Disney princess images have an immense impact on the minds of young girls. Although many of the films contain several unrealistic ideas and stereotypes, numerous films also include invaluable life principles.
In their article, 'The Pervasiveness and Persistence of the Feminine Beauty Ideal in Children’s Fairy Tales,' Lori Baker- Sperry and Liz Grauerholz discuss the gendered messages in the media and how Disney princess films reflect norms in society. They state, “Fairy tales written during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries were intended to teach girls and young women how to become domesticated, respectable, and attractive to a marriage partner and to teach boys and girls appropriate gendered values and attitudes” (Baker-Sperry and Grauerholz p.714).
Baker-Sperry and her colleagues explain, “Recent Disney films and even contemporary feminist retellings of popular fairy tales often involve women who differ from their earlier counterparts in ingenuity, activity, and independence but not physical attractiveness” (722). Although they still portray various stereotypical images, the newer films convey more radical messages that correspond with a pro-feminist movement. These innovative princesses deviate from earlier conventional depictions, seeking alternative lifestyles and greater independence from a male dominated society.
In 'Images of Gender, Race, Age, and Sexual Orientation in Disney Feature-Length Animated Films,' Mia Adessa Towbin and her colleagues from Colorado State University discuss the portrayals of numerous stereotypical roles in Disney films and the various conventional images being exposed to children. They state, “Men are depicted as physically aggressive, non-expressive, and as heroic saviors, particularly of women. Women are portrayed as beautiful, dependent on men, and engaged in domestic responsibilities” (Towbin et al. 35).
In the popular Disney film, Beauty and the Beast (1991), characteristic gender qualities are clearly depicted. Gaston, an exceedingly arrogant and strong- willed character, states his dissatisfaction with Princess Belle’s deviation from ideal female characteristics. He says, “It’s not right for a woman to read. Soon she starts getting ideas, and thinking—” (Beauty and the Beast). Gaston’s statement highlights the conventional idea that women are not supposed to concentrate on intellectual behaviours, a strictly male responsibility. In the film, Belle is viewed as a highly peculiar individual because of her desire to read and her disinterest with Gaston’s pleas for marriage. However, his role as the villain in the film may direct many viewers to believe that his ideas about women are wrong.
More recent films, like Aladdin, tend to depict the principal female role as a self-assertive and resilient character. Aladdin’s Princess Jasmine, while resisting her father’s demand that she marries a prince, states, “How dare you! All of you! Standing around deciding my future. I am not a prize to be won.” Her declaration illustrates the progressive idea that a woman’s life should not be under the control of a male figure. This image teaches young girls that women are entitled to choose the lifestyle they wish to seek, including the choice of selecting whom they want to marry.
Many of the more recently released princesses convey some inspirational and positive messages to young girls. These newer films contain portrayals of a self-assured princess who refuses to succumb to some of society’s expectations of their gender.
In Mulan, the lead female protagonist similarly expresses a longing to follow her own path that differs from the role predetermined by her gender. She says, “Look at me... I will never pass for a perfect bride or a perfect daughter. Can it be, I’m not meant to play this part? Now I see that if I were truly to be myself, I would break my family’s heart” - Mulan does not want to become an ideal Asian bride.
Bridget Whelan, in her article, 'Power to the Princess: Disney and the Creation of the 20th Century Princess Narrative,' describes changing images in newer Disney films. In response to The Princess and the Frog (2009) she claims that it “became the first Disney princess film to feature a heroine who aspired for something more than romance throughout the film’s narrative” (Whelan 30). Princess Tiana sought to open a restaurant, in addition to the ongoing romance throughout the film.
(credit: Ashley Bispo)
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