crowd is what many people like to do nowadays - the clothes we wear, the people we hang out with, whether we have piercings or tattoos - these all build up an outward impression to the world and an individual identity for each of us. Maybe Walt Disney didn't intend to convey this message, but I think he succeeds in doing so. Being different will get you noticed, often in a good way. If Dumbo had been ordinary with normal-sized ears, he wouldn't have got his big break! And in the real world isn't it often those with something a little unusual and extraordinary to offer that make it to the top?
However, nowadays, with most people advocating political correctness, outwardly judging someone as a form of bullying is no longer tolerated. Yet, the criticisms are still there in their minds, even if they don't express them. Why do people judge those who are different to them? Like most people say, if everyone was the same it would be a very boring world. And, I wonder, who is this one archetypal person we would all mimic? Nobody's perfect. Today, and especially at university, we all meet a variety of people from all walks of life, all with different quirks and looks. Anyone who is ordinary, without something a little unusual or different to offer, is turned away and seen as dull. The people who really catch my attention are often those who have a somewhat eccentric style in clothes, or an alternative opinion to everyone else. I definitely advocate the view that different is better. It's relevant in all areas of life; going for a job interview - what makes you different to everyone else applying; dating - how do you stand out from every other person in the room...
I think the message of this Disney fairytale is that, in the end, the thing that makes you different to everyone else is in fact your biggest strength. Dumbo thought his big ears were his weakness, but they turned out to be his ticket to a better life. So, if other people have perhaps, at some point in your life, made you feel a little insecure about your beliefs, the way you dress, or even your taste in music, just realise that those things form identity and will probably pave the way for your future life experiences. So take a leaf out of Dumbo's book, spread your wings, and enjoy being you!
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