Thank you, old school Disney, for a lifetime of memories

With a new generation of television shows introduced to Disney Channel, I am reminded of the wonderful programs of my past, and fear for those of the future.

Thank you, old school Disney, for a lifetime of memories

by Katherine Mediavilla

 

Before we shook it up in Chicago or had dogs with blogs, there was much more meaning and purpose behind the shows of the beloved Disney Channel. Nowadays, I can’t flip past channel the channel without scoffing at the mess that it has become.

Back in my day (approximately 14 years ago), some of my fondest memories derived from ploppin’ down on the sofa with some animal crackers to watch some of my favorite shows. As I grew and matured through grade school, so did the Disney shows. I was inspired by the awnry and imaginative Lewis Stevens, instilled with the confidence, spunk and loyalty of Raven Baxter, and captivated by the charm and intelligence of Phil Diffy from the Future.

However, once I hit my tweenaged years, shows such as The Suite Life of Zach & Cody, Hannah Montana and Wizards of Waverly Place appeared. As entertaining as they were, it’s my belief that this catalyzed the downfall of Disney Channel. At the time, I, without a doubt, idolized these shows and I can probably still quote every episode word for word. However, looking back, I now realize these shows weren’t exactly the greatest examples for the children viewers. Sure, they all contained their morals and lessons, yet who could deny that Zach and Cody, Hannah/Miley and Alex Russo were ALL pretty lippy and defiant towards their poor parent(s), teachers, lobby attendants?

A few years pass, and now the adolescent generation is left with nothing but Dog with a Blog, Shake it Up and Girl Meets World (this show still gives me a small ray of hope for the future). Now, I’m not the avid Disney watcher that I used to be… but from what I have seen of these shows, I can honestly say that I wouldn’t let my future kids watch them due to their lack of imagination and inspiration.

However, I would like to thank the old Disney Channel for the many laughter filled sleepovers, comedy filled summer days, and a lifetime of wonderful memories.