A Disney Princess That Looks Like Me
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

A Disney Princess That Looks Like Me

It is not necessarily a matter of being politically correct, but a matter of being inclusive, or presenting different stories and points of views.

285
A Disney Princess That Looks Like Me
Disney Parks

My whole life, I have been Disney obsessed, and off the top of my head I can think of about 5 Disney Princess costumes I have owned throughout the years. I have taken every Buzzfeed Quiz imaginable, waited hours in line, and learned every word to every song.

When I was very young, it didn't matter. I could dress up as Ariel, Cinderella, or even Tinkerbell, never taking account of my brown hair. As I grew older, it stopped being cute, so I "settled" (although it was never settling for Jasmine, Belle, and Pocahontas). Times changed as well, and dressing up as Jasmine or Mulan, was now offensive, something that while I completely understand why it can be seen that way, I can argue the opposite. But that's an article for another day.

Eventually I realized that as fun as it was to dress up like Disney Princesses, none of them really looked like me. At first, the problem was the hair. Every princess had perfectly straight, tame, hair. Merida came along and I felt like she understood me. Curly haired girls finally had a wild, carefree princess to look up to. But it still wasn't enough.

It wasn't until I was walking around the parks the other day that I came across Elena of Avalor merchandise. I was brought to tears. Elena is Disney's first official Latina princess. I thought of all the little girls who get to grow up and look up to a princess that looks and talks like them. They can now dress up like any princess really, but they know they have the option to dress up like someone they relate to.

It is definitely not the biggest deal in the world, but representation is important. Disney Princesses, as of the 90s, have represented so many different cultures and ethnicities; Jasmine meant to resemble those who are Arabic, Mulan is Chinese, Belle is French, Merida is Scottish, Moana is Polynesian, Tiana is African American, Pocahontas is Native American, and Esmeralda is a Gypsy. There are so many little girls nowadays who get to dress up as any princess with any look. They no longer have the blonde ones (Cinderella and Aurora) and the Brunette (Snow White).

While writing that list, I kept adding every time I remembered a princess of a different ethnicity. And yet, I realized, that it shouldn't end there. We should continue to create and accept princess of other cultures and ethnicities, as well as princesses that look different or are different. There is controversy around a Disney princess that is gay, yet I don't see a problem at all. It can be her main characteristic, or it can just mentioned in passing but it would be great for boys and girls that are growing up and struggling with that.

There should be a princess who isn't stick thin. Not only do princesses have quite difficult, if not impossible, body proportions to emulate, but it would be great to see a princess who is a little chunky, or maybe really, really tall, or really really short. Maybe a princess who is disabled, so that girls, or boys, who are disabled, can relate to a princess.

It is not necessarily a matter of being politically correct, but a matter of being inclusive, or presenting different stories and points of views. Disney Princesses are characters I, and many others, have always looked up to, not just because they are beautiful, but because they are strong and multi-faceted. Having princesses that live different lives would be fantastic to see. The best part about the princesses is their story and how they overcome the obstacles they face.

I hope to see different types of princesses in the future so that other children, including mine hopefully, can experience the magic of princesses they relate to and can look up to on more than just an aesthetic level.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

49782
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

31728
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955273
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180463
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments