The word "Disney" alone puts a smile on many faces. It brings back memories of trips to Disney World or Disneyland, the memories of us watching the movies at such young ages. Or the memories involving the world-renowned characters such as Mickey & Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck. T he word "Disney" alone puts a smile on many faces. It brings back memories of trips to Disney World or Disneyland, the memories of us watching the movies at such young ages. Or the memories involving the world-renowned characters such as Mickey & Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck.
Though we love those cartoon mice in what is potentially the greatest fictional couple ever, the second-most known of Disney characters are the famous princesses.
When it comes to princesses, nowadays the first thought that comes to our heads isn't Marie Antoinette or Princess Kate Middleton; it's Cinderella or Snow White. Jasmine from "Aladdin". Belle from "Beauty and the Beast". The list goes on and on. Most people have their favorite Disney princess, (mine personally is a tie between Belle and Ariel) or some love or dislike them all. A very common theme, though, has to do with one word: controversy.
There has been controversy within the realm of Disney princesses for a long time, and it's not only because of their unrealistic figures. A lot of it has to do with the princesses' "need for a man".
When thinking about the Disney princesses, only one of them does not "rely on a man" and that is Merida from "Brave." Merida is praised for not relying on a prince to save her. While this is great and Merida is a great role model for young girls, I still feel this to be true regarding the other princesses.
Yes, Ariel does give up something she loves for a man she loves. Yes, Snow White and Aurora from "Sleeping Beauty" rely on "true love's first kiss." However, I do not see the big problem with the princesses "relying on" men.
I keep using quotations around "relying on" because I do not believe this to be true. I believe that if a person wants something, that person should absolutely go for it. Whether it be a man or not.
If you watch the movies, you'd find that in the beginning of the movies, the princesses do not even desire a man at first.
Belle and Rapunzel desire adventure. Cinderella, Pocahontas, and Jasmine desire freedom. Ariel, Mulan, and Anna from "Frozen" desire acceptance. Snow White desires love. Tiana from "The Princess and the Frog" desires her dreams.
It just so happened that in each of these stories, a man helped the princess to fulfill that desire.
I believe that young girls should look up to this, not because each princess got a prince in the end, but because each princess chased their desire and found it. If that desire is not fulfilled by a man, like in Merida's case, then so be it. Men are not necessary for dream fulfillment.
Instead of criticizing the princesses for "needing men", think about their true goals and praise them for fulfilling their desire with a support system right there with them.
