(This post is inspired by this Youtube video by Carrie Hope Fletcher)
Like pretty much everyone on the planet I love Disney and was brought up surrounded by these beautiful productions and wild stories. For this post, I have picked my favourite Disney women from movies I love and I thought I’d explain to you the morals and lessons I have learnt from them that have stuck with me ever since.
Alice (Alice in Wonderland, 1951): Although none of this story really makes any sense, the character Alice taught me that nothing is as it seems. There is always something more than meets the eye. Despite her fears and worries, Alice manages to make it out of Wonderland safely and this taught me to be brave and continue on your journey no matter how long or useless it seems. Things will all work out in the end.
Ariel (The Little Mermaid, 1989): Ariel taught me that sometimes it is worth it to make a sacrifice to get what you want. Ultimately it is your life and in order to reach your goals or make your dreams possible you have to make decisions for yourself. In the end, those who love you (ie. your family) will support you no matter what.
Mulan (Mulan, 1998): This was the first thing I’d even seen that addressed the complete bullshit of gender roles. Mulan taught me that women can be just as strong, determined and powerful as men and regardless of the expectations people have of you it is possible to break away and be your own person.
Anna (Frozen, 2013): In a new classic that I’m sure you’re all sick of seeing, Anna taught me that family comes first no matter what happens and no matter what you’ve been through. Time may pull you apart and new people may come into your life but ultimately your family has been there throughout it all and they come first. New love can never replace true love!
Elsa (Frozen, 2013): Like Mulan, Elsa taught me that breaking conventions and expectations in order to be yourself is good. Society, other people and even your inner critic may encourage you to conceal who you really are but eventually that’s going to do more harm than good. Although it may take time to accept yourself, once you do your life will truly begin and things will work out the way you want them to.
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Although this list isn’t exclusive to Disney Princesses and doesn’t involve all of the characters that have influenced me throughout my life, they are pretty important to me and their stories still continue to inspire and entertain me today. Now, before I wrap this post up there is one more wonderful lady I need to discuss.
***Honourable Mention***
Lady (Lady and The Tramp, 1955): This is one of my all time favourite Disney movies and always seems to be around me in some way in any stage of my life. Lady taught me to never judge a book by it’s cover and that love can be found in the most unexpected situations.
What are some of your favourite/most influential Disney characters? Do you agree with my interpretations? As always, feel free to let me know in anyway you can.
Speak soon,
Rachael
Rachaelic 