International Womxn’s Day was a few weeks ago, and it’s gotten me thinking a whole lot about feminism, which has gotten me thinking about all of the strong women I know. Most of us grew up watching Disney movies, admiring the beauty and courage of the princesses the films centered around. But there’s usually been a common theme — the princess is a damsel in distress, waiting around for her prince to come rescue her.
Snow White sings an entire song about wishing for the man she loves. Aurora, from Sleeping Beauty, is saved from her eternal sleep by her prince’s kiss. Even Cinderella, who isn’t explicitly waiting for love, is only swept out of her horrible life with her stepmother because a prince saves her.
These popular princesses all have some admirable personality traits, but, as a feminist, thinking about their storylines gets me a bit queasy. So, I’ve decided to highlight some Disney princesses who are a little bit underappreciated, but each define what it means to be a strong womxn.
Moana
I have to start off with my all-time favorite Disney princess — the newest one in the Disney princess lineup. Moana’s defining characteristic is her persistence, her inability to accept that something may be impossible.
Oftentimes, as a college student, we’re inundated with homework, clubs, internships, jobs… and on top of all of that we’re expected to get a full 8 hours of sleep and have a social life? Moana is tasked with saving her entire island by fighting a volcano god and she tackles her obligations without hesitation. She constantly inspires me to keep working as hard as I can. If Moana can defeat Te Ka, then of course I can pass my measly chemistry exam!
Jasmine
Jasmine is definitely a controversial princess in the eyes of feminists, but I think she’s one of the most admirable Disney princesses. The film Aladdin starts off with her trying to escape her strict palace life in search of what she thinks she needs — adventure. But the movie ends with her finding Aladdin and staying put in her palace.
For the longest time, I wondered why such an adventurous individual just stayed a princess and didn’t end up exploring. But I realized the thing that makes Jasmine such an incredible princess is that she completely redefines her life to the point where she doesn’t need to be out in the world to be happy. I think the fact that Jasmine realizes she is able to make her life her own — by choosing Aladdin — is what’s important here. Right now I’m realizing there isn’t one set path we each need to take in our lives. It’s our life and we make our own choices in order to be happy. Jasmine taught me that.
Merida
Arguably the most underappreciated Disney princess, Merida is also one of the strongest. She talks back when she has a strong opinion, she does what she thinks is right without paying notice to anyone else, and, perhaps most importantly, she redefines what it means to be a womxn in her society.
Gender roles are becoming more fluid nowadays, but there are definitely certain times in which girls are expected to behave a certain way — a way that not all of us conform to. In class, for example, I’ve noticed discussions that are dominated by male students because female students feel that if they speak up they’ll be perceived as annoying know-it-alls.
Merida ditches nearly all traditional gender roles and is completely proud of it. She interrupts an all-male archery contest and wins. How much more badass could you get? So every time I’m at a history discussion, or even just hanging out with guy friends, I channel my inner Merida and speak up with confidence. Each and every one of us has valid opinions and we should never be afraid to voice them.
Being a womxn is definitely tough, but with icons like these princesses girl power can only continue to grow.
Cover image source: YouTube