Let’s admit something to each other, we’ve all wanted to be a Disney Princess at some point in our lives. We all took to making our parents call us our new, respected name; to dressing up “pretty” and kissing our pets at the stroke of noon. We’ve all been there.
However, recently I’ve been re-watching a lot of Disney movies, and I’ve started to notice a pattern within them: Disney Princesses are badass.
Granted there are the few exceptions. For example, there’s Aurora who pricks her finger and falls asleep halfway through the movie -- but I’ve even learned a few things from her (such as never follow a glowing orb through a magical doorway that just appeared in my fireplace).
But with all jokes aside, there’s a lot we stand to learn from these powerful and beautiful princesses.
1. Ariel
Not that I’m prejudiced against her because we share the same love of the water and flaming red hair, but Ariel is amazing. She saves Prince Eric from the shipwreck despite the possibility of revealing herself, she stands up to her father, she is willing to give up her most treasured asset (her voice) in order to stand a chance with her one true love, and she is not afraid of a little adventure.
Now I’m not saying that as girls we need to make sacrifices for any man, but I am pointing out that she loved someone / something so deeply that she was willing to sacrifice something she adored, for the chance to make someone else happy -- and if that isn’t true love, I don’t know what is.
2. Pocahontas
This free spirited, passionate princess is someone we all can take a hint from. She refuses to take orders from anyone, she follows her heart, stands up for what is right, and isn’t scared to take on this big, beautiful world.
Pocahontas fought for what she believed in, even when that meant putting her life on the line. So if you’ve been struggling with something recently, take note and in the wise words of a tree we all know, “Listen to your heart, you will understand.”
3. Cinderella
I know some of you may not agree with this choice, and will probably argue the fact that I chose her over Mulan or Merida, but bear with me, I promise she’s worth it.
Cinderella grew up with one of the worst childhoods in fairytale history. Her mother died when she was very young, shortly after her father married an evil woman, and even more shortly after that, he died. However, despite all of the crap and pain she had to deal with, she was still one of the kindest princesses Disney has yet to have. She never asked questions, she constantly made sure everyone else was OK, even if it meant sacrificing her own time, and she was incredibly humble. I mean, how many of you would have held it together if the prince asked you to dance and then found out where you lived so he could ask you to marry him?
4. Belle
Ever wonder what true love really is? Watch "Beauty and the Beast." Belle teaches us that it’s what’s on the inside that counts. To stop judging people based off of looks or status because let’s face it, we never know what prince we’re missing.
On top of that, she taught us that it’s good to be intelligent and different. It’s good to stand up for what we believe in, and support those we love, despite what the popular opinion may be. She showed us that it’s OK to be ourselves because somebody out there will love us no matter what.
5. Tiana
Not gonna lie, Tiana is hands down the most badass princess that has ever hit the screens of Disney. Not only did she also show us that it’s what on the inside that counts, but she taught us that we have to work for what we want. That life doesn't just hand us our goals, hard work does.
She teaches us to take charge of any situation we find ourselves in, granted we won’t all experience the life of a frog and to stand up for ourselves. She teaches us to treat everyone with kindness, and answered perfectly the question Beyoncé asked us all, “Who run the world?”
6. Elsa
Elsa brings a new kind of woman to the table. Instead on focusing on true love, she shows us what it means to be a family. She shows us that our family is truly our greatest support system, and that nobody will ever love you more than they do.
By being submerged in an environment where family is her number one, you can begin to see her grow into a more confident and more powerful woman. She also shows us that having a sense of community can go a long way -- I mean, just look at the end of the movie. Once the town’s people were on her side, Arendelle became the talk of the town. Not to mention Elsa is voiced by the incredible Idina Menzel (or Adele Dazeem as John Travolta would say).
7. Jasmine
Finally, last but not least, there’s Jasmine. This fiery spirit can be summed up in two words: independent feminist. Jasmine is all about her freedom and nothing about living in a man’s world. She refuses to accept just anyone’s marriage proposal, and along with Belle and Tiana, reminds us that it ain’t always about the money, but about what’s on the inside that counts.
Jasmine is also one of the first Disney princesses to stand her ground when the villain comes into play. She doesn’t back down no matter how much Jafar teased, interrogated, or harassed her -- also not to mention she rocked her Princess Leia inspired costume. Overall, she’s a great example of what woman power is all about.
