Keileen+and+Akari

[|Disney Stereotypes]

Abstract: Disney princesses have evolved to be less "girly," while princes have become less masculine. People are not used to seeing a princess who is feminine, but also possesses strong character. The "pink princess" image is important to Disney because that is the stereotype everyone buys. These stereotypes affect girl's expectations of what is "normal" and how each gender should act. Female characters in early movies portrayed women as overemotional. Today, women are portrayed as feminine as well as masculine (Mulan and Pocahontas). Males have adopted some female traits such as emotion and affection.

Keileen's Reaction: I agree with this article because movies nowdays portray a different kind of princess. Princesses such as Mulan, Pocahontas, and Tiana (The Princess and the Frog) prove that not all princesses have to be white. Disney is using chracters that represent different races and challenges the white princess stereotype. Gender messages are important because children watch TV more often and Disney is labeled as family entertainment. When I was younger, I always wanted to be Cinderella. She is a beautiful princess who falls in love with handsome Prince Charming. I wanted to be a "girly" princess, not a masculine one like Mulan. I realize that it's all part of Disney's motive. They want viewers, espcially young children, to buy the pink princess image. I agree with the statement, "You never see Cinderella in her humble rags," because its true. Cinderella is always wearing a pretty dress, never looking dirty. And this is all part of Disney's princess stereotype.

Akari's Reaction: Growing up, I never wished to be a Disney princess. My parents didn't really advocate Disney and television, and as a result I have not seen most Disney movies. I think a large percentage of children view princesses in good light because Disney shows that even though princesses may be stuck in unfortunate situations, they will always have a happy ending. Everyone wants a happy ending, and so thus we admire princesses out of desire for a similar ending. I think that parenting is a major part of Disney's success, as if parents introduce Disney as a major form and part of a child's entertainment, the child will watch more Disney products and as a result want the paraphernalia that comes with it.

__Questions__
 * 1) For females- Did you ever dream to be a Disney Princess? If so, which one? Why?
 * 2) For males- Did you ever want to be like any of the Princes? If so, which one? Why?
 * 3) Why do we see princesses in a good light? (ex. Cinderella is never pictured wearing rags)
 * 4) Media clearly plays a big role in the advertisement of Disney products. Parents choose to pop in a DVD of Disney's version of "Cinderella" rather than reading the Grimm Brothers' version. Is parenting a major reason of why Disney princesses are so popular?