The first Disney princess is completely passive, sitting around waiting for a prince, cleaning up after seven men, falling prey to tricks, and needing saving by true love's kiss.
No questioning the status quo or fighting for their freedom... yet. See Cinderella's song 'A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,' and Aurora's 'Once Upon a Dream' for reference.
The storylines involving kissing princesses while they are asleep have concerned many, and likely wouldn't hold up in the #MeToo era.
For generations, Disney films have influenced both children and adults' ideas of what is attractive, admirable, and worthy of a crown. The company's financial success means they're here to stay, so it's important this media giant continues to evolve their idea of ideal relationships.
For more than six decades, Disney has held a monopoly over children's films, forming the basis of several generations' perceptions of what men and women should act like. The media giant has done its best to engage with up-to-date standards and norms, and while their work has been revolutionary at times, it has also been quite regressive at others.
Disney princesses have long reflected the social context of their times, which is why their evolution has been as drastic as the cultural shifts we've seen over the past century. Click ahead to journey through Disney's most celebrated women, and see whether much has changed at all.
The evolution of Disney princesses
How Disney princesses have changed radically over the years
MOVIES Characters
For more than six decades, Disney has held a monopoly over children's films, forming the basis of several generations' perceptions of what men and women should act like. The media giant has done its best to engage with up-to-date standards and norms, and while their work has been revolutionary at times, it has also been quite regressive at others.
Disney princesses have long reflected the social context of their times, which is why their evolution has been as drastic as the cultural shifts we've seen over the past century. Click ahead to journey through Disney's most celebrated women, and see whether much has changed at all.