The formula for a traditional fairy tale is simple: a damsel in distress, an evil villain, and a charming prince. Disney’s classic "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" is no exception to this. Snow White is commonly regarded as one of the most misogynistically presented Disney princesses, though she can be easily seen as the hero of her own story as well as a stepping stone to more obviously feminist-themed princess movies.
Snow White is best known for her beauty which becomes the catalyst for the action in the movie. She is not only beautiful, though, she is also kind, hardworking, generous, nurturing, and very optimistic. In the film she has lines like “There’s no use in grumbling”, “Remember you’re the one who can fill the world with sunshine”, and “I’m sure I’ll get along somehow.” These lines show a trait that is commonly forgotten: her self-reliance. Through most of the movie and story she is not only taking care of herself, but also keeping house for seven tiny men.
Snow White is hard working (she took care of seven dwarfs), resourceful (she found her way safely through the forest), and also a romantic. We trap her in a bubble as a character thinking that she is shallow because she dreams of her prince charming. I personally do not believe that anybody should be totally dependent on his or her significant other, but there is no harm in being excited for love and for the future. Snow White demonstrates a good balance between being excited for her prince and taking care of herself in the meantime.
Many people dislike Snow White because she is pretty and kind and she cleaned a house. These things are considered traditionally feminine, so for a young princess to be doing them can be seen as misogynistic. If you were to strip Snow White of her title and put her in jeans and a tee shirt instead of a dress, she would suddenly be the conqueror who is a naïve, yes, but still dynamic main character. We say that she was “saved by the prince” as if it is some unforgiveable sin, but really she is the hero of her own story. Her prince is a side character, an extra, a prize for her suffering. He is not even given a name.
It is through these character qualities that Snow White is a female icon in a way that is unusual to feminism in our society. The purpose of feminism is to create equality with men on political, social, and economic levels. This idea allows women to have a career if they should choose, but often women who choose to have a family and not a career are rejected for their choice. If a woman prefers doing traditionally feminine things, who is to say that she is wrong for that? We as women (or simply as people) must continue to encourage one another to create a better society and a better world.
