MICHELLE MANABAT

The British- based newspaper The Telegraph recently published an article on how Disney princesses have become too sexy and therefore shouldn’t be idolized by young girls. But this is going too far; family-friendly Disney should not be blamed for young girls’ views about their bodies or sexuality.

In the article, journalist Glenda Cooper states, “I am sick of my two daughters being bombarded by today’s posing Disney princesses.” I would have praised her if she meant Miley Cyrus and other former Disney stars that have gone wild during their careers, but unfortunately Cooper was hating on the newest members of the Disney princess club: Merida, Rapunzel and her least favorite, Elsa.

Should Disney take a step back and only produce movies with the classic “wholesome, conservative and gentle princess saved by her prince whom she will marry on the same or the next day” plotline or are the modern and self-empowered princesses being accused of a problem that existed even prior to them?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a hardcore Frozen fan who sang “Let It Go” over and over, but I do not see a reason why it should be blamed for more serious issues about little girls’ thoughts about their sexuality.

An American study done in 2012 at Knox College concluded that girls as young as six years old are beginning to think of themselves in sexual terms. In the experiment, the girls are given two dolls; one is dressed in a sexy, revealing outfit and the other in comfortable, loose clothing. Most of the girls chose the “sexy” doll over the other option. This is concerning but I don’t see any reason why Disney is responsible for it. Last time I checked, Barbie, the Bratz pack and other mass produced dolls do not belong in any of the Disney kingdoms.

Disney, however, doesn’t get off scot-free in this either. In 1953, there were complaints about Tinker Bell’s curves when Peter Pan was released — she was believed to be modelled after Marilyn Monroe. I understand the controversy — Disney dared to introduce a fairy wearing a dress that barely covered her tiny body in a time period where shorts were definitely unacceptable. But did Tinker Bell’s sexiness have as much influence as people feared? No, because notorious dress for women started in the glorious disco days of the 70s — long after Tink had hit the scene.

Another analysis in 2012, done at the Annenberg School for Communication, suggested that popular princesses in movies and cartoons — including Belle and Cinderella — are praised mostly for their physical appearance and nothing more. I believe this is true, but isn’t it what we were made to believe being a princess is all about? Princesses are portrayed to be nothing but a kind heart, a pretty face and more often than not, a vulnerable creature.

When I was a little girl I dreamed of finding a prince who would save me and take me to his castle where I would do nothing all day but wear beautiful dresses and jewels, being admired by the whole kingdom and — more importantly — my handsome and brave prince.

There wasn’t much girl power and independence, was there? This is a reflection of the society where the idea of a perfect woman is a stay at home mom whose main purpose is to take care of her family — nowadays things have changed. Men and women now have equal rights and opportunities — in principle, at least. It is fair that modern princesses are also different now. Merida, Rapunzel and Elsa are all rejects of the old “princess standards,” but I believe they influence girls in a much more positive way.

These princesses proved that they don’t need a prince to save them. They show that freedom is important but rebellion is not so effective to achieve it and that unconditional love comes from family and is not just about having one magical kiss from a handsome prince. “Sexy” is not a word I would use to describe them — OK, maybe Elsa did show a bit of leg and had an unnecessary catwalk scene — but it still doesn’t make sense that some people see them as “too sexy” to be role models for young girls and women.

Disney is an undeniably powerful and influential company, especially with modern media. But instead of putting the heat on Disney, why don’t we look at the other aspects that might be the source of the problem like unhealthy models in magazines, pop music that is full of sexual innuendos and music videos that should be categorized as porn. And is it just me who has a really hard time finding a Halloween costume that isn’t described as “slutty?”

Instead of blaming a family friendly company for a problem that the whole society made, why don’t we just try to fix it? I guess people just can’t let it go.