In times of overcautious pedagogy and congested moralism, an old Disney cartoon resurfaces as an unexpected beacon. “Motor Mania,” starring Goofy in 1950, is more than a classic — it’s a masterclass in citizenship, social critique, and traffic behavior.
Recently brought back to light by the YouTube channel Clássicos da Disney (watch here), the short film tells the story of mild-mannered George, who transforms into the impatient Mr. Wheeler the moment he gets behind the wheel. Satirical and sharp, the cartoon exposes a deeply familiar scenario.
It shows how kind, rational individuals can turn into aggressive, impulsive drivers — a phenomenon that still plagues modern cities. With refined irony and expressive visuals, Goofy reveals the psychological split that happens behind the wheel — where patience gives way to ego, and the car becomes a weapon of self-importance.
But beyond the laughter, the cartoon highlights essential issues: – pedestrian neglect,
– disregard for cyclists,
– compulsive rushing,
– the car as a symbol of dominance,
– and the subtle violence that permeates urban life.
This is not nostalgia — it’s active memory. And it’s regrettable that such bold content has often been pushed aside by politically correct currents that prefer neutrality over confrontation. Fortunately, the tide is turning. Even Disney’s current CEO has acknowledged the excesses of recent years and is calling for a creative reset.
I speak as someone who has spent a lifetime dedicated to road safety in Brazil — as Director of DENATRAN, Executive Secretary of the GERAT group under the Presidency, President of the National Accident Reduction Program (PARE), and Advisor to MONATRAN. And I say with certainty: few educational materials are as effective as this short film starring Goofy.
It entertains, yes. But more than that, it unsettles — and sometimes, being unsettled is what drives real change.
Disney did its part. Now it’s up to us to learn again from Goofy — and to teach, with clarity and courage, that traffic is not war. It is coexistence. And coexistence begins with respect.
