Mickey Mouse - From Cultural Icon to Copyright Crusader - Video Essay

[@alexvesel1]

I cannot comprehend why you have so little subscribers. You're one of the most interesting, well produced channels on youtube.

[@StarDust-th6fm]

shugarwax a year later, and now he has over 1 million subs!

[@watchforever1724]

Man this comment doesn’t hold up after a two years later

[@fallinggreen1319]

You probably also can't comprehend of why your 80 iq is bad

[@bluecollarmenproductions]

@@fallinggreen1319 what are you talking about? Also IQ isn’t actually that great of a test to figure out how smart someone is. They commented this before he had more than a million subs

[@invalidopinion5384]

Cartoons in the 1920s had not yet been labelled as a kids thing, and so Mickey's simple design was mostly to make the animation less taxing for everyone involved. In Mickey's case, Iwerks animated the first three shorts by himself entirely, so Mickey wasn't designed to appeal to kids but to lesson the work load. Most cartoons, including early Disney stuff, appeared before films aimed at adults, which is why they mostly feature down-on-their-luck, selfish and quick-tempered characters indicative of the audiences feelings at the time, during or just after the Great Depression. These two things are why Mickey appeared as he did, and also why Bimbo and Felix where jerks in that time period as well- and why those old cartoons had a lot of mature themes. You probably knew all that already and cut it out for the script or something, but if not, well there it is. By the way, love the editing style and how you all wrapped it up nicely at the end. I'm about to start binge-watching all your other animation related videos. Edit: Having binge-watched your other animation related videos, I'd like to offer some friendly advice. Do a bit more research and be a bit less dogmatic. Im speaking in particular reference to the video you made on Osamu Tezuka, in which you state that modern anime is mostly without as much weight as the older anime was, and while this is the case with a lot of the trash put out, even in recent years, shows with philosophically poignant themes have appeared. Even mainstream anime like Onepunch-man have something to say. Also, in regards to your Animaniac video, cartoons began as smart and satirical, just look at Bimbo or Bugs Bunny, it's just that they were later dumbed down. The smart nature reappeared with the Animaniacs but the Animaniacs went the cause of it. I want to like your videos, because they're so nicely put together and you seem like a nice guy, but please do a little more research. Good luck in all your future endeavors- I'll keep watching for the time when you inevitably make something great.

[@bitchboy7994]

JoeCoCa This is what youtube comments should be like. I love constructive criticism rather than "ur vid sucks ur gay" and it was obviously well thought out and wasn't slapped together lazily nicely done.

[@JM-ob7mb]

JoeCoCa Love your information. Thank you for sharing. Very interesting facts. 👍🏾

[@ingeborggranli9547]

Nice comment👍 and thanks for the information😊

[@watchforever1724]

A great comment that relies on constructive criticism

[@martinasera825]

KZbin needs people like you sir/madam

[@iamSketchH]

2:19 They were black because they stood out from the backgrounds more easily in black and white animations (that's why even animals and plants were black). Mickey's hands were later given gloves to make hand motions more evident / detailed...

[@leonkenedy2988]

And that is why I consider Disney to be a complete and huge hypocrite when copyright is their bible while profit from Public Domain book movie adaptation.

[@watchforever1724]

Lol

[@iamSketchH]

Uh--the original ancient STORIES are public domain, but you can't just use someone else's ADAPTATIONS of them however you like. Writers, for example, often re-write old tales (like the children's book author of "Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters"). Just because it's an adaptation of folklore doesn't mean you get to use THEIR work for whatever purpose you want. That's not hypocrisy, that is (or should be) basic decency and common sense.

[@watchforever1724]

iamSketchH Disney has been criticized for not acknowledging Kimba the white lion as an inspiration for the lion king .Some people in japan were angry about this

[@iamSketchH]

@@watchforever1724 Have you ever watched Kimba the White Lion? Yeah, there are some film shots and character designs that are obviously heavily inspired by / possibly copied from Kimba for sure--but the STORIES are WAY different. Watch the Kimba movie + series. Plus, that isn't copyright. Ideas can't be copyrighted. (That's why Harry Potter is allowed to exist despite it's first book ACTUALLY being a story copy from the 1970s "The Worst Witch." That's also why there's like, a billion vampire romance novels that follow almost the exact same plot, etc). That's why they're called "adaptations." (Think how Shrek is poking fun at Disney--but it still doesn't create Disney's outright character designs. They adapt them--meaning Disney can't do anything about it since they're not using their outright characters). However, if Disney makes a movie about an albino lion cub named Kimba who struggles with the introduction of humans in their domain--THAT would be a copyright violation.

[@watchforever1724]

iamSketchH I watched the original 1965 anime and movie and while I agree the issue is that many people have said that Disney never said they ever taken inspiration from Kimba

[@salbryant4227]

I told you.... Disney will inherit the earth

[@jaredgarcia8638]

That may no longer be case in 2023

[@Gemnist98]

I'm honestly surprised pre-Band Concert Mickey cartoons are being kept away from the public domain. A lot of those cartoons, as you described, are very much against Disney's current philosophies. After all, Steamboat Willie involves Pete CHEWING TOBACCO. Those cartoons may have been Mickey's origins, but they're not the whole character. My personal definitive take on Mickey would be the currently-airing Paul Rudish cartoon. That's a show that is able to combine the crazed antihero Mickey of old with the children-geared everyman Mickey of the Wayne Allwine years, while also using the slapstick and energy that has made modern cartoon characters so fascinating. And the character is all the better for it - he's flawed and a little rough around the edges, but you can't help but want to hug him at the same time. As Walt himself once said, "When people laugh at Mickey Mouse, it's because he's so human; and that is the secret of his popularity."

[@MovieManMark]

4:40 What on earth is Spongebob doing there.

[@Gemnist98]

That's a list of the highest-grossing animated films. The second SpongeBob movie happens to place just above Mulan but below Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

[@deleted9053]

Luke Dias I think Movie Man Mark was joking

[@sarahmiko521]

While I do think copyright laws should return to the way they used to be, I'd argue that Mickey is more or less the company logo and mascot, and should then continue to be in their possession until the company itself ends. Even though Mickey can be seen as an art, he still represents a business, whereas their other works are products and should enter the domain.

[@charleynewman5057]

That's what a trademark is for. That's why it's bullshit. They'll own Mickey no matter what, because he's a trademark character. Unlike copyrights, Trademarks never expire so long as the company still exists and they are renewed.

[@silverdamascus2023]

While I could agree with that, Disney would try to trademark every character they created, even ones that they don't use much or never use.

[@helenarosno]

There are good things about copyright, but there are also not so good things about copyright. On one hand you can protect your creativity, on the other hand, it makes getting creations done and out there a lot harder

[@souleaterevans4589]

There's an episode of My Life as a Teenage Robot that has a bunch of Mickey look-alike rats that are literal nightmare fuel and old Mickey art always reminds me of it

[@yvyrose195]

Are you talking about that episode where the rats took over Jenny's body??

[@geraldgrenier8132]

It should be noted even if mickey's copyright experienced he wouldn't exactly be public domain, in that as the company mascot he would still be protected under trademark laws, and as long as disney keeps using him wouldn't expire

[@charleynewman5057]

Exactly. Disney has only stunted the Public Domain for the sake of corporate greed.

[@EmpoweredADHD]

I actually never really thought of the blackface aspect of it! That is so interesting!

[@kathrynwilson6225]

I don't know how I'm just finding your video essay list, but I really like this style as well!

[@DavidKen878]

Fun fact, Mickey Mouse and I both have the same birthday: November 18!

[@phiphicupcake5754]

This is extremely interesting

[@nab-rk4ob]

This was brilliant. I learned a lot. I always knew the mouse was evil.

[@TsukiKageTora]

This is super weird! My art class literally talks about this yesterday.

[@rachael6823]

so you like kingdom hearts, huh? lol. great game, great game.

[@Mohammad-fc9sb]

This guy is the best in the future

[@jacquelinebrandon353]

Yo here from 2024… these video essays are really good! So cool to see how far you’ve come Alex!

[@commonsense8069]

Let's see Disney's copyright track record: >Sues daycares for making fanart murals >Sues wedding couple for wearing Disney character customs >Sues children who makes fanart of their characters >Sues teachers who plays their movies during class >Sues crafters who make Baby Yoda plushes No, I'm dead serious. You make fanart of their shit, they will sue you. They give copyright trolls too much power. Fuck them. Disney is no longer the great company it once was. The moment Walt died was the moment the company went down a downward spiral. They haven't produced anything good since the 90s, literally over 20 yrs ago. They fucked up with the laws & in return killed a golden goose. I hope all that lobbying they did was worth it because it will come back to haunt them in the future. We are already witnessing an era of creative bankruptcy thanks to them, & the "live-action" remakes are a symptom of it.

[@aliminator1310]

I don't hate Mickey himself as a character, I hate Disney and their currently greedy agenda.

[@jaredgarcia8638]

Unfortunately, there's no separation between the two.

[@queendsheena1]

Mickey rocks. Cool video essay.

[@watchforever1724]

Agreed

[@charleynewman5057]

Yep. Mickey is a symbol of corporate tyranny.

[@SlapstickGenius23]

Godzilla is also a symbol of corporate tyranny because of how fierce the creator company’s lawyers are.

[@KtCleansAlot]

Ooh, can we get a video essay about how a man named Kermit Roosevelt was actually the person that played the role of Walt Disney (and also Adolf H.)? That would be so dope. I'll send you all my research, lol, it's an unbelievable amount of proof and "coincidences" 😅 What I meant to say was, great video! I've been binge watching your channel the past few days and now I'm watching some of the older stuff. Love your presentation style and the hilarious commentary! Real talk, if u ever start a conspiracy channel, I got your first video. You can call it "All Roads Lead to Roosevelt!".

[@Zen_Wrld]

"UuUb eeEwerKs" Its pronounced Uhb I-werks Still like your videos though 😊

[@haldir108]

Tezuka is the father of japanese TV animation, not japanese animation in general. And while he did boost the popularity of modern manga, calling him the father of the medium is a stretch. That's probably not what you were researching during the writing of this video, but a correction is still in place, IMO.

[@watchforever1724]

Yeah I get your point

[@chinabluewho]

The MM blackface comparison was ludicris, you only have to look at Oswald to realize where Mickeys design came from, just change his rabbit ears to circles, a black and white character in the age of black and white only cartoons , also mickey has the gloves as Walt understood that people associate anthromorphic animals with clothing as people.

[@technologyproductions-ye3px]

In 2030 something Mickey mouse will go into the public domain

[@theboodler6856]

Y'know. Unless Disney decides to extend copyright again.

[@charleynewman5057]

Yeah, I bet not.

[@moesherman]

*12030

[@Neku628]

Isn't Mickey up for public domain in 2023?

[@technologyproductions-ye3px]

@@Neku628 probably never will be because Disney will keep renewing it.

[@HelpmegetSubscriberswith-if9zk]

What about warner brothers' bugs bunny

[@blakewenzhou9865]

Originally Disney was protecting creators, but at this point all they are doing is protecting their profits

[@watchforever1724]

Yeah I see that

[@rurusiddi]

So... since Disney owns everything now can’t they buy the rights of Oswaldt from universal? Like now? Buy back what they lost?

[@thetruejobros872]

Oh they already did in the early 2010s

[@watchforever1724]

They did that months ago

[@Bran20man]

Honestly it’s kinda sad he was unnoticed and little subs for his effort but when he used the animation people watched him more like there’s almost no difference accept for the animations

[@xXSKY64Xx]

He mispronounced Ub Iwerks name as “oob” I will never get over it.

[@tasha4856]

I loved Song of the South and Disney shouldn't have just swept it under the rug so to speak, but should have been proud of the film. Yes most would claim it is racist, but there are great morals within each story that Uncle Remus had told to the children.

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

My advice to everyone about *Song of the South* is to find a copy of it and watch it from beginning to end before forming an opinion on it.

[@cyberteapot3330]

there's something weird with the audio. It's kinda muffled the way it's equalized

[@llRoBoBinHoll]

Why do you repeat the entire content of the video at the end?

[@krboops26]

JoeCoCa Girl shut up, he is barely making anything from these videos. He probably made $10 at most from this.

[@invalidopinion5384]

krboops26 I'm not criticising him for lengthening the video, it makes perfect sense for him to do it. I'm just saying that his reason to do it (making more money) is obvious.

[@invalidopinion5384]

When re just reiterates everything over and over again, having fully concluded it already, it's obvious that he is extending the video to make it ten minutes long. I like this guy but this is really transparent.

[@Noe-lj8hn]

for me, our future overlord! all hail Mickey!

[@watchforever1724]

True

[@aleahdodson1889]

I really like mickey mouse

[@arcticprowl971]

Disney stole the story of the Lion King...

[@watchforever1724]

The story of the Lion king is different.The only thing you can say that it was inspired was character designs and the cliff hangers

[@SlapstickGenius23]

Disney stole the lion king from hamlet and Macbeth.

[@SlapstickGenius23]

In turn, Hamlet was originally a pretty dark parody of the even grimmer Amleth.

[@TheBodyOnPC]

In the nordic countries Donald Duck is more well known

[@ghostly9311]

TheBodyOnPC yeah

[@fullmetalalchemist9126]

Soon he won't be

[@AIBustos]

I was about to go to sleep when...

[@grainofsalt7401]

Sleep? But it's morning :) good morning

[@lizx9012]

Grain of salt //ever heard of time zones?

[@theresarayner5726]

You got mail! Oh.. it's a cease and desist from Disney...

[@madeehaghani9138]

Huh, that's so interesting.

[@ZoraCatone]

It's "Uh-b Eye-works." Then again, that's not the only thing you got wrong.

[@makenac2130]

Lady and the Tramp is my oxegyn

[@RubykonCubes3668]

Foreshadowing 👁👁

[@lawfang2311]

Pikachu is just as if not more famous than mickey

[@georgiesteven]

I’m gonna be honest the quality in your old videos seems a lot higher than your newer videos. It just feels like your trying to beat a dead horse now 🙁

[@watchforever1724]

He relies on during humor videos

[@MiMayonGo]

Man stop blaming to the mouse he is also a victim. Blame the castle

[@TheRealArtDoctor]

Hey did you guys know that in 2024 steamboat willie will enter the public domain!!! Do you guys know what that means? Mickey goes with that domain!

[@johntracy72]

Not necessarily. Disney will still have a trademark on Steamboat Willie.

[@jessicanell3253]

Wait a minute... Alex has a face? :O

[@watchforever1724]

This was an old video

[@jessicanell3253]

@@watchforever1724 I'm a new subscriber tho. I had to catch up on the stuff I'd missed

[@watchforever1724]

Jessica the Elk lol

[@TheHeroRises]

Is Song of the South racist or is it a piece of American history? Have you seen it?

[@mamonamon3610]

Dont wanna sound picky but it's not OoB E-works, its Ah-b Ei-works

[@26miceinatrenchcoat19]

Original character plz do not steal !!!!

[@Hazelthebush]

ITS THE FUTURE!

[@FlyingHipsterUnicorn]

good the fuck morning to you, too

[@Dany-nt6dn]

I think spongebob is more famous now

[@watchforever1724]

He was popular from nick

[@BananaP1zza]

Two words: Max Fleischer

[@TheDarkAdventure]

Bugs Bunny >>

[@watchforever1724]

Bugs bunny is a popular looney tunes character and they met each other from roger rabbit

[@alexand6183]

please watch ninjago masters of spinjitzu

[@aliciaescobar2060]

DUDE

[@PharionRKusanagi]

I am totally against the public domain and the movements that defend it. Creation should never lose copyright after years of the death of its creator. I know that moral rights over the work cannot be appropriated even if the creation has already fallen into the public domain, but the creation should always belong to the family and their descendants. Social movements claim to uphold equal rights to knowledge and intellectual works, criticize copyright law because they believe they are restrictive and impede creativity. Want to use? Pay for the rights to the work! I do not have money? Be creative, create your stories and characters, as you claim to have so much creativity that it is blocked by the copyright of others but free to create your own. I think Disney will not give up its pet so easily, and I really hope that other powerful companies and strong authors around the world will join forces to fight for what is rightfully yours! Disney is right, I hope for her !!!

[@couchpotato5533]

mom

[@astrocrowbeats]

Notification squuuaaaad

[@willLiraria]

tbh I hate mickey mouse, I have no idea how he became so popular

[@watchforever1724]

Was one the early popular cartoon character that Disney relied on who got popular

[@nathansouth1053]

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[@archieben07]

100

[@1AlexPeters]

As I was getting ready to graduate from high school I was looking into an internship for Disney in Florida, as an animator. I ultimately decided against going forward with that because at least at that time that had a section in their contracts that claimed the rights to any and all art their artists made whether their in office or doodling at home that's too controlling for me. For all of the racist movies and cartoons I think you have to consider the time they were made not saying it was right but I think people need to understand that Disney was trying to entertain and not offend. Things were a lot less stringent or pc back then.