Reflection:
This article was
very interesting. It reminded me of Chritensens "Unlearning the Myths that Bind us," article. I want to comment on the author’s statement of “colored”
princesses because this really fascinates me. When I think about Disney
princesses, I think about Cinderella, Belle, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, and even
Snow White and Jasmine. But I never really think about Pocahontas and Mulan. I really
don’t consider them princesses because their stories and movies don’t make them
seem like one. In all the other Disney princess movies, the princesses play
damsel in distress and the prince comes and saves them. Pocahontas and Mulan
are independent and are after something bigger than falling for their true
love. I often wonder if my perspective of who the princesses of Disney are has
been shaped by the movies and personas they give off. Why don’t I consider Pocahontas
and Mulan princesses? I know I gave a short reason why but there must be more
to it. There has to be an underlying fact that these movies have created and
probably hoped to create this division. Orenstein also mentioned that “not all
eight of the Disney princesses are of royal extraction.” Mulan and Pocahontas
are technically Disney princesses but like she also mentioned, they are hard to
find in the store. I think this has a lot to do with my perspective on which
ones I consider princesses because the ones I see in the stores or on anything
labeled Disney princesses are Cinderella, Belle, Ariel, and Sleeping Beauty. This
is not coincidental and is part of marketing and advertising. I want to end my
reflection on this thought, what does everyone think about the Princess Tiana
from the movie Princess and the Frog?
She is African American and is the first Disney princess of this race. The movie
is very cute and involves the same features of all the other Disney princess
movies, true love, music, singing and dancing, and a happy ending. Why did it
take Disney so long to make a movie with an African American Disney princess?
