Times are changing, and with that comes a new wave of feminism. Children and their parents are demanding more and more strong female characters for their children to model themselves after. In the past, women in children's cartoons have been stereotypically feminine: the only way that a woman could be happy is if they were married to the first man to go out of their way for them. However, the newer films and television shows are progressing in equality, diversity, and actual personality. Here is a list of some strong female leads that are great role models for all children.
1. Merida
Merida is one the the first Disney princesses to oppose marriage. In fact, that's the main conflict that her plot tries to resolve. She challenges the "marriage is the best thing ever for women" stereotype, and that everyone should stand up for themselves. She is from Disney's "Brave."
2. Connie
Connie is from Cartoon Network's "Steven Universe." Not only does she show children that women can defend men rather than being damsels in distress, but she breaks racial stereotypes as well. She is shown to be a strong, intelligent person with a great heart, as well as having an immense amount of dedication to her friends. Plus, she's not too bad with a sword.
3. Star Butterfly
Star Butterfly shows children that women can enjoy both masculine and feminine things. She is shown to love cute things such as hearts and puppies, but she does love to get messy when it comes to kicking monster butt. She is a rebellious princess from Disney's "Star vs. the Forces of Evil."
4. Tiana
Tiana is the first black princess for Disney; she stars in "The Princess and the Frog." Tiana is a hard working woman who dreams of opening her own restaurant. She teaches young women that working hard is the way to achieve dreams, not just wishing for them. It might also be noted that technically she saved the prince in this film.
5. Mulan
Mulan is the third Disney princess of color, after Jasmine and Pocahontas. Mulan, from Disney's "Mulan," teaches children that women can do anything a man can do. Instead of just letting her father die, she trains hard to fight for her family.
6. Basically all of the female characters from "Steven Universe"
Cartoon Network's "Steven Universe" has broken a lot of boundaries in children's cartoons. Most of the characters are female, and they all have a wide array of color, interest, style, and personality. In fact, one of the main characters is a fusion of two smaller women who are in love. This is one of the first lesbian relationships to air on a children's show. These women show kids that women do not have to be pretty and quiet in order to be important and beautiful.
7. Kim Possible
Kim Possible from Disney's "Kim Possible" is important because it shows that women can be strong, intelligent, and athletic, but also be cheerleaders. This challenges the stereotype of cheerleaders being airheads, and that they are much more than just girls with pom-poms.
8. Mabel Pines
Mabel from Disney's "Gravity Falls" is a very feminine character, but she shows a wide variety of interests and hobbies. This shows that women can be feminine, and it's totally okay. They are still people that deserve respect.
9. Anais Watterson
For being 4 years old, Anais Watterson from Cartoon Network's "The Amazing World of Gumball" shows an immense amount of maturity and intelligence. She is shown to be the most mature person in her family besides her mother, and often saves her brothers and father from themselves.
10. Princess Bubblegum
Bonnibel Bubblegum is the beloved ruler of the Candy Kingdom from Cartoon Network's "Adventure Time." She is extremely intelligent, has an incredible knowledge and interest in the STEM field, can fight when needed, and also is a wise ruler. She is important as a role model to children because she inspires young women that have an interest in STEM or politics to never give up. She does all of this while remaining perfectly pink and pretty.
11. Marceline
Marceline is also from Cartoon Network's "Adventure Time." She may not be too feminine, but she is known as an amazing musician throughout the show. She is very rebellious, and will not tolerate anyone treating her as less than she deserves. She is Queen of the Nightosphere after all.
These women hold a special place in many children's hearts, and that's a good thing. With equality becoming more and more prevalent in pop culture, children's shows are trying to keep up with good female characters. Children should have representation in their own media, and these lovely ladies have done just that.
