Introduction
One of the first Disney characters that appeared in 1927 was Oswald Rabbit. The next year, a well-known Mickey Mouse replaced it and became a Walt Disney Studios icon. This image was favored for a long period until Disney introduced its first princess, Snow White, in 1937 (Juarez-Paz et al. 54). Since that moment, the Disney Princess franchise continued expanding, and now, almost all families who have baby girls are aware of such names as Ariel, Cinderella, Aurora, Jasmine, Belle, Rapunzel, Elsa, Merida, and Moana.
Disney movies have considerably shaped modern society and established many cultural and behavioral standards. Princesses were improved as per their roles and possibilities, and instead of waiting for saving and protection (Snow White, Aurora, and Cinderella), girls have become able to act and decide (Moana, Mulan, and Merida). However, their visual images remain the same, including young age, long hair, good muscle tones, and moderately large breasts (Coyne et al., 1911). In this research, attention will be paid to gender roles and body images of Disney princesses to understand the popularity of the franchise and its impact on child development.
Gender-Biased Roles
Gender roles in Disney are frequently discussed as millions of people are raised on the idea that women are physically weak and men should rescue their families. Almost every Disney princess is depicted as a victim somehow, which proves the image of “the damsel in distress” offered by Juarez-Paz et al. (66). However, Cordwell recommends dividing Disney princesses into three areas (early, modern, and postmodern) to show how gender roles undergo significant changes (4). For example, early movies represent women as passive characters who allow men to save them. They believe in love and cannot resist the existing inequality or injustice, making them obedient homemakers like Snow White or Cinderella.
In modern times, Disney movies break traditional gender roles and introduce Belle, Jasmine, and Ariel, who want to decide and set the story’s tone (Kang). Still, despite evident willpower and self-respect, these princesses have to rely on their men and accept their help (Cordwell 8). The postmodern era shows how female characters (Elsa, Anna, Rapunzel, and Merida) could look like when they achieve liberation and take responsibility for their actions, even if they do not find support from their men.
Body Image
Another important aspect of Disney movies is the physical appearance of characters and their impact on those who observe their stories. The image of women is usually “emotional and appearance-oriented,” while men are respected for “their strength and muscular body attractiveness” (as cited in Dinella et al. 275). Although it is expected to create examples for young generations of how to look and behave, Orenstein underlines girls’ increased vulnerability to distorted body images and the inabilities to follow their favorite characters (6).
According to Asawarachan, many girls express great body image dissatisfaction and even depression after watching Disney movies (43). Princesses are presented as young girls with white skin, tiny wrists, neat arms and legs, and slight blushes on their cheeks (Juarez-Paz 55). Their movements are light, their songs and dances impress, and it is always easy for princes to pick them up and whirl together. In some cases, physical appearance can be easily controlled and gained with time, like curvy hair or clean dresses. However, not all girls have long hair, slim waist, and breasts, provoking new concerns and the desire to change their nature.
Importance of Disney
Disney movies are always interesting to watch not only for children but also for adults. Despite the existing controversies, many parents like Disney characters because they are safe in terms of development (Coyne et al. 1910). Today’s media and television transmit information in a variety of ways, neglecting necessary cultural and social issues and negatively influencing children’s behaviors (Dinella et al. 264). As well as the majority of fairytales, Disney stories meet certain standards and rules according to which they may be shown to the youngest populations.
Instead of blaming princesses for promoting “too perfect” images, Asawarachan encourages parents and educators to participate in children’s development and promote a proper understanding of body image and gender roles (38). It is not enough to show a movie and expect that a child comprehends everything without additional help. Disney movies are drawn cartoons, not documentaries, and their primary goal is entertainment for families.
Conclusion
During the last several decades, Disney movies create a solid platform for child development and education. The progress of gender roles is evident in every new image of a princess. Early characters prove how dependent and weak females could be, and modern princesses illustrate significant emotional and behavioral changes in society. Body esteem and physical appearance are also common topics in media and literature. Some researchers criticize Disney movies for promoting attractive but unrealistic images of young women. However, it is always necessary to remember that these stories are drawn for entertainment and enjoyment. Therefore, attention should be paid to how parents explain these movies’ importance, contribute to cognition, and support their children.
Works Cited
Asawarachan, Tanawan. The Disney Influence on Kindergarten Girls’ Body Image. Doctoral Dissertation. University of North Texas, Web.
Cordwell, Caila Leigh. The Shattered Slipper Project: The Impact of the Disney Princess Franchise on Girls Ages 6-12. 2016. Thesis. Selected Honors Theses, Web.
Coyne, Sarah M., et al. “Pretty as a Princess: Longitudinal Effects of Engagement With Disney Princesses on Gender Stereotypes, Body Esteem, and Prosocial Behavior in Children.” Child Development, vol. 87, no. 6, 2016, pp. 1909-1925.
Dinella, Lisa M., et al. “Princesses, Princes, and Superheroes: Children’s Gender Cognitions and Fictional Characters.” Journal of Genetic Psychology, vol. 178, no. 5, 2017, pp. 262–280.
Juarez-Paz, Anna V. Ortiz, et al. “Evolution of the Disney Princess: From Damsel in Distress to Damsel of Distress.” Journal of Communications Media Studies, vol. 8, no. 1, 2016, pp. 54-71.
Kang, Inkoo. “We Need a Disney Princess to Explain How We Got So Hung Up on Disney Princesses.”Slate, 2018, Web.
Orenstein, Peggy. Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture. Harper Collins, 2011.