Required Post #6

Today is international women’s day and I have been feeling extra proud to be a woman lately. I find this a very fitting day to write my reflection on the first half of this class. Maybe it is because there are only girls in the class. Or maybe it’s because our professor is a very independent, successful woman. Or maybe it is because we talk about the gender issue in Disney. Either way, the overall theme of the class is supported by international women’s day in my opinion. 

I have really enjoy this writing course so far. I was nervous when I first signed up because the focus was on Disney princesses. Growing up I was never really into princesses, partly because I grew up with two brothers, and partly because I was a tomboy who just wanted to play sports. I was worried that I wouldn’t connect with the class or be able to come up with ideas concerning princesses. However, I quickly realized that my original assumptions were wrong. This class not only has taught me about the gender stereotypes presented in Disney and the negative effects that Disney princesses can have on girls, but also has encouraged me about being a woman. I always tried to act tough, hide my emotions, and avoid pink so that I didn’t seem like a girly girl. Looking back this makes no sense because being a girl is awesome. The things that women have been able to accomplish, despite the barriers placed infront of them, is mind-blowing and inspiring. I am proud to be a woman and I am no longer afraid to seem “too girly.” I have begun to look at it this way, women are biologically different than men but there should not be limitations placed on women to keep them from completely spreading their wings. Disney did this to women, through the Disney princesses. Disney put a cap on the things that the original Disney princesses could achieve. The basic story that was presented over and over again was a damsel in distress who needed to be saved by a prince. Disney places a girl’s love for a man over her own love for herself. Disney made men appear to be the heroes, while women anxiously waited to be saved. Disney sexualized women, making beauty the best characteristic to have. Disney put princesses on the screen who were pretty and nice but did not stick up for themselves. 

Now I do not blame Disney for all of the hard ship that women have had but the magical institution did not make a stand against it. But Disney did make a shift in the right direction by creating the new princesses. The new Disney princesses could be considered the feminist princesses. They are much more independent and worthy of looking up too. Disney along with so many others are finally opening their eyes to how powerful women are and how big of a role they play in our society. I myself am starting to open my eyes to this. As a woman I am so much more than just a pretty face that needs a prince; I am smart, talented, and worthy. I am excited to see how the second half of the semester goes and to learn more about Disney princesses and the effects that they have on our society. Even as animated character these young girls hold great power. Girl power.