The classic rags-to-riches story of Cinderella has become a staple in the lives of many young children around the world; however, Keira Knightley’s daughter might not be having the same experience.
Knightly said on the Ellen Show that her daughter is banned from watching the movie of the blonde princess in the blue dress. “She waits around for a rich guy to rescue her. Don’t. Rescue yourself! Obviously.” This statement was, naturally, followed by a round of applause.
In a similar situation, she describes her frustration with The Little Mermaid, which is also forbidden from her daughter, saying, “I really like the film. I mean, the songs are great, but do not give your voice up for a man. Hello!”
Despite these frustrations with classic Disney princesses, Knightley expressed her approval of more recent Disney hits, such as Finding Dory, Frozen, and Moana.
Speaking of Frozen, star Kristen Bell has also expressed concerns with her daughters watching Snow White. The actress and mother of two has taken the opportunity to have talks with her daughters about some issues brought up in the movie. One concern for her is that Snow White willingly eats the apple from the witch, a complete stranger. Her daughters have said that they would never take food from strangers like that. Another concern she has is the aspect of consent. She says that she asked her children, “Don’t you think that it’s weird that the prince kisses Snow White without her permission? … Because you cannot kiss someone if they’re asleep!”
Taking issues seen in society through movie characters and turning them into learning lessons for children is such an inspirational thing for all mothers; however, one thing to remember is how old the movies are. In those times, Cinderella sneaking out to the ball and Ariel defying her father’s wishes were risky moves for women to begin with.
While it’s wonderful to see just how far our women have made it that we have the freedom to be strong, independent women, times were not always that way. The movies now act as happy, feel-good stories that may not have female characters young women would want to idolize, but that at least provide entertainment for Disney lovers everywhere.