Disney movies are cherished by all ages throughout our world. However, the Disney princess movies have been a controversial topic for a long time when it comes to the gender roles of the characters. In many of the older Disney movies, the female characters are viewed as weak and inferior compared to the male characters who were strong and empowered. This inequality is teaching children that there are certain gender scripts that are to be followed.
In my very first blog post, I discussed the problems of the past time Disney princess films. This time, I will be discussing what Disney has brought in recent years. It seems that the Disney industry has paid attention to critics, and they’ve presented some new movies that have definitely improved the representations of women.
In the movie, "The Princess And The Frog", Tiana was the first black woman to become a princess. What is different about Tiana is that she was not focused on finding a handsome prince to save her from her financial and emotional troubles. She didn't even want to be swept off her feet. All she was worrying about was to save enough money to buy an old sugar mill that her father never got to turn into a restaurant before he passed. She had to work long hours and missed out on living her life as a young adult just to fulfill that goal.
Tiana became a Princess through falling in love with Prince Naveen who was not wealthy and had no castle to his name when they got married. Naveen did not buy her restaurant for her. Tiana did it all through her own dedication of hard work and believing in her dream. Tiana is a role model to our girls. She teaches them that hard work and self belief can get you anywhere. Life can be difficult sometimes, it gets bumpy. But with love, faith, and working hard, it can get you far.
The movie, "Frozen", is another Disney film that presents two wonderful role models for our girls. Anna is whimsy but she understands that there is a big world around her and is excited to explore it. She wants to experience more in her social life. She wants to make friends and meet people. She embraces the smallest and most ordinary things about her home, Arendelle. Anna’s courage and love of life are traits girls should try to strive for.
What is amazing about Elsa is that she thinks realistically and she broke through her own barriers of self-doubt. Elsa having powers truly gave her low confidence in being accepted by her people. But later on, she realized how pointless it was to let the fear of other people's opinions affect the way she lives. She was now able to embrace how special she was. Also, not only does Elsa NOT need any man or any relationship to be satisfied, she learns to find the value and love in her family and friends.
Elsa and Anna are both a perfect representation of the importance of family and that true love is not just about "falling in love with prince charming".
In the movie "Brave", Merida became a strong, arrow-shooting role model for little girls. She rebels against traditional gender roles. She doesn’t want to be a princess and rejects the arranged marriage her parents try to forcibly set up. She also proves that she does not need a husband to rule the kingdom. She presents independence and freedom to be able to handle situations on her own.
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Moana tells the story of a 16-year-old Polynesian girl, daughter of the chief and next in line, Moana. She takes it upon herself to set sail across the sea away from her family and home, determined to find a way to save her people from a mysterious darkness called Te Kā. What makes Moana such a positive model is that she is strong and brave. Her father never allowed her to go past the reef and into the ocean before. But with her island home in danger, she ventures over the reef and starts her quest. When she left, she had no idea how to sail, how to navigate, and yet, she doesn’t let that stop her. She is determined and faces her fears head on. She fought a lava monster and has no problem climbing sky high cliffs! Not to mention, Moana doesn’t need a knight in shining armour to help her. She is independent and ready to take on anything or anyone.
Disney princess movies have had major improvements over the years. Each of these films discussed have made an impact on our girls and the rise in feminism. Hopefully, the company will continue to improve the portrayal of women and putting our children on the right path to gender equality.
While I certainly agree that the new style of Disney princesses is refreshing, it is important to remember that they aren’t perfect. For example Anna’s exuberance and love of life is one of her defining character traits, but it can also be one of her flaws. On the day that Elsa becomes queen, Anna meets hands for the first time, seemingly falls in love with him, and immediately declares to Elsa that she wants to marry him. This sets off the entire plot of the movie, with else’s powers being revealed as the result of Anna’s spontaneity. While the third act plot twist was a surprise to many an the theater I saw Frozen in, it is important to remember that this on a whim decision could have had major consequences for Anna and for Arendelle.
ReplyDeleteThe new generation of princesses are good role models for children, I am not denying that, but perfection is a very high standard and it is important to remember these characters flaws in addition to their achievements.
Yes, I completely agree that flaws are still present with Disney princesses. Without flaws, then these princesses would be perfect. This gives children the understanding that these princesses are not perfect and they are to be aware of their own flaws in this situation. But definitely agree with your point of view!
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