Are Disney Princesses Good Role Models

Disney princesses, especially ones from the beginning generation, tend to get a bad rap when it comes to being good role models for children, primarily young girls. Often time it’s common to see critics tear down these popular characters and go over the reasons they aren’t good representation.

Snow White lives with seven men and does all the housework, Aurora from Sleeping Beauty isn’t given much screen time or lines, Cinderella is often seen as someone who just wanted a prince, and Ariel from The Little Mermaid apparently gives up not only her fins but her voice for a man. In some cases the criticism is valid, but Disney Princesses have so much more to offer. Not only in their actions, but in how they treat others.

Newer princesses like Moana show young girls to take initiative and become leaders. Brave’s Merida, technically still under Disney, takes a similar approach with Merida actively wanting a choice in where her life goes. Frozen’s sisters, Anna and Elsa, both show the strongest love doesn’t have to be romantic.Tiana, from Princess and the Frog, is the only princess with a career outside of ruling a kingdom. Mulan saves all of China, not only using military tactics but her femininity to her advantage.

Even some the first generation princesses teach girls to value kindness even in when it feels impossible. Cinderella continues to be kind even while living under roof her tormentors and so does Snow White. Ariel who has always been enchanted with the human world takes steps towards getting what she wants, the prince was kind of just the cherry on top to the whole deal.

Disney princess is not only pretty women but are active steerers in their own lives. Are they all perfect? Absolutely not, there is still room for improvement in the characters and stories. Disney can be more diverse in a number of ways and expand the princes’ line in more great ways. But for what it’s worth some Disney princess are good role models for anyone.