Princesses: most girls adore them and spend countless hours of their childhood watching movies, singing, and dressing up to be just like their icons. The problem is princesses are often depicted as unrelatable characters with immortal singing voices, perfect figures, beautiful gowns and flawless complexions. They are poised and proper 100 percent of the time. They live a seemingly perfect life, finding love and living “happily ever after.” What does this teach young girls? That all there is to life is finding Prince Charming and getting all dolled up for balls? As fun and majestic as all of these stories are, there is so much more to teach young girls than just the classic princess stereotype.
Thankfully, there has been a "Princess Revolution" in recent years making these heroines stronger role models for young girls. I believe it all started with the one and only Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo, aka the one and only Princess Mia from Disney’s "Princess Diaries." Although fictional like all the rest, she acts as a role model for young girls who is a combination of brains and beauty.
For example, she is one of, if not the only, princess seen attending school or a higher university education.
She is a real person—she embraces her clumsiness, is free to admit she isn’t perfect at all things especially dancing but has fun with that and all other aspects of life
She lets her emotions free and shows she cares about all of her citizens
She knows a good friend when she sees one and helps them whenever needed.
She spends time with her family, not just because they are royalty, but because she knows family comes first.
She knows what real love is and that it comes to you at the most unexpected times with someone who loves you for who you truly are.
She knows how to dress with class and be comfortable.
She reminds us that no one is perfect and that not all princesses are born with flawless skin and perfect tangle free hair.
She is an animal lover.
She is insightful, intelligent, and a strong and effective leader who rules in the best interest of all citizens.
