Hello everyone,
As a young
girl, I grew up watching Disney. Disney Channel TV shows and movies were most
of my favourites, but the classic Disney princess stories always fascinated me
too. As a 22 year old millennial, I’ve realised that these females were some of
my biggest inspirations growing up, and even now. Aside from the amazing and
uplifting songs that these characters have gifted the world, there are also
lessons to be learned from their stories. This International Women’s Day, I
thought I would share what I have learned from some classy Disney boss ladies
over the years:
Merida
 |
| Source: Pinterest |
As Pixar’s first
princess, Merida’s attitude could be interpreted as the anti-thesis of what the
stereotypical Disney princess was supposed to aspire to. Rebelling against her
mother’s wishes for her to be a prim and proper lady who marries a
pre-determined suitor, Merida is a scrappy, young and fearless girl who
ultimately learns the importance of compromise and loving your family despite
their disagreements. Her killer archery skills and particularly the moment
where she shows her three suitors how it’s done by bullseye-ing each board
without breaking a sweat, is one of the most boss lady moves there is. A touch
of magic and mythology adds a warmth to Brave and the unapologetic fighting
spirit in Merida to be herself is an inspirational message that always needs reinforcing
for young women.
Moana
 |
| Source: Pinterest |
One of the
more recent princesses to feature a family-driven identity narrative and
omitting a romantic lead, Moana is caring, compassionate and headstrong. Her
intense devotion to her family and the preservation of her people helps her to
find a strength she didn’t know she had in her. Her belief in her destiny
beyond the shores of what was familiar to her helps to encourage young girls to
step outside their comfort zones and try something new. The nature elements of
Moana’s story and her connection to the ocean is also a beautiful way to
encourage us to think more about our own relationship with the environment and
how we use natural resources. At the beginning of her journey, Moana is
hesitant to take on the leadership of her tribe and her struggle with figuring
out where she fits into the world over the course of the film is reflective of relatable
moments that affect girls throughout their lives.
Mulan
 |
| Source: Pinterest |
Mulan’s
personality and spirit makes her one of my personal favourite Disney ladies.
Fighting for the honour of her family and herself as a woman, what Mulan goes
through is a beautiful lesson in balance, determination and vulnerability. Not
only are her martial arts skills completely badass, her propensity to never
give up and battle for what she thinks is right makes her someone you can
easily root for. The necessity for Mulan to take on the gendered expectations
of her community is also reflective of the struggle girls and women face when
they are under-estimated by their male counterparts or are told there are
limits on what they should aspire to be because they are female. Mulan breaks
the glass ceiling and becomes a boss lady warrior who still loves her family
and friends, and proves girls can do anything they set their mind to.
Jasmine
 |
| Source: Pinterest |
My personal
perspective on Jasmine changed drastically with the layers of depth that were
added to her depiction in the 2018 live-action version of this classic Disney
tale. Adding the overtones of wanting to have her voice heard and to be seen as
a worthy ruler of Agrabah without a more powerful husband at her side reflects
how I think a lot of women and girls see their own voice in society. Often
women have to yell twice as loud as men to be heard and taken seriously in
societal conversations, and Jasmine’s solo character arc really shows that to
be her reality. She is understanding and intelligent with a kind heart, and
stands up to Jafar when it matters. Jasmine is an example of a Disney princess
who is a boss lady on her own, but also has this lovely romantic arc as well; because girls are
easily capable of both at once.
Rey
 |
| Source: Pinterest |
Disney bought
the rights to Star Wars back in 2012, so the female heroine at the centre of
the most recent film trilogy technically counts as a Disney lady now. Rey is a
scrappy, young scavenger living in the desolate desert of Jakku when key events
thrust her into the crazy world of the Jedi and the galactic war between the
Resistance and the
ruthless First Order. Survival and defiance is in her bones, and there’s a real
toughness to the way she fights to find her own sense of belonging and balance
in the Force. Alongside the complexity of her connection with fellow Force user
and generally chaotic Kylo Ren, she shows on multiple occasions that not only is
she his equal, but the love and goodness at her core makes her a formidable
opponent. Her desire for a family and friends she can rely on is a journey
we’re all on in life at one point or another, and I love that Rey is a total
badass with a heart of gold.
Elsa
 |
| Source: Pinterest |
If I had to
pick a favourite, Elsa would be number one. The complexity of her struggles
throughout Frozen, Frozen 2 and within the character expansion of the musical
production resonate so deeply with me and she earns her title as Queen despite
not necessarily having a natural instinct for it. The isolation and
vulnerability that come to define her adolescence as a result of being alone is
often reminiscent of how people with mental health issues, and particularly my
own experiences with anxiety, feel about living with it every day. It’s hard
for people to understand sometimes what it’s like to be afraid of what’s going
on inside you, or not being able to explain your feelings to people who you are
supposed to lean on for support. Elsa’s resilience and growth to acceptance and
peace through the fear and uncertainty is personally a great source of optimism
for me, and her relationship with Anna is such a pure and beautiful sisterhood.
Elsa represents all those shy, reserved girls who are just as passionate and courageous
as everyone else.
Thanks for reading, who’s your
favourite Disney boss lady?
Love and girlpower,
Emily ✨
Comments
Post a Comment