Brave: A Young Feminist's Journey to Change her Fate
Name: Merida
Age: 15
Eye Colour: Blue
Hair Colour: Red
Personality traits: Persistent, independent and self-reliant, strong
Although 'Brave' is a Pixar movie, and therefore not 100% Disney-related, Merida is hand's down the most feminist Princess in the franchise thus far. Not only does Merida have absolutely no desire in being married, she also is adventurous, outgoing and strong, all traits that are normally associated with males. Merida's feminism could be attributed to the fact that her father has always let her do what she wanted, even if Princesses did not typically partake in that activity, such as archery and eating whatever she pleased.
This clip shows when Merida receives her first bow as a gift from her father and her mother is less than pleased.
Feminism is Disney
As always, there are two sides to every story; thus causing the ideas of feminism in Disney to be much debated. There are Princesses who are seemingly feminists throughout their respective movies, but when it comes to being saved, they often can not do it themselves and need the assistance of a burly man who will swoop in at the last minute.
Pocahontas
After British explorers land in a new place, they begin to venture in search of gold. Pocahontas sees them arrive and ends up falling in love with John Smith. Although this Disney movie does contain the typical love story, the ending is anything but typical because John Smith goes back to England for treatment after being shot and Pocahontas stays behind because she says that her people need her. Pocahontas is perhaps one of Disney's most feminist heroines because she does not succumb to love and in the end, she does what she feels is best for her people.
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Aurora
In Sleeping Beauty, we see Aurora fall for tricks imposed by the evil Maleficent and she is put into a deep sleep. Aurora is completely helpless and is only saved when Prince Phillip comes to her rescue and gives her a kiss. Aurora is possibly the least feminist Princess because she does not have any outstanding personality traits, except for being beautiful and all she does is sleep. This is setting a bad example for children because it shows young girls that a man will always come to your rescue.
It is more typical to see Princess stories like that of Aurora, rather than Pocahontas, unfortunately. However, Disney Princesses have been becoming increasingly feminist as the years go by. This shift could possibly be attributed to the women's movements that are happening around the world.
Feminism in 'Brave'
Is Disney promoting the idea of a independent woman?