In 1937, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" was released into theaters by Walt Disney Productions. Not only was it the first full-length clay-animated feature film, but it was also the first of many Disney princess films. Seventy-nine years later, the Disney princess line-up is up to thirteen, soon-to-be fourteen with the upcoming release of "Moana." Over the years, Disney princesses have become more adventurous and independent to the point that many of them don't need a man. However, that brings up an argument that I've been hearing more and more of, "Are Disney princesses better now than they have been in past years?"

At first glance, it is easy to answer, "Yes, of course!" Practically all the princesses, of what could be perceived as part of "the new Disney Renaissance," demonstrate independent attitudes and a will to get out and take control of their stories. Essentially, they are princesses of action. We start with "The Princess and the Frog," which gave us the first African-American princess, Tiana. Tiana herself is hard-work personified. She works herself into the ground to reach her goals and surpass the expectations society has for her. Then we have Rapunzel, from "Tangled," we get to see a creative, if not a bit naive, young women who take a chance to face her fears and live her dream despite not having experience with the outside world. Next, we get the fiery Merida from "Brave." Merida decides to set out and change her fate and succeeds, but only when she learns to consider others as well. She is also the first princess to have no desire for a love interest. After that, we get the movie that no one can let go, "Frozen." With this movie, we get not one, but TWO princesses (yes, I know Elsa is technically a queen, but Disney has her in the line up so here we go!) Anna and Elsa both demonstrate how to accept who you are, albeit in two separate ways. Anna is an unabashed goofball and has no problem just being herself, quirky attitude and all. She also shows love and dedication to her sister, to the point of setting out into the icy wilderness to bring her back. Elsa demonstrates the process of accepting yourself. Her overall arc shows that the world will accept you only when you accept yourself. She also opts out of a love interest. Overall, they all show a more hands-on approach to finding their happily-ever-after.

This creates a sharp contrast to the first three; Snow White, Cinderella, and Aurora. These three were created between 1937-1959. The world actually wouldn't get another Disney princess until 1989 with "The Little Mermaid." I only point this out to show that these three were very much there own Disney period. Starting with the original princess movie, "Snow a White and the Seven Dwarfs." Snow White, while she DOES just run away to cook and clean for some dwarfs and marries the first guy she comes across, still demonstrating some really admiral traits. First and foremost, she has a kind-hearted attitude. This doesn't seem like much, but it's really amazing to think, despite all the mistreatment she's endured, at the hands of her step mother, she was still a good person in the face of it all. It'd be so easy for a person to become cold and bitter from all that, but she stays kind. "Cinderella" is our next princess. She, like Snow White, demonstrates kindness in the face of mistreatment. Not only that, but she shows her willingness to work with what she's been given. She makes the best out of her situation with her step-mother and step-sisters; when given the opportunity, she takes the chance to have a better life. Aurora, of "Sleeping Beauty," makes an impact, despite only being in a small part of the movie. She, too. wins over others through her thoughtfulness and kindness. She also demonstrated how unselfish she is when she puts the kingdom's well-being over her own happiness. How is kindness supposed to measure up to the action-taking princesses of now, though?

While it's definitely great to know that children get to see princesses fight for what they believe in and that you don't need a significant other to be complete, the first three taught kids to be kind and keep a good attitude despite any mistreatment they may go through. Sometimes it's the smallest bit of positivity that gets us through the darkest times. Even though the older princesses might not be as hands-on and progressive as their modern companions, they still have lessons to teach generations of kids. In other words, they're timeless.