The Politics of Disney's Princess Culture
Rock the Tiara: An Overview of Disney Princess Culture
Disney princesses have been beloved by children and adults alike since the 1930s. Over the years, these characters have evolved from passive damsels in distress to powerful role models, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture. But what does this evolution of Disney princesses mean in terms of the politics of princess culture?
The iconic characters from films such as Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty have, in recent decades, been joined by progressively more empowered heroines. For instance, take a look at Moana, whose adventure leads her to her own identity and kingdom. Or consider Merida, the warrior princess from Brave, who followed her dreams even when faced with opposition. These characters are designed to encourage children to take risks and be ambitious, taking their fate into their own hands.
Disney princesses represent a successful marketing strategy for the company in that they have the potential to reach out across multiple generations, delivering a positive message of female empowerment. This message plays an important role in shaping children’s values and beliefs about what it means to be female. On the other hand, the movies' focus on appearances, romance, and the 'savior complex' in some princess stories can send a dangerous message to children that physical beauty and a Prince Charming will save the day. Additionally, the movies frequently feature ethnic stereotypes and lack diversity, which can limit children's perception of what is possible.
The challenge going forward is to continue to create progressive characters while staying true to the company's core values. But stories that feature strong, brave princesses overcoming real-world odds provide valuable lessons of perseverance and the importance of not giving up. So, although Disney's princesses often face criticism from certain corners, their collective story remains one of progress.