From Snow White to Elsa: The Evolution of Disney Princesses and What They Communicate to Children
For more than 60 years, Disney has been providing us with good thoughts, positive vibes and happily-ever-afters courtesy of their movies, namely, the Disney Princess movies.
Girls (and even boys) have been exposed to these movies from a very young age. The most common debate regarding this is whether or not these movies influence children positively as they grow up. Both sides have good points; that children either grow up inspired to dream big, or that they grow up with high expectations only to be let down.
Disney has managed to strike a balance in the Princesses they create. Currently, there are 10 official princesses (and one queen), which the (Tumblr) public has taken the liberty of dividing into eras.
Classic Era: Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora
Classic era princesses are alive for one thing and one thing only: to be saved by their respective Prince Charming’s. They basically do nothing, other than be pretty for the men of their dreams. To be fair, in America this was the time that even advertisements encouraged women that they have to be the best wives they could be.
These are the princesses that influenced children to be as kind as they could possibly be, to be content with the simple things in life, and to lend a helping hand when they could. On the other hand these are also the ones who may have caused kids to think that they need a man to make them happy.
Progressive Era: Belle, Ariel, Jasmine
In the progressive era, the princesses are a bit more inquisitive, different, and even rebellious. They took more risks, and weren't just sitting around waiting for someone to rescue them.
These princesses told children that it's okay to be different. It's okay to dare to dream, because no one is stopping them. This is already a stark contrast to princesses in the classic era, in the sense that their stories involved more of their own character development, rather than their love lives. They were different, and they were the role models that children needed, no gender necessary. Ariel stood on her own two feet (literally and figuratively), Belle was open-minded, and even Jasmine was eager to explore life outside of her palace.
Modern Era: Tiana, Rapunzel
Princesses of the modern era are more independent, in the sense that they get actual work done. Tiana has jobs, and Rapunzel was the first Disney Princess to fight bad guys. More than curious, they were unafraid to speak up for themselves.
The modern princess era brought about a new view of princesses, that they didn't have to be prim and proper. They could be adventurous, and fearless. What’s more is that they aren’t actually looking for princes. They just happened to drop by.
Post-Modern Era: Merida, Anna, Elsa (whom I am counting even though my little sister would scold me and say “no, she is a queen”)
Princesses of the post-modern era are known for one characteristic: “Do not tell me that I need a man because I don’t.” The stories of these princesses are more focused on the relationships they have with their families rather than finding someone new to have a relationship with. These princesses discover that acts of true love are not always in the form of a kiss.
The post-modern princesses are truly independent and offer a more realistic take on what happens to actual people because let’s face it; nobody actually wakes up with hair as perfect as Cinderella’s, and a face as made-up as Aurora’s. They are the princesses perfect for the girls of today.
The Not-Actually-Princesses: Mulan, Pocahontas, Wendy, Esmeralda, Megara, Giselle
Mulan and Pocahontas are listed on Disney Wiki as official princesses, but are most often omitted from the list because they don't fit the stereotypical "princess" image. Giselle was supposed to be a princess, but was omitted because of her having the image of a real person (Amy Adams). Other much-loved Disney movies had unforgettable female lead characters such as:
Sometimes considered a Princess (she isn’t), Mulan is probably the most kick-ass among the list (yes, including Elsa). She risked her own life just so her father wouldn’t have to go to war when he was already injured. She could have been killed either in battle or if her secret was revealed, but she did it anyway.
Not considered a Princess but technically is, Pocahontas’s best trait is her open-mindedness. She never viewed John Smith as an enemy, rather a person who needed some enlightenment.
Wendy may have been a bit of a killjoy, but she was only doing it to protect her brothers. She may be gentle, but she could be brave when needed.
Esmeralda (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)
Imagine being a gypsy and a woman in an era when both are looked down upon. Being part of the minority didn’t stop her from fighting for her rights, though. And she didn’t fight just for herself, but for everyone else.
Meg was lucky enough to have been given a second life, and was wise to use it to be wary of men, especially with what happened to her in her previous life. She was independent (and a bit conniving, sure) and she didn’t bow down to any man, not Hades himself.
Giselle is considered a mash-up of all the Progressive-era Princesses, with a dash of Classic. She’s inquisitive, brave, and optimistic (and excited for her “True Love’s Kiss). Not a Princess because she technically didn’t marry a Prince (and she became an actual person).
With the diversity of the princesses we have today, I have no doubt that soon we'll have a princess (or prince) fit for every child and child-at-heart.
