During the Frozen craze, fans were talking about how Anna and Else were great feminist icons for representing true love being a familial love. This caused people to also criticize princesses in the past, calling them icons of a traditional time. But did you think that there were better feminist icons than Else and Anna? Or that all Disney princesses can be viewed this way? Yes, all of them.
Let’s start with sweet Snow White, the very first. Sure she sang about how someday her prince will come, but what’s wrong with that? What’s wrong with wanting someone when all your life you’ve known very little? Cinderella wanted to go to the ball because it was her first taste of freedom. She didn’t even know she had danced with the prince when she left. I grew up hating Sleeping Beauty because I could never figure out how someone could fall in love with someone just from a stroll through the woods. But she never said she loved him. Fauna did. She cried when she was forced to leave because for the first time in her life she met someone she could spend time with. Sure the “love at first sight” narrative has gotten tired, but Disney has always had a way to shake things up.
That’s why Frozen was so admired. Kristoff’s kiss wasn’t what saved Anna. Instead, it was Elsa’s sisterly love. Yet, that narrative is suddenly seen as the only route the company should take. Yet what about Mulan? In order to save her father, she takes his place in the army with the risk of getting caught and killed. Is there romance? Yes, although it’s minimum. Yet, her love for a man doesn’t weaken her status of a strong female character because there is nothing wrong with wanting a man. Then there is Merida, who also wields a weapon. She doesn’t want a man and does not want to get married. Romance doesn’t have to exist or be a main plot in a princess film.
The most feminist Disney princess, in my opinion, is Tiana.
Tiana is proof that a dream is worth achieving, and yet the film also focuses on the importance of love. She works her hardest to build a restaurant for her father by working several jobs. Her mom, on the other hand, wants her to settle down and look for a husband. Throughout her journey she grows confidence in herself, her dreams and what she needs in life. She is able to overcome her obstacles, open her restaurant and find love. There is nothing wrong with wanting to follow your dreams and finding love at the same time.
With the upcoming Moana not featuring a romantic interest, it’s obvious the direction Disney is going towards. There was also the popular hashtag #giveElseaagirlfriend that trended recently. It’s obvious that fans are tired of the traditional Disney romantic plots and are looking for something new.
While Disney is going in a new direction with their romantic plots, or lack of, it’s important to also recognize the originals. It doesn’t matter if a princess needs a partner or wants to do it alone. All the princesses are role models for children to look up to.
