Take a closer look at Disney’s stable of princesses, and one can draw inferences of what is perceived as ideals of female attractiveness circulating in culture at any one time. Being cartoons, primarily targeted at young children, these princesses are created as role models, imparting messages of socially acceptable or desirable behaviours.
The Basic DID: Snow White and Other Damsels in Distress
The first theatrical animated feature from the Walt Disney Animation Studios was released in 1937 – the timeless tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. With lips as red as rubies and skin as fair as snow, Snow White portrayed the classical ideal of beauty. Her character too is sweet and temperate, never rebelling against her wicked stepmother. She is friendly and helpful around the house for the seven dwarves.
A similar archetype can be found in 1950’s Cinderella. The titular character is beautiful – a trait further accentuated next to her ugly stepsisters – kind and gentle towards animals, and obedient to her stepmother even though all house chores are thrust upon her. 1959’s Aurora from Sleeping Beauty shares the same affinity towards animals, and also a secret wish of riding off into the sunset with a handsome prince.
Although the main characters in these three movies are the princesses, do they significantly contribute to the storylines? No, not really. They are helpless pawns to the power struggles of other characters, waiting for rescue by a handsome prince. These princesses merely reinforce patriarchal stereotypes, being passive and disengaged from the actions surrounding them, serving no function but to decorate, and cater to men’s desire.
The Transition: The Little Mermaid and Belle Have Minds of Their Own
In the late 80s and early 90s, Disney princesses take on a stronger role. They have goals of their own, and ways of achieving them. For example, Ariel from 1989’s The Little Mermaid becomes a human to be with the man she loves; Belle from 1991’s Beauty and the Beast saves her father’s life by becoming the Beast’s prisoner; and Jasmine from 1992’s Aladdin disguises herself as a peasant to escape the confines of palatial life.
However, there are still elements of dependence on male heroes. Ariel is eventually saved by Prince Eric, who kills Ursula and reverses the sea-witch’s curse on the merpeople. Belle certainly plays an integral role in taming the Beast, but it is still the Beast who carves out their happily-ever-after ending by doing away with Gaston. Jasmine, while as smart and strong as Aladdin, still needs him to rescue her and defeat Jafaar.
Although the feminist movement dates back to the 19th century, it is not until the 1960s that women’s liberation truly gained prominence in popular culture, partly due to the well-publicised bra-burning events. The Disney princesses from this era reflect the changing ideals on gender equality – women are no longer weak and submissive to men but not independent of them.
Girl Power!: Pocahontas, Mulan and Independent Women
The mid- and late-90s featured two prominent Disney heroines – Pocahontas and Mulan. These female characters defy societal and cultural norms, opposing the notion of male superiority.
1995’s Pocahontas features the headstrong daughter of the Powhatan chief, who saves the English captain John Smith from execution by her tribe. When faced with a decision between following her beloved Smith to England or staying with her people, Pocahontas chooses the latter – a landmark ending for a Disney film, where lovers live happily apart.
Mulan, released in 1998, depicts a Chinese female who masks herself as a soldier to take her ailing father’s stead in the war against the Huns. In the beginning, Mulan is seen as a failure for not knowing a woman’s place in a patriarchal society. Throughout the movie however, she proves herself as capable as any man, able to withstand the army’s strenuous training, and eventually saving the nation through a combination of strengths and smarts.
Synergy of Influences
It is a constant debate of whether media simply reflects or actually shapes society. In terms of Disney animations, it can be said that it is a dynamic interplay of influences, both documenting and imparting ideals of feminism through the use of memorable princesses, from passive beauties to strong-willed heroines.
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