Let Me Be Good To You!, page 1
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Topic started on 7-6-2008 @ 08:42 PM by Pandapple
There are a lot of threads based on the "corruption" of Disney and the influence it has on young children. I've read through most of them and agree that responsible parenting is the bigger issue. With that said, I'm sure there are still many people who don't sit their children in front of the television as a form of neglect, but to reward them for good behaviour or to give them a treat.

Disney movies seem like the most suitable form of viewing for obvious reasons. However, I'm surprised that nobody has ever mentioned the movie Basil, The Great Mouse Detective.

There is a song-and-dance scene near the end in which Basil and his companion are in a seedy bar. Several acts get booed off the stage by the male audience until a pretty young mouse steps into the spotlight. The rowdy behaviour comes to a complete halt as all eyes are glued on her as she sings in a seemingly sweet manner.

"Dearest men, dear gentlemen. Listen to my song. Life down here's been hard for you. Life has made you strong. Let me lift the mood with my attitude.."

It all seems innocent enough as the music becomes more bouncy, as do the lyrics.

"Hey, fellas. The time is right. Get ready. Tonight's the night! Boys, what you're hoping for will come true. Let me be good to you.."

Wait a minute! That's a little on the suggestive side, don't you think?

"You tough guys. You're feeling all alone. You rough guys. The best of you sailors and bums. All of my chums!"

The attention moves away briefly from the act. Basil notices the bartender spiking a couple of drinks. Considering the suggestive content of the lyrics and what's to come.. Date rape, anyone?

"So, dream on and drink your beer. Get cozy. Your baby's here! You won't be misunderstood. Let me be good to you!"

The pretty little mouse disappears behind the stage curtains as the music amplifies further. The curtains then open to reveal her in a slightly more revealing outfit. A couple of dancers accompany her.

"Hey, fellas. I'll take off all my blues!"

What the..? She suddenly strips off her skirt to reveal a skimpy leotard outfit to the delight of the audience. I think she meant "taking off my clothes". When I was younger, that's the connection I made. Since when do people take off their blues? They rid themselves of their blues.. The context is all muddled. Oh, and one of the audience members is being held back as his tongue wags and his hands reach forward in a desperate groping motion.

"Hey, fellas. There's nothing I won't do just for you!"

What's the reaction of the skimpy lady when she spots the bulging eyes of her admirer? She wiggles her backside in his face! The spiked drinks from earlier are brought over to Basil's table. He tries to warn his friend, but he's too late. Dawson, now in a stupor, proceeds to lift his eyepatch for a better look at whatever is happening on stage and cheers. The lyrics continue in the background of the scene.

"So, dream on and drink your beer. Get cozy. Your baby's here! Hey, boys. I'm talking to you!"

Dawson is now up on the stage with the performers. Keep in mind, his character throughout the film is a reserved and intelligent one. An old-fashioned gentleman. I find that the message being conveyed is that spiked drinks allow you to let go of your inhibitions and "have fun".

"Your baby's gonna come through! Let me be good to you!"

Viewed by adults with a better understanding, this scene seems harmless and amusing. However, considering this is a children's cartoon with a G rating, I find it to be inappropriate. As a child, I personally found this scene confusing. It basically teaches children, especially young girls, that being submissive and desired is perfectly natural and normal.

Would you let your child, especially a young girl, watch this?


reply posted on 7-6-2008 @ 08:54 PM by Pandapple
Let Me Be Good To You!

There's the YouTube link for the complete scene.

I'm interested in your thoughts on this particular scene only. Oh, and if you know of any other complete scenes from Disney movies that seem off, feel free to post!

This is not a discussion on a single frame subliminal image or message.


reply posted on 8-6-2008 @ 12:27 AM by Pandapple
Of course the movie is going to get warm and fuzzy reviews. It's a Disney movie we're talking about!

I suppose there is nothing wrong with it compared to the entertainment standards of today. It's normal and almost acceptable to see and allow children to watch music clips with half-naked women grinding against rappers, etc..

I'm only 22-years-old and I don't have children, so I'm not speaking in a parental role. I first watched that scene over 10 years ago or so, and I must admit that it had a negative impact on me. I guess it's safer to assume that things in the media were a lot more toned down in the early 1990's, and my parents censored a lot of my viewing.

With that said, I still feel that children who are not permitted to view mature content may find such a scene confusing and misleading. If they are constantly being subjected to inappropriate material then they are merely desensitized.

I understand that it is more destructive to shelter children from reality, but I must insist that it is unfair to force it onto them. They should learn from experience and education. Not from a cartoon, which is meant to engage their visual and imaginary senses.

If children must be exposed to such content in cartoons, it should at least be done in a carefully considered manner. Let them be children when they are children. They are more than likely to become sexualized once they hit high school. Why take away their innocence earlier than needed?

And LMAO @ the YouTube links. That show screens here on weekdays, haha. I just don't know what to think of it anymore..


reply posted on 8-6-2008 @ 04:40 PM by Benevolent Heretic
reply to post by Pandapple



I don't see a thing wrong with this scene and I would let my kids watch it. Physical attraction between men and women is a perfectly natural part of life. I am more concerned that someone interprets this scene as inappropriate.

Betty Boop never ruined anyone.
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