Role models are very important to have as a child all the way through adulthood. The people we see, the stories we hear and even the images we create in our minds influence the way we live in society. Disney is known for adding magic to old and new tales. From talking animals to poisonous apples, they have covered it all. The princess movies that we have all grown to love are actually more inspiring than they appear to be. Here is my take on some Disney princess stories and how they are a great influence for not only children, but for everyone:
Rapunzel-
This Tangled's version of the classic tale, Rapunzel, the focus is on Rapunzel as a teenager that eagerly awaits the day that she can explore the world outside of her tower. Once she realized that her mother was not her biological mother and that she had been the kingdom's missing princess ever since she was an infant, Rapunzel took the world into her own hands. With her new thief friend, Flynn Rider, she set out to explore the world. She quickly learned that the world was not as safe as her room in the tower and wanted to go back to safety at first. However, Rapunzel knew she had a main goal in life, and that goal was to do whatever made her happy. The curious young princess loved to sing and paint, and she was willing to share her happiness with complete strangers! Rapunzel's story is about how settling for something that you do not like to do (like life in a tower against your will) is not always what is best. You always have options, and it's OK to go out of your comfort zone every now and then.
Tiana-
In Tiana's story, The Princess and the Frog, her dream is to open her own restaurant with the money she worked hard to earn. Tiana had this dream ever since she was a little girl and she would cook food for her family and neighbors with her father. She is seen wishing on a star (in classic fairy-tale fashion) in hopes of having this restaurant dream come true. After the passing of her father, Tiana grows into a persistent, hard-working young lady. As the story goes on, an evil voodoo king ends up turning Tiana and a visiting prince, Prince Naveen, into frogs. Tiana sees this transformation as a major speed bump on her road to restaurant success. With the help of some new friends, Tiana is able to understand herself in a completely different light. She learns to dance, teaches Prince Naveen how to dice a mushroom and gets to hear her new friends sing a song in the bayou. Tiana realizes that all work and no play is not always as helpful and straightforward as it seems. Taking a break from your work is acceptable and sometimes much needed, even if your work is what you love to do. Besides, sometimes the answer to your problems is easier to see with a clear head.
Merida-
Merida's tale in the movie, Brave, is short and sweet. She is a teenage princess with some family issues and wants to live her life as a single lady. Her mother, Queen Elinor, is a bit controlling and has her heart set on continuing the royal legacy by having her only daughter marry a prince from another kingdom. Archery is clearly Merida's favorite hobby in the movie. She shoots for her own hand in marriage during the competition to see which prince is fit to marry her. Later in the story, Merida accidentally turns her mother into a bear. Merida and her mother then go on a journey to see if they can turn Queen Elinor human again. This story is great for children and parents because every family has their arguments and flaws. Finding the time to work through these issues can go a long way and build on the relationships as well.
While I only covered three of the famous Disney princesses, all of the princesses are unique in their own ways. As more princesses come out, such as the first Latina princess in new Disney Channel show, Princess Elena of Avalor, more powerful lessons and messages are taught through their stories around the world.
