In November, Disney released its newest princesses in the movie Frozen. Now, months after the movie’s release, you can hear college students and little kids alike shamelessly singing the inspirational show stopping number “Let It Go,” originally sung by Broadway star Idina Menzel. But it’s not just the great soundtrack and star-studded cast that’s got social media buzzing … it’s the movie’s progressive nature.
To give you a quick overview, the movie is basically the same plot as Wicked except in animation form. Menzel’s character, Princess Elsa (aka Elphaba), has the power to control ice, but is forced to live in exile to hide it from her kingdom. When she accidentally releases her power, sending the whole kingdom into an eternal snowstorm, she runs away and finds freedom in no longer having to hold her powers in. Meanwhile, her clumsy-yet-sweet-hearted sister Ana, played by Kristen Bell, goes on a quest to find Elsa and reverse the storm. Essentially the most important part of this Disney princess movie is the bond between sisters–any aspect of romance is a small side plot. In fact, the movie makes fun of the classic Disney model where a girl falls for a guy within 3 seconds of meeting him. Ana gets engaged to a Prince the day she meets him and everyone thinks she is ridiculous.
Everyone is rightfully excited that Disney is representing strong female role models, but this trend isn’t new. Disney has gotten more and more progressive. Let’s go back in time to the earliest princesses and examine how Disney has evolved.
Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty are quintessential examples of princesses that fall in love with a man without even knowing him and then wait around for him to rescue them. They are weak, without personalities, and their only true assets are their appearance and their gentle, motherly demeanors. Basically their only purpose is to meet the right man and become a domestic being.
Now lets fast forward a little bit to Ariel and Belle. These princesses actually have some personality! Ariel has dreams of her own: she’s an adventurer and the rebel of her family, a character a lot of teenagers can relate to. Yet Ariel ruins any cred she had in the beginning of the movie when she physically changes herself for a man. In addition to turning herself into a human for Prince Eric, she also sells her voice for the exchange, suggesting that a woman doesn’t need a voice, just a pretty face. Belle is a bit more advanced, but not by much. She loves to read, she strives for adventure, she cares for her father, and she refuses to marry a total jerk. Yet she sends a message to girls that they can take a monster and change him into a prince. Once again Disney sets unrealistic expectations.
But wait: a few years later, Disney introduces Mulan, a princess who saves her father from war, works really hard and proves she is just as strong as a man. And (spoiler alert) she saves China from the Huns, despite being oppressed for being a woman. Mulan is the first Disney princess whose plotline isn’t about finding a prince–sure she gets the guy in the end, but that’s a side plot compared to defeating the Huns. Then we get Tiana from the Princess and the Frog. Her whole life is about the value of working hard. She doesn’t expect a man to come and save her, she wants to work hard so that someday she can accomplish her dream of owning her own restaurant, and eventually she does. Her plot is a little more classic then Mulan’s because a “true love’s” kiss turns her back into a princess. However, the image of a strong, hardworking woman that she presents is important.
So there we have it: Disney has evolved their princesses to match the changing times. We are finally seeing stronger female role models, and Frozen is definitely a step in that direction. Elsa and Ana are the first Disney princesses to prove that true love doesn’t have to be with a significant other, but can be with family as well. Thanks, Disney! I’m excited to see what you have in store next.