Goofy

[TheGoofster]

What is a role model? I believe a role model is somebody who deserves to be looked up to, and imitated. Someone who exhibits the best qualities of character. Somebody who teaches you by their example how to be a better person. Unfortunately in today's society many so-called role models don't possess these qualities, instead they are looked up to simply because they are famous and or successful. Too many athletes and actors who have no character (or worse have really bad character) are considered role models simply because they are good at what they do.

Thankfully, though, there are a lot of great men and women out there who are excellent examples for people to look up to. There are many great role models in so many different areas of life.
Interestingly enough, I don't believe that a role model even has to be a real person. I think that even a cartoon character can be a good role model by the things that they teach.

One such character who I believe is a fantastic role model to be looked up to is Goofy. I know that Mickey gets all the attention and glory (which is fine, after all he was Walt's most beloved creation), but as far as a character that teaches kids so many wonderful lessons, I think it's hard to beat Goofy.

If you ever take the time to consider the kind of character that Goofy is, it's hard not to be impressed by him. True, he is often portrayed as perhaps not the sharpest knife in the draw, but what he lacks in knowledge, he more than makes up for in character. Let's take a moment to consider what valuable lessons we can learn from watching Goofy.

Loyalty - I can't think of any other cartoon character who is as loyal to his friends as is Goofy. He is faithful to the core. If any one of his friends need anything from him, he will do all in his power to help his pals.

Honesty – Goofy always tells the truth. No matter the consequences, no matter the difficulties involved in the situation, you can always count on Goofy to show that telling the truth is the right thing to do.

Nobility – Goofy always wants to do what is right. He is as noble as character as you are going to find. He won't bend corners, he won't try to be sneaky, he just does what is right no matter what. He is as noble as the day is long.

Kindness – One of my favorite Goofy cartoons is the Christmas special when Goofy is trying to teach his son Max the importance of helping others. Goofy teaches Max that kindness is the most important thing he can learn about Christmas.

Selflessness – In a time when so much of what we see on TV is about putting yourself first, it's refreshing to have a character like Goofy who always seems to put others before himself.

Trusting – Sometimes it can be frustrating watching Pete take advantage of Goofy's trust, but no matter how many times Pete tries to fool him, Goofy always trusts that Pete is his friend, and only wants to help him. Of course his trust always works out for him in the end.

Peaceful – Goofy never hurts anyone. With the exception perhaps of the Three Musketeers where Goofy is forced to help his friends fight Pete and his henchmen (tons of great role model examples displayed by Goofy in that movie), you will be hard pressed to find another of his movies where Goofy actually hurts anyone. Goofy is a great example for kids on how to deal with problems. Rather than fighting, he teaches other ways to deal with situations.

Good-natured – No matter what happens, Goofy always has a smile on his face and a tune on his lips (either sung or whistled). No matter the circumstances you can count on Goofy to remain calm, and good-natured.

These are just a few of the great character building examples that I believe you can find in Goofy. I'm sure there are more, but I think that even just these go to show that Goofy is indeed a great role model for kids (of all ages) to follow and hopefully imitate, and this is why Goofy is my favorite Disney character. As my kids get older they are getting past the stage of wanting to get their pictures taken with characters , but Goofy is the one character that I know will always get a picture with at least one of us (I'm not saying who )

What do you like best about this unique character called Goofy?

 

[think-like-tink]

A Goofy movie is one of our favorite movies to watch. Mi kids love him.

Ya know that sound Goofy makes when he falls?! We say that. We also say, Garsh (sp).

 

[lustergirl]

Awesome Pictures. Goofy is my favorite (as I sit here drinking out of my goofy mug from disney, of course).

 

[Chipndalenut]

The last time we saw Goofy at Chef Mickey's, I finally had the chance to tell him that of all of the Disney characters, I always felt he had the kindest heart.

 

[W.E.D.]

Goofy is my all-time favorite. Sorry Mickey! I'm always on the look-out for a Goofy photo opportunity!

 

[Quin]

So Goofster - are you writing a book/guide/blog with us as trial readers or are these excepts from something you have already published? Marveling at the wide array of long posts you have made recently that actually (gasp) invite discussion rather than asking a question or stating a position and daring anyone to contradict you.

As to the actual Goofy character - while he models good behavior, I would note that from the beginning Walt included him as comic relief. He behaves well but he does very silly things, in ways that allow Mickey to stand back and laugh not only with him but, just a little, at him or at least at his behaviors and predicaments. His morals and ethics are admirable but I do not think you can hold him up, in situ, and encourage children to be just like him. At least, not with a straight face. To my mind the addition of Max was to try and get children interested in him because his behaviour had become so eccentric that he had been marginalized/ignored for a good 10+ years.

 

[TheGoofster]

So Goofster - are you writing a book/guide/blog with us as trial readers or are these excepts from something you have already published? Marveling at the wide array of long posts you have made recently that actually (gasp) invite discussion rather than asking a question or stating a position and daring anyone to contradict you.

As to the actual Goofy character - while he models good behavior, I would note that from the beginning Walt included him as comic relief. He behaves well but he does very silly things, in ways that allow Mickey to stand back and laugh not only with him but, just a little, at him or at least at his behaviors and predicaments. His morals and ethics are admirable but I do not think you can hold him up, in situ, and encourage children to be just like him. At least, not with a straight face. To my mind the addition of Max was to try and get children interested in him because his behaviour had become so eccentric that he had been marginalized/ignored for a good 10+ years.

Nah, I just write these for fun everyday. Actually, living here in Mexico City (and trying to speak Spanish all day), having an outlet to write in English is something I appreciate. Plus I love Disney, so I figured it would be a fun way to write creatively, while at the same time encouraging some good, fun conversations (well, except for my Hall of Presidents review which got me razed pretty good, but even that's OK, if it get's people talking about the attraction).

I do agree that originally Goofy was simply a comic relief, but I think if you look at most of the newer movies featuring him, he has evolved into a much more round, more developed character who embodies lots of really good characteristics. I see him as the opposite of Donald who is always exploding or thinking more of himself.

 

[TheGoofster]

A Goofy movie is one of our favorite movies to watch. Mi kids love him.

Ya know that sound Goofy makes when he falls?! We say that. We also say, Garsh (sp).

I try to imitate a few different cartoon characters (I don't know how good I am, but at least my kids seem to humor me by acting like I do a pretty good job), Goofy is one of my favorites to imitate (although I can't do that falling noise).