Almost every kid has seen at least one Disney Princess movie. No matter when the movie was released - 1938 or 2015 - it can be said that these movies all teach a lesson and leave their audiences with a cheesy moral of the story. Recently, however, there has been some arguments about whether or not these movies are detrimental to children. It may be because I am a bias Disney fanatic, but I believe that the intention behind these stories are harmless and can be encouraging (except the always perfect hair and dream guys, don't get me started on those). Here are some of the most important messages from each movie:
1. "The Little Mermaid"
One of the main arguments against "The Little Mermaid" is that it teaches young girls to give up everything they have for a boy. I can see where this can be a concern, but that's not the idea that Ariel is really trying to portray. Instead of focusing on that, try to see the deeper meaning of it all. In a relationship, you are supposed to put your partner first and yourself second. She goes above and beyond to be with the one she truly loves. She teaches her audience about sacrifice and acceptance. That is an important message to all ages.
2. "Beauty and the Beast"
The controversy with this movie is that it teaches the audience that bestiality is okay. I don't think this is an accurate conclusion because she's not falling in love with a beast. She doesn't even like him until she sees his human side; she brings out the human in him which makes her fall in love. If she were really falling in love with a beast that wasn't human at all, then I would agree that that is alarming, but it isn't the case here. However, the movie does teach to love someone for their heart, not their looks. Looks fade, but personality is forever. She has a big enough heart to look past all of the things people fear the beast for. I think this lesson is something we can all learn from and practice in our every day lives.
3. "Pocahontas"
People are hesitant to show this movie because it can possibly teach kids to defy their parents and sneak around with their boyfriend or girlfriend with no punishment. This isn't the message that Disney is trying to teach. The main message is that people may come from different places and bring different practices and traditions, but that isn't something to be feared. When differences are united, it can make people stronger. "Pocahontas" teaches that everyone deserves a chance to be seen and heard, and possibly even loved.
4. "Cinderella"
"Cinderella" is known to teach people that they have to dress up and be who they are not in order to impressive and have someone fall in love with them. I'll admit that the story does show that, but it's because Cinderella doesn't believe that she is good enough to be with a prince. Yet, when he finds out that she is poor and basically a maid, he seems to love her even more. He fell in love with the person he met at the ball, and he searched far and wide for her. After all the hard work he put in to find her, he wasn't going to let her go that easily. The dedication from both of them is inspiring.
5. "Tangled"
"Tangled" could teach kids to fall in love with the bad boy or bad girl, and that they have the ability to change them and make them better. However, I do not think that is the case here. If you remember from Eugene's backstory, he only ever became a thief because of a comic he read while he was an orphan. No one ever loved him or gave him the time of day. Rapunzel taught Ryder what it meant to be a family and how to be there for someone and trust them. I believe the real message behind Tangled is that people will try to use your gifts for their own selfish use. However, when you surround yourself with supportive people who actually value you as a person, you will at last see the light; you will see who you truly are and your own worth. Now maybe you won't find out you're a long lost princess, but close to it.
Disney Princess movies will always be a staple in my life, because they teach me many more valuable lessons than the ones listed above. I understand that some things can be misunderstood by the audience, but that is never the intention. If you feel that your kids are learning the wrong message, don't be afraid to have a conversation with them and talk to them about the real lessons being taught. I will forever be a Disney fan at heart, to infinity and beyond.
