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Some of Disney’s princess movies are problematic, but you can still feel good watching them.
I grew up watching Disney princess movies. There’s a reason why these movies are classics. Who doesn’t love a story filled with magic and catchy songs, where good triumphs over evil and where princesses live happily ever after?
During this pandemic, I’ve had to watch these princess movies dozens of times while isolating with my young nieces. Like most kids, they have endless “Why” questions, and I found myself cringing while answering them.
For example, while watching The Little Mermaid, my 4-year old niece asked: “Why is Ariel leaving her family and losing her voice to become human?” I responded, “So she can find Prince Eric,” to which she wisely observed, “But she doesn’t even know him.” EXACTLY.
Let’s be honest. Many of the old-school princess movies — I’m thinking Snow White, Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty — are problematic by today’s standards. Sure, the heroines are smart, kind, brave, and independent. But, these movies also reinforce gender stereotypes, they suggest that you need a…
