The impact Walt Disney's movies have made on our world is clearly powerful and insurmountable. Generation after generation, children rely on Disney to provide them with an entertaining and heart warming story with an underlying moral behind it. Because of Disney film's presence in our culture is so strong, it is important that children are supplied with wholesome characters to look up to and grow up with. It is clear that in our society, girls' idea of what they must aspire may become construed. Thankfully, these characters bring light to the issue and prove to girls that they can not be singularly defined while they disregard gender stereotypes, speak their mind, remain unapologetically themselves, and demonstrate pure moxie.
1. Marie
Marie is my spirit animal. She shows us that it is okay to not be quiet and compliant, but rather elegantly show some sass. Especially when she says, "Ladies don't start fights, but they can finish them!"
2. Pocahontas
Pocahontas wouldn't let the white man keep her down; she wasn't going to marry Kokoum either. Princess of diversity, Pocahontas followed her heart and always look for what was just around the river bend.
3. Tiana
Hardworking and driven, Tiana showed us who's boss and that we can get anything we want with enough passion and dedication.
4. GoGo Tomago
This young woman is strong, loyal, fierce, and a protector. She shows us it's okay to be a cool lady and be tough.
5. Merida
Merida refuses to conform to expectations. Girl, let your hair down.
6.Belle
Marry Gaston? How about no thanks. Belle is realistic enough to realize that the town heartthrob is actually a controlling, egotistical jerk. Also, she is considered an odd character because of her uncommon love of reading. Once again, she goes against the grain and pursues what makes her heart happy.
7. Judy Hopps
Of course, I had to include Judy from the new movie, Zootopia because of her confidence and determination. She was told that she could never be a police officer because of her size, but she ended up accomplishing her goal and solving one of the most pressing cases in the city. (I won't give too much away, but if you haven't seen Zootopia, drop what you're doing and fix that problem of yours)
8. Elsa
Queen Elsa. Not princess Elsa but QUEEN Elsa. She teaches us how far independence and strength can go. Also, she breaks the stereotype of Disney princesses swooning over a guy at first sight when she gives her sister a reality check and says "You can't marry a man you just met".
9. Mulan
We all know the story. She didn't want to follow her culture and become the model wife. Instead, she fought in the military and proved that the patriarchal views are invalid.
10. Megara
Meg is possibly the sassiest Disney character around, but the is also soft and finds love. Who says you can't have both?
11. Jasmine
Sensible and confident, Jasmine proves that she is not a prize to be won. She makes decisions for herself and doesn't take no for an answer.
12. Ellie
Her spunk and ambition is something I can relate to. Instead of being neat and well mannered, she loudly forces Carl to engage in her outlandish dreams while teaching him that life is not meant to be mediocre.
