A Disney Princess That Looks Like Me | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

A Disney Princess That Looks Like Me

It is not necessarily a matter of being politically correct, but a matter of being inclusive, or presenting different stories and points of views.

301
A Disney Princess That Looks Like Me
Disney Parks

My whole life, I have been Disney obsessed, and off the top of my head I can think of about 5 Disney Princess costumes I have owned throughout the years. I have taken every Buzzfeed Quiz imaginable, waited hours in line, and learned every word to every song.

When I was very young, it didn't matter. I could dress up as Ariel, Cinderella, or even Tinkerbell, never taking account of my brown hair. As I grew older, it stopped being cute, so I "settled" (although it was never settling for Jasmine, Belle, and Pocahontas). Times changed as well, and dressing up as Jasmine or Mulan, was now offensive, something that while I completely understand why it can be seen that way, I can argue the opposite. But that's an article for another day.

Eventually I realized that as fun as it was to dress up like Disney Princesses, none of them really looked like me. At first, the problem was the hair. Every princess had perfectly straight, tame, hair. Merida came along and I felt like she understood me. Curly haired girls finally had a wild, carefree princess to look up to. But it still wasn't enough.

It wasn't until I was walking around the parks the other day that I came across Elena of Avalor merchandise. I was brought to tears. Elena is Disney's first official Latina princess. I thought of all the little girls who get to grow up and look up to a princess that looks and talks like them. They can now dress up like any princess really, but they know they have the option to dress up like someone they relate to.

It is definitely not the biggest deal in the world, but representation is important. Disney Princesses, as of the 90s, have represented so many different cultures and ethnicities; Jasmine meant to resemble those who are Arabic, Mulan is Chinese, Belle is French, Merida is Scottish, Moana is Polynesian, Tiana is African American, Pocahontas is Native American, and Esmeralda is a Gypsy. There are so many little girls nowadays who get to dress up as any princess with any look. They no longer have the blonde ones (Cinderella and Aurora) and the Brunette (Snow White).

While writing that list, I kept adding every time I remembered a princess of a different ethnicity. And yet, I realized, that it shouldn't end there. We should continue to create and accept princess of other cultures and ethnicities, as well as princesses that look different or are different. There is controversy around a Disney princess that is gay, yet I don't see a problem at all. It can be her main characteristic, or it can just mentioned in passing but it would be great for boys and girls that are growing up and struggling with that.

There should be a princess who isn't stick thin. Not only do princesses have quite difficult, if not impossible, body proportions to emulate, but it would be great to see a princess who is a little chunky, or maybe really, really tall, or really really short. Maybe a princess who is disabled, so that girls, or boys, who are disabled, can relate to a princess.

It is not necessarily a matter of being politically correct, but a matter of being inclusive, or presenting different stories and points of views. Disney Princesses are characters I, and many others, have always looked up to, not just because they are beautiful, but because they are strong and multi-faceted. Having princesses that live different lives would be fantastic to see. The best part about the princesses is their story and how they overcome the obstacles they face.

I hope to see different types of princesses in the future so that other children, including mine hopefully, can experience the magic of princesses they relate to and can look up to on more than just an aesthetic level.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1332
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16212
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3390
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments