Generation after generation has grown up watching Disney movies. Disney is known for its family orientated brands and has become the largest media conglomerate in the world in terms of revenue. With Disney holding so much power in many different sectors of the media, it is essential that we, as a society, evaluate what principles are being taught by the characters in its movies. The fairy tale princess stories are what young girls are taught to imitate. But should young girls aspire to be like these princesses?
A closer look at Disney movies reveal some troubling aspects. Domestic violence, racism and the sexist portrayal of women are reoccurring themes in these movies. The princesses of Disney teach young girls that there is an ideal body image for women. People don't realize the subtle impact that these movies have on the children of this generation. Many of the Disney characters are hardly the role models we want for young girls. They’re willing to steal and give no thought moderate dress codes. They use overt sexual advances to attract, distract or divert attention. Also, they are always portrayed as the damsel in distress needing to be rescued by prince charming. In my opinion, young girls should not be raised on such priorities. Girls should seek to be independent and successful rather than putting all their faith into being rescued by some dude.
It is scary that people bring their children up worshiping and aspiring to be like Disney Princesses. They are all based in patriarchal societies where women are see as the inferior gender appealing only to men through their sexuality and their obedience.
I completely agree with you, the princesses all share the same quality of using the beauty to get what they want. Their beauty is also used in order for most of them to be saved from whatever has been in obstacle during the movie. Like you said we wouldn't want our children watching these types of Disney movies which portray the self-objectification as a way of getting what you want. As children, we don't really think of these types of things because merely we think of it as just dealing with true love, happiness, and the beauty of being a princess. As we get older we realize what these movies say about women. In "Beauty and the Beast" the Belle was kidnapped by this "monster" and she eventually fell in love with him. Is that teaching children that it's okay to be in a relationship with domestic violence if you so called "love them"? The only Disney movie that the woman played the role of a strong independent woman, not of your typical princess who depends on the man throughout the whole movie. This was a good movie to create a better approach until the end when it became like all of the rest of the Disney princess movies, where "true love conquers all". I know people argue about whether a child understands the plot completely or not, but children learn merely based off of what they watch on television nowadays since we have so much technology. Children are highly educated from the media in today's society. I'm glad you brought up this point because I realize there are many different opinions on this topic.
ReplyDeleteThis is funny that you made this blog as my fist blog was the same idea. I feel the same way. As a mother to two daughters, aged 11 and 6 both of whom loved Disney princesses- one still does of course- I worry what these movies teach the girls and kind of talk with them through the movie about the somewhat silly choices the princesses make. I know the Princess Stage is short lived and most think it isn't big deal but honestly, in today's society I think a few too many girls were told and treated like princesses and are NOT the better for it. They didn't pick up the morally sweet, loving, kind nature a princess is supposed to have but the everything is mine, i deserve it all aspect... I'd rather my daughter be a bookworm any day!
ReplyDeleteI find it really funny that you posted this because honestly, I love the Disney princesses and I never completely thought of it this way. The picture you posted is a really good breakdown of all the main princess and the major flaws found within each storyline. I especially find it interesting with the way Ariel is described because she is my favorite, as embarrassing as that is to admit. I hope in the future, Disney decides to make more female-friendly, empowering characters, like Brave.
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