This is part two to a two part article. You can read part one here.

I’m not hating on Frozen, I just don’t get the hate on the other ladies in the Disney Princess line-up. You don’t have to be single or man-hating to be a good feminist. Being a feminist, by definition, means believing in the equality of the sexes. There are so many examples of the Princesses being just as strong as the male characters. Complaints I constantly heard from my feedback were distaste on variations on the idea of the prince saving or rescuing the princess … but when we look closer at the characters and the films, this is rarely the case. There are many stories within Disney films where the characters are dynamic and goal-oriented, and they just happen to find love along the way.

Think of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Mulan … Their courage and bravery is admirable. Children can learn a lot about standing up for what they believe in, and going against what seem like impossible odds and overcoming them. Mulan even fought in the war and held her own against all the men. She SAVED China. I’m not sure how there was a Mulan 2, because after you save China, you just can’t beat that.

Merida and Jasmine are exist in these blatantly patriarchal societies where they don’t really get a choice about what they want -everything is forced upon them because they’re women. Jasmine is adamant that she will marry for love, not obligation, and Merida of course shoots for her own hand. These princesses prove that challenging the system can be done, and should be done if it means benefiting themselves and the greater good.

Tiana is also great (aside from reasons of racial representation) because she works hard. She was determined to make things happen for herself - she was not born into royalty.

Belle is smart and selfless. She sacrifices herself to save her father, yet she never gives up hope that she will see him again. Beast does not save her, she saves him. She dreams of more than her ordinary life. She stands up to the Beast .

Arguably one of the most inspiring Disney characters is Pocahontas. She is independent, strong willed, intelligent, kind, and brave. She does not jump to conclusions but has a curiosity that serves her to become even more intelligent. She values nature. She is not one of these Disney Princesses who blatantly disobeys her parents, she considers her father’s wishes (should I marry Kocoum?), but ultimately makes the choice to follow her heart.

These women did not NEED a man. If you take away the men, the story is still compelling and the characters are still admirable. Just because a film ends with characters getting married doesn’t mean we should throw out all the great things we saw the female do throughout the film. And just as I said before, being married or interested in love doesn’t make you a bad feminist.

If you’re truly a feminist, if you’re truly in favor of empowering other women, support them. This extends to women we see in the media, including imaginary characters. Even if you’re not crazy about some of the older films like Sleeping Beauty or Snow White where the prince does rescue the princess, point out the positive traits to your children – such as the kindness of these women.

I like Frozen, but in my opinion, the story is not any more “feminist” or empowering than many of the other princess films. I would love to hear what you think. Do you let your children watch the movies/play with the princess toys, etc? Do you think the princesses are good role models for children/ think the movies send positive messages? Which characters/stories do you personally like/do not like? For all of those questions, why or why not? If you would also be willing to ask your child why she or he likes or doesn’t like the princesses, or more specifically, Frozen, I would be interested in that response as well. Leave your responses below!

I would like to thank everyone that participated in my online discussions about princesses and Frozen.