Admit it, when you were a little girl, you always wanted to have that happy ending all the Disney princesses had. When I was younger, there was an obsession with Disney princesses. All my friends would have sleepovers and we would watch Cinderella or Snow White and watch these young girls escape the wretchedness of their evil step mothers (yes, the queen was Snow White's step mom). It made an impression on our young minds that step moms are the most wicked people who could ever exist, which may not necessarily be true!
Then came Aurora aka Sleeping Beauty. The girl who was cursed to fall asleep when she pricked her finger on a poisoned spindle. She was awoken, unlike Snow White by true love's kiss. What did that teach me? That you're not completely awoken until you've experienced true love? No, honestly I think they were my least favorite Disney movies because they triggered the feminist in me even at a young age. What were they trying to show, that women can't do anything without men or was it that we always need rescuing?
Belle was the one character I could associate the best with. She was a bookaholic and never gave a damn about society but loved her daddy over everything. She may have not been a princess to begin with but she becomes one because she sees past the frightening exterior of the Beast. It was inspiring and I believe the first time I was introduced to the concept of looking beyond looks to peer at the personality of the person.
Then came Ariel, Mulan, Jasmine and Pocohontas which redeemed Disney Princesses for me. These were strong and adamant women who wanted things their way despite having things come their way. Stories of bravery and modesty, these princesses made me realize that you should always stand your ground, especially if it is something you believe in.
Finally Tiana and Rapunzel. Honestly, I liked Tiana for her spunk and her personality, her drive for getting things done despite what she begins with. And she was the first Black Princess which makes her quite special. But Rapunzel, she was just so stereotypically blonde and damsel in distress. I learnt absolutely nothing from her.
But one thing that all the Princesses have in common is eventually finding true love and they stayed true to one thing they all believed in. They are after all fairy tales parents read to little girls and make them believe that one day, your dreams can come true.
Then came Aurora aka Sleeping Beauty. The girl who was cursed to fall asleep when she pricked her finger on a poisoned spindle. She was awoken, unlike Snow White by true love's kiss. What did that teach me? That you're not completely awoken until you've experienced true love? No, honestly I think they were my least favorite Disney movies because they triggered the feminist in me even at a young age. What were they trying to show, that women can't do anything without men or was it that we always need rescuing?
Belle was the one character I could associate the best with. She was a bookaholic and never gave a damn about society but loved her daddy over everything. She may have not been a princess to begin with but she becomes one because she sees past the frightening exterior of the Beast. It was inspiring and I believe the first time I was introduced to the concept of looking beyond looks to peer at the personality of the person.
Then came Ariel, Mulan, Jasmine and Pocohontas which redeemed Disney Princesses for me. These were strong and adamant women who wanted things their way despite having things come their way. Stories of bravery and modesty, these princesses made me realize that you should always stand your ground, especially if it is something you believe in.
Finally Tiana and Rapunzel. Honestly, I liked Tiana for her spunk and her personality, her drive for getting things done despite what she begins with. And she was the first Black Princess which makes her quite special. But Rapunzel, she was just so stereotypically blonde and damsel in distress. I learnt absolutely nothing from her.
But one thing that all the Princesses have in common is eventually finding true love and they stayed true to one thing they all believed in. They are after all fairy tales parents read to little girls and make them believe that one day, your dreams can come true.
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