Disney princesses have brought people magical and happy endings since 1938, and continue to spread joy around the world to this day. They also have spread the nearly unattainable fantasy of having a “perfect body”, consisting of a super thin waist, flat stomach, skinny limbs and perfect curves. Critics have written many articles that circulate the web questioning how this impossible to achieve image negatively affects young girls’ minds and perceptions of their own bodies. Every Disney princess shows off her perfectly skinny body and uses her beauty to attract others, because, of course, she always needs a love interest and gets married at 16. Society members believe these unrealistic body images need to be transformed into more realistic ones.
Body shapes are so diverse from person to person, and advertising a disproportional body is sending the wrong message to young fans.
In response to feedback, Disney has started to change their princesses.
The latest character added to the Disney family is a Hawaiian princess named Moana. This princess is different in many ways! Moana has a lean, muscular body rather than a thin, frail one. She is shorter with a more realistic waist. Her legs, ankles and arms do not follow the average Disney body type, they are wider. Moana is definitely a step in the right direction in breaking Disney’s stereotypical body shape. This tells children that it is okay not to have a stick figure; people are beautiful no matter what body shape they have.
Another change Disney has made is visible in their theme parks. Princess Jasmine, who typically wears a bustier ttop with her midriff exposed, has had a makeover as well. Her new outfit covers her arms, her stomach, and has a true neckline at her throat. This is reflective perhaps of a more traditional outfit that Middle Eastern woman would wear. It also pleases some parents who felt Jasmine was a bit too exposed in front of their small children.
While this is a start in breaking the mold, princesses still end up with happy endings and true love. Is this false reality creating false hope for young dreamers? Kids need magic and imagination in their lives, but can Disney provide that and still tame society’s needs? Only time will tell.