Stereotypes are sometimes inescapable. Everyday activities, such as doctor visits, shopping, as well as others, may be interrupted by people placing stereotypes on young children. The origin of these gender stereotypes is thought to stem from the portrayal of princesses and the images they project to children. The author of “Cinderella and Princess Culture”, Peggy Orenstein, shares her frustration and claims the only way to get rid of female stereotyping is to get rid of princesses. Typically, the princess archetype goes hand in hand with ball gown dresses, a prince charming, etc.; however, princesses’ womanly figures, outfits, as well as their storylines, have begun to change. The author of “The Evolution of Disney Princesses”, Jo Bradley, …show more content…
He writes, “Moana’s physical appearance reflects a small but positive step in Disney promoting more variation in the body shapes of their princesses” (Bradley). Moana has a curvier figure than most princesses because of her ability to navigate and sail across the ocean. Bradley would suggest that this change in figure allows for girls to realize skinny and slim doesn’t always mean perfection. He believes this shift in princess culture is an important step in teaching young girls self-love and empowerment. However, Bradley does not consider how this change in princess culture affects boys …show more content…
In the article “The Princess Paradox”, James Poniewozik claims this shift in princess culture will allow for girls to grow up feeling confident and self-reliant. Poniewozik writes, “...find a new kind of Cinderella, one who would rather save Prince Charming, thank you, and who has learned the lessons of feminism-”(324). Poniewozik claims this new Cinderella allows for girls to feel empowered and individualistic as they grow up. In order for this to happen, princesses must be portrayed as self-reliant and empowering. Jo Bradley claims that the princess characteristics are altering in response to changing social norms. “For more than sixty years, Disney has been hugely influential in dictating to children the idealised characteristics of men and women… Disney and their famous princesses have changed significantly as a response to, and a reflection of, changing social norms”(Bradley). Bradley is suggesting women becoming more empowered in today’s society rubs off on the creators of princess movies. Bradley and Poniewozik agree that children who embody princess culture feel confident and individualistic as they grow up due to the portrayal of princesses