The Unfair Portrayal of Disney Princesses: Top 7 Instances

Snow White's Naivety

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs paints a troubling picture of naivety, as the titular character, depicted as a child-like figure, repeatedly makes unintelligent decisions. Her portrayal perpetuates harmful associations between femininity and intelligence, perpetuating outdated gender stereotypes.

Snow White talking to the forest animals in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

The central female character's best moments and character traits are overshadowed by the story, leaving Snow White's characterization devoid of empowerment and agency. This contributes to the unfair portrayal of Disney Princesses, setting a troubling precedent for future heroines.

Cinderella in Disney Cinderella 1950

Cinderella's Passivity

Cinderella's passivity and reluctance to stand up for herself have long been a point of critique. The story's narrative requires her to be subservient to her stepfamily until Prince Charming arrives, perpetuating the notion that a woman's agency is only realized through a romantic savior.

Cinderella blows bubbles

While the live-action remake attempts to address this, the underlying message of female subservience remains. Cinderella's lack of agency and empowerment is a disheartening aspect of her character, presenting a regressive portrayal of Disney heroines.

The definitive version of Cinderella, 1950, where she looks at her glittering white dress by a fountain

Aurora's Passive Role

In Sleeping Beauty, Aurora is relegated to a passive role, with others dictating the course of her life. Her lack of agency and autonomy diminishes her character, as she becomes a mere pawn in the actions of those around her.

Aurora in a trance in Sleeping Beauty

The focus on Prince Phillip's heroism and the absence of Aurora's active participation in her own story further underscore the unfair treatment of Disney Princesses. Aurora's lack of agency perpetuates a troubling narrative for young audiences.

Ursula's Manipulation

The Little Mermaid's Ursula manipulates Ariel into believing that men prefer silent women, using this notion to pressure her into making a detrimental decision. This manipulative narrative perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes and portrays Ariel's agency as being undermined by external influences.

Ursula speaking with Jetsam and Flotsam in The Little Mermaid

The song 'Poor Unfortunate Souls' serves as a vehicle for Ursula's manipulation, emphasizing the toxic portrayal of female character agency in the story. Ariel's vulnerability to such manipulation reflects a concerning pattern in the portrayal of Disney heroines.

Pat Carroll as Ursula and Jodi Benson as Ariel about to make a deal in The Little Mermaid

Tiana's Ambition Diminished

The Princess and the Frog's treatment of Tiana's ambition to own a restaurant is marred by a narrative that belittles her goal. While the emphasis on love and family is not inherently negative, the movie's portrayal of Tiana's career aspirations as insignificant diminishes her as a relatable and inspiring Disney Princess.

Tiana dusting beignets in Princess and the Frog

Tiana's character deserves better than being sidelined in favor of romantic plotlines, and the movie's handling of her ambition sends a disheartening message to audiences, particularly young girls.

rapunzel from tangled

Gothel's Gaslighting of Rapunzel

In Tangled, Gothel's gaslighting of Rapunzel extends beyond the essential plot, manifesting in harmful remarks that undermine Rapunzel's self-worth and confidence. This subtle yet damaging gaslighting perpetuates a narrative of female disempowerment and insecurity.

Gothel in Tangled

Rapunzel's eventual realization of Gothel's manipulation does not erase the lasting impact of this gaslighting, highlighting the insidious nature of the story's treatment of female character agency.

Rapunzel stopping Mother Gothel from using her hair in Tangled

Elsa's Empowerment Diminished

Frozen's portrayal of Elsa's empowerment through 'Let It Go' is undermined by the subsequent narrative, which reintroduces societal pressures and limitations. Elsa's struggle to break free from societal expectations and her own powers diminishes the impact of her empowering moment, perpetuating a narrative of female confinement and restraint.

Elsa sings Let It Go in Frozen

While Elsa's journey is ultimately resolved in Frozen 2, the initial undermining of her empowerment in the first movie reflects a troubling pattern in the portrayal of Disney heroines and their agency.

Elsa (Idina Menzel) frowning with her hand outstretched as a gesture to halt in Frozen (2013).