The Top 8 Feminist Moments In Disney's 'The Cheetah Girls' | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Top 8 Feminist Moments In Disney's 'The Cheetah Girls'

Throwback to 2003 to a great Disney channel original movie about friendship, love, and women supporting women.

3013
The Top 8 Feminist Moments In Disney's 'The Cheetah Girls'
thecheetahgirls.wikia

Disney's "The Cheetah Girls" has an unexpected and surprisingly strong feminist message. I don't think I realized it at the time of its release in 2003 when I was just seven years old, but now 12 years later as a 19-year-old and very passionate feminist, I watch it again and see a positive message about female empowerment and gaining strength from loving friendships. The movie follows four best friends, The Cheetah Girls, in high school as they struggle to make their dreams of becoming a famous girl group a reality. The movie stars Raven Symone, Adrienne Bailon, Kiely Williams, and Sabrina Bryan as Galleria Garibaldi, Chanel Simmons, Aqua Walker, and Dorinda Thomas. The girls are discovered by a hotshot producer, Jackal Johnson, who wants them to change their image in order to sell records, to the point where it is no longer a proper representation of themselves and the group. It causes a riff amongst the girls and the band breaks up. Ultimately, the bond of sisterhood and girl power is what brings them back together. Throughout the movie there are many powerful scenes and songs about the their "growl power," and staying true to themselves. Here are the top eight feminist moments from the Disney channel original movie.

8. "Together We Can" - The Cheetah Girls

A powerhouse song about how anything is possible with your friends by your side.


7. Summoning inspiration from past divas. Before their performances, The Cheetahs call on famous female performers whom they look up to in order to gather strength and self-confidence. A very important message to young girls about the importance of positive female role models. Galleria says before a performance, "May the power of all the fabulous divas who came before us be with us now. May we use our hearts, our brains, and our courage to reach our cheetalicious potential."


6. Talk about what it means to be a Cheetah girl. For The Cheetah Girls, the thing they pride themselves most on is their inner strength and hard work. They do not call themselves the prettiest, or the hottest, or the most desired. Instead, they focus on character development and becoming the best versions of themselves they can be. Galleria shares this when she says, "We call ourselves The Cheetahs because the cheetah is the fiercest feline in the jungle." During another moment, where Chanel is comforting an upset Dorinda, she says, "Do, you're a Cheetah because of who you are and what's in your heart."

5. "Cheetah Sisters" - The Cheetah Girls

The Cheetah Girls most well known song which celebrated their individuality and unbreakable bond.


4. The lack of love interests. It is not common to find a movie in which the central plot does not revolve around a love story. While the main character Galleria does have a love interest, it is not a main component of the movie. In fact, she is very adamant about not needing him to be happy or fulfilled. The movie focuses on friendships instead of teaching young girls that they need a romantic partner to be fulfilled. At one point, Galleria shares with her friends that respect is the most important fundamental building block to any relationship, when she says, "If he can't respect my art, he can't have my heart." She's also very wary of trusting him after he calls her his "boo" when she says, "It's a trick, you guys. Every time he bats those long eyelashes of his it's just a way to bring down the hammer on our success. Don't fall for it."

3. "Girl Power" - The Cheetah Girls

Another great, empowering song about the power of females who believe in themselves.


2. When the girls finally tell off Jackal Johnson. It took them a bit of time and a lot of growing, but eventually The Cheetah Girls worked up the inner strength to cut ties with a very successful music producer who was offering them the world, because they knew it wasn't right for them. They joined together and rejected Jackal's offer when he called, begging them to give him another chance. They said to him, "Hello, The Cheetah Girls do not run with wolves or hang with hyenas. You tell him that The Cheetah Girls follow their own dreams and nobody else's. We depend on our family and our friends and the growl power of the cheetahlicious divas who came before us to see us home. We're gonna be stars our day, our way."

1. "Cinderella" - The Cheetah Girls

The lyrics say it all.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

24194
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10117
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7381
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments