At the beginning of the movie ā when Ariel is still a mermaid ā sheās taught that humans use dinglehoppers to brush their hair
She tries it for the first time while sheās in the company of humansā¦ but she realizes sheās been misinformed
āNo, we do not use dinglehoppers that way,ā the native humans imply, and she is ashamed of her mistake
Yet in private, she still uses a dinglehopper her way!
And now that sheās a human, she can influence other humans! In theory, her way could become socially acceptable!
After all, if you truly are part of a world, then youāre a participant! Your contributions are as valid as anyoneās!
Oh and by the way, Eric thinks this act of nonconformity is super-attractive!
So youāll forgive me if Iām not convinced that aRiEl sUrReNdErS hEr wHoLe iDeNtItY tO bE wItH a mAn
Ariel is on a goddamn adventure to learn about humankind, herself, and the relationship between the two
And this seems like a reasonably healthy first attempt at compromise
AND she seems to have a support system!
Thatās admirable! And fun! And interesting!
So can we maybe stop pretending that this story has nothing to offer?
my heart grows three sizes every time I see a legitimately Good Take defending this beautiful film ā¤ļø
