Everyone knows that Disney is known for molding the minds of every young person, and even some adults. If you have never seen a Disney movie, I suggest you stop what you are doing and go watch one. Many of the characters were childhood idols for some, but not all characters were loved. Why you ask? Because of the underlying meaning within their movies, and rumors that have gone around along the years. Usually, most people have not heard, or even made the connection of the hidden innuendos given off by the popular characters in movies. Some are true, some may just be rumors others made up in attempt to understand Disney. Mainly everything Disney is seen in a positive light, but there are some characters that were created who made a little noise in the world. These are the top five female characters who stirred up controversy after they were introduced to the world.
1. Elsa
In the hit 2013 movie Frozen, we are introduced to an "ice queen" named Elsa. She is hidden by her parents and only allowed contact with few people because of her uncontrolled powers. Growing up hiding the fact that she had the ability to freeze her whole town, she was afraid of the world outside. When she was forced to show her powers, she decided to not hide anymore. She sings "Let It Go" as her freedom anthem to let herself and everyone know that she does not care what people think anymore. Spoiler Alert:Unlike most of the Disney movies that involve a female lead, Elsa does not end up with a prince saving her. Also, a fun fact about Elsa is that she is not considered a Disney princess, because Frozen was so successful on its own. After Frozen was released, little girls around the globe started singing her anthem, and looking just like Elsa.They love and idolize Elsa for having powers and singing beautifully, but they are missing Elsa's most important personality trait. Elsa is independent. She saves herself, and everyone she loves without a prince saving her. Also, there has been rumors spreading around that there is talk of Disney making Elsa homosexual in "Frozen 2". These rumors have not been confirmed by any Disney staff, but times are changing so it is possible. Some believe that this is the reason for Elsa not having a leading man in Frozen, and the reason for her singing let it go as her coming out of the closet.Because of these rumors many people have become infuriated, and plan on boycotting Disney for this move. No matter what her sexual preference turns out of be, Elsa is a powerful icon that will be forever remembered as the independent Queen.
2. Princess Tiana
The Princess and The Frog was released in 2009 and was a huge success with all Disney fans. The movie focuses on a waitress who aspires to be a restaurant owner. She falls into turmoil when she goes to a ball, meets a frog, and kisses him. In the hopes of making her dreams come true she desperately scoured the city to try to get turned back into a human.The residence of New Orleans, Louisiana was particularly in love with this movie because it captures the essence of Nola. Tiana is also one of the other independent female characters Disney has created. The most important part of Tiana is that she is the first African American princess. Most people do not know, but Tiana's original name was written to be Maddy, it was changed because it was not "Black enough". Not only was the name of this character requested to be changed, her occupation was. Disney wrote Tianna or " Maddy" originally as a maid for a white family, but after consideration her occupation was changed to a head chef. It is easy to see how people would be outraged by this, but the people were also outraged that the writers wrote Tiana to fall in love with a Brazillian man, not an African American man. This was not the first movie to intoruce interracial love, but it struck a nerve with society. Tiana definitely pushed the boundaries on what a traditional princess should look, or be like; and I hope shes not the last.
3.Princess Merida
Merida is the main character of Disney's 2012 blockbuster Brave. In Brave Merida decided to take her own path in life, and defy her orders to be married to one of the men in the near by kingdoms. She meets a witch along the way of going to cool off from a fight with her mother, and she wishes her mother would change. Her wishes came true, but not in the way she had hoped throughout the movie she is in a race against time. Merida is one of Disney females that could be described as tom-boyish, reckless, and outspoken. Her wild as the wind red hair, and her natural appearance apparently was not pleasing to some. After Brave was released Disney changed Merida's complete look, making her more curvy. Disney thought that Merida did not look "princess enough" so her attire was changed to look more feminine. Many displeased fans of Brave spoke out that Merida was perfect the way she was originally created, she seemed relatable before the drastic change.
4. Princess Ariel
In 1989 the world fell in love with a red headed mermaid named Ariel who starred in The Little Mermaid. From the beginning of the movie to the end Ariel just wants to adventure the world above the sea, and find the part of her that's missing. Not only is she the first non-human Disney princess, but she is the 4th member of the Disney princesses. In the movie Ariel disobeys her Father by sneaking off to make deals with the sea witch Ursala, and to fall in love with a human. Since she is the first Disney princess to think independently, and disobey her father, some think this is a negative thing. Some people said that the Little Mermaid teaches little girls that they need to change who they are to find someone to love them. Also, some say that Ariel teaches girls to disobey their parents and that they will end up with the prince no matter what. These points are debatable, but these are the main concerns the world had with Ariel.
5. Pocahontas
Pocahontas made the world paint with all the colors of the wind in Disney's 1995 hit "Pochohontas". Pocahontas is a story of a native america girl falling in love with an Englishman named John Smith. She tries to bring peace between the tribe and the colonists. In her efforts of peace she is helped by her raccoon friend, and Grandmother Willow. Pocahontas taught the world that we should accept people who are different then us, even different species. Pocahontas is the 7th Disney princess, and she is known for being a strong, open-minded individual. With Pocahontas the controversy that followed her was that in the film the Native Americans were shown to be so wild. viewers thought that the Native Americans should not been shown in such a negative light. Also, Pocahontas is supposed to be based off of the real Pocahontas, but critics ranted that this movie was totally different than the real Pocahontas. The real Pocahontas was actually 10 years old when the events in the film was happening, plus the real Pocahontas was short and stocky. There are many differences between the actual story of Pocahontas and the Disney's version, but the main lesson Pocahontas teaches through her movie is acceptance, love, and bring unique.
