Critical Lens Theory and The Princess and the Frog

Last week I shared how I use Cinderella and several critical lenses. This week, I am focusing on how I use the cultural lens with Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. I love to use fairytales and Disney movies with critical lens theory for building analysis skills in my high school students. They are approachable for lower level students, but challenging enough for more gifted students as well. Plus, I just love (most) Disney movies! This is just ONE part of my total fairytales and critical lenses unit.

What is the Cultural Critical Lens?

The cultural lens looks more closely at some of the elements that make up one’s culture. Such as:

gender roles

religion

race

politics

You can have students examine several aspects or narrow the focus if you wish. I personally like to have them start out more broadly and then narrow down their focus for…