Little girls are raised with role models that display various desired qualities. Beauty, elegance, and posture are a few among the many. Many look to celebrities to teach us these values as we go through our childhood and progress toward adulthood, but my role models were of a different category. They didn't all have the same characteristics, they are all different sizes, ethnicities, personalities, and represent different morals that have shaped my understanding of the modern world. The fictional characters that have taught me how to be an independent, young woman are none other than the Disney princesses.
Belle
This German beauty demonstrates various qualities I strive for. She displays confidence and consideration for others by sacrificing herself in her father's place. She knows this could very well end her life due to the imprisonment in the Beast's castle, but because of her love and adoration for her family, she agrees. In addition, she also shows viewers that intelligence is just as important as a pretty face. The community thinks she is odd for always reading, but she has no concern. As a child, she taught me that girls can be both smart and pretty.
Mulan
Mulan is one of the most underrated feminist icons of Disney. In the era the movie takes place, women's sole purpose was to be the perfect house wife. Mulan didn't fit into this category and felt like a disgrace to her family. When the military demands a soldier from every family, she secretly takes her elderly fathers place. She must pretend to be a male soldier, as they wouldn't allow a woman to be in battle. She not only saves her father, but her whole village. She is the perfect role model for showing that girls can do whatever boys can, and can save the day, too.
Merida 
Merida goes through the challenges of finding a husband, as the royal family enforces females to find a proper suitor to fulfill the responsibility and trust of royalty. She wants to be a princess, and follow her obligations without a male influence. She tries to alter her fate, by showing she is fine by herself. She shows that girls can display tomboy qualities, such as partaking in archery, and still remain a "princess". She also shows that family values are extremely important and that your family will always support you in times of need (even if you accidentally turn your mom into a bear).
Pocahontas
Based on the historical figure, Pocahontas bridges the agreement between the Native Americans and the white men. Through her love and dedication, she was able to stop a war. She teaches young girls that outer appearances do not influence love, that the inside is what truly matters. She also shows that whatever you set your mind and heart to can be accomplished. In addition, her love and passion for nature is astonishing. This can show viewers that she not only cares for her family and friends, but for all living things, including animals.
Elsa![]()
The most recent princess, or should I say Queen. While she may not have been present during my childhood, she is still extremely inspirational for children and adults alike. Elsa has a magical affliction that gives her powers of ice, which are triggered when she gets anxious or afraid. She finally allows herself to follow her heart and break free of the mental and social walls she has built up over the years. She is also one of the first Disney female icons to not have a love interest at any point of the movie. While I definitely do not believe she is the best example of a feminist model (Mulan wins this contest), I do admire and love her independence. She allows herself to become secluded to finally be able to "let it go" and find herself.
These are just a few of my favorites, because I simply could not list all of them. While all five of these icons have been introduced to me at different points of my life, I feel that I have learned valuable life lessons from each of them. Disney princesses have been looked up to since the emergence of Snow White and Cinderella, and will continue to be role models as they display the virtuous and beautiful qualities, both inside and out.
