The Disney Princesses I Relate to the Most

You might be surprised by some of the rankings !

And ALL credit for photo goes strictly to http://disneyspersonalities.tumblr.com/

13. Ariel

I've never been able to relate that much to Ariel, which may be why she used to be one of my least favorites for a long time. I'm not outgoing, I've got social phobia, I'm more cautious, not that brave, and I'm not rebellious (when I have gone against what my dad wants, it's never big things, and I'd at least try to do it because I felt it was the right thing to do- otherwise, I'm a bit of a rule-follower). I could go on. I will say we're both impulsive, but I'm not dangerously impulsive! It's more because I'm so indecisive and can only make up my mind at the last minute which isn't always good for making wise choices. I think we're probably more alike than I see, but since this is about who I feel I relate to, she's gotta go last.

Too outgoing, adventurous, fearless, and reckless for me.

12. Merida

Merida and I aren't much alike and our interests are totally different. But I do get where she's coming from and like her, I've had a lot of problems with one of my parents as well. It's very frustrating when you don't communicate well with anyone, let alone your parent, who is the one who makes the rules for you. I'm not saying *I* would go to the trouble of making a deal with a witch and giving my mom or dad a magic cake, but I've also blown up at my dad a LOT over the years because he's very immature and I'm very impatient. So I at least understand her frustration. But since I've grown up I don't relate to the feisty/adventurous types much now.

Similar family problems, but too much of a willful tomboy.

11. Mulan

I don't think Mulan and I are totally different at all, but I've never particularly related to her either. When I watch the movie I don't really agree or disagree with anything she says or does. I don't know, I just feel rather neutral towards her here. But I do see similarities. We hold family high,we're rather awkward and dislike conflict. Though now that I think of it, I would probably also act similarly if I had to pretend to be a man. I'd be totally unsure of what to say that wouldn't give me away. Neither of us is outspoken until we're really determined about something. We're resourceful and analytical, but obviously she's much more so than I am because, well, Mulan kind of turns into a Mary Sue halfway into the movie where she can kick every guy's butt at everything and has no negative flaws for real people to relate to.

Socially awkward (where do people get 'outspoken' from?), loyal and analytical, but an alien situation to me, and a little too perfect to relate to.

 10. Snow White

When I was 16 and my dad got custody of me, I was totally in love with Snow White and understood her so well. I'm less silly and idealistic like her now, but I still relate to her in ways. I can be motherly and bossy too, and love a good romance. However, I've realized now she's much more outgoing and proactive than I am. I'd feel awkward waking up to see all those strange guys around me, and I'd probably have a harder time faring for myself in a strange situation. But a couple people told me I'm strong for getting through abuse, which is why I connected to her so much when I was younger. She NEVER lets anything bad get her down. Even when I feel depressed and negative, it's pretty easy to get me into a good mood again. We both easily see the beauty and goodness in life and people. She's only at 5 because the top 4 are a little more like me.But let me just say, her differences from me (outspokenness, confidence, leadership skills) are exactly why she's my role model, because I lack those traits!

Similar childhoods, naturally sees good, but more of a leader and none of my flaws

9. Elsa

On the surface I can see many similarities between us: we yearn for company like anyone else but also love solitude, we're artistic, quiet, and follow the rules. And speaking of her artsy side, I love the way she chooses to channel her angst- through art! She makes a whole palace! But even when I was way into the Frozen hype I had a hard time understanding where Elsa was coming from. I'm not sure if that's just me or inconsistent writing in the movie. I didn't get why she never even tried another way to control her powers, why she sent a snow monster after Anna, why she spends the whole movie trying to avoid hurting people if she's just gonna try to kill those guards, etc. Plus I tend to want to trust people more than she does. I'm not a big optimist, but I don't see the worst side of things either. But Elsa isn't that low because I still relate to the general aspects of her calm, quiet personality. If we could see more of her personality I might be able to see if I relate to her more.

Superficially similar, but a bit difficult to relate to, especially her situation. I don't think she's "fierce" at all, either.

8. Rapunzel:

When I became apart of the Disney fandom for real a couple years ago, Rapunzel was the first modern princess I truly felt connected to. I hadn't seen Tangled yet and I was curious (it never looked that good to me but everyone said it was). I watched "When Will My Life Begin?" on youtube and just loved her! Like her, all I did was the same thing everyday (but for me, work- I would much rather have done domestic things all day because frankly homemaking sounds awesome to me) and wanted to get out and see more of life, but I couldn't. So I mostly relate to her for that song. But I also love art and have tons of hobbies. I hate being bored! I'd love to see the floating lights as a summer trip, but honestly I do not connect with her over those. I don't see the big deal- I thought the whole point of going was to see WHO is sending them and why, and I would have tried to find out, but she doesn't, she just sees them, and I never understood why. I would've felt like it was a huge waste of time if I never did what I meant to do there after all that traveling and danger I got into. I also wouldn't defy my parents that way and rationalize it. At best I probably just refused to clean my room when he was getting on my nerves growing up. Anyway, like with Belle they seemed to make her a little too perfect in their attempts at making both universally easy to relate to, but Rapunzel is made to be the quirky girl next door you could be best friends with in real life who is open with her emotions, and I relate to her more easily for this.

Designed to be relatable for everyone like Belle with a dorky personality and the "wanting more" goal, but a little too perfect and rebellious.

 

7. Jasmine
 It's said that what annoys us in others can tell us about ourselves, and I agree for the most part here. The things that annoy me most about Jasmine are some of the things I'm trying to overcome in myself: how quick she is to get annoyed and her sassy mouth. I'm a little impatient with people I think are being rude, although I wouldn't show it like she does. I know I can get really self-righteous in my anger when I think something is unfair or unjust. So some of my flaws are more like her's, but I would never take what I have for granted on such a big scale like that. I would also never resort to seducing Jafar like that! But still, I can identify with her better qualities, like her resourcefulness, honesty, and need to be true to ourselves. I would like to get out and see more of the world and I absolutely HATE people talking about me or my life like I'm not there too.

Relatable flaws and reactions; wants "more" but doesn't necessarily care about only that.

6. Tiana:

I think Tiana is very hard for most romance-loving, adventurous Disney fans to relate to for the same reasons I do relate to her: I may be imaginative and daydream a lot but I'm pretty grounded too. I'm very religious, but I try being reasonable and not just expect something to work just because I have the confidence. I also don't believe wishing on stars really does anything (though I do believe in fate). Mostly, though, it's her situation I relate to. I'm around her age and all I do is work! But unlike her, I would love to take a vacation; I just can't afford it. It feels like all I do is work. I don't have a specific goal like her, but I am a hard worker and I would treat Naveen the same way if he was that rude to me. I'm also opinionated, want my work to have some purpose to it, and want to make my parents proud of me. We're still pretty different in ways (I'm not nearly as ambitious, and I think she's too judgmental towards other people). However, I don't really look down on people for not being as obsessed with hard work and ambition as she is.

Opinionated, practical working girls. Nuff said. VERY different desires, though.

5. Anna

Ah, Anna. I thought you'd be a generic spirited young lady, and yet here you are this high! I was very surprised how strongly I related to Anna. the more I analyze the sisters, the more I understand Anna and the less I get Elsa. (Sorry, Elsa.) I have had bouts of loneliness, even though I'm much less socially bold than she is, and I also liked the wrong guy once. We're both VERY AWKWARD. No kidding. At least, cute/smart guys definitely make me feel this way too. People at work think I'm shy and "need to smile more" but I've always considered myself happy and light-hearted like Anna, honestly, and just because I'm not adorably smiley like she is doesn't mean I can't feel optimistic and happy on the inside. She's MUCH braver and more reckless than I am, but I still connect with her a lot. I also love an anti-social guy who likes antlered animals (moose, though, not reindeer), love animals, am very honest about my feelings. We're impulsive to a degree, but less so than Ariel so I relate more to her for that.

Naturally light-hearted, awkward dorks who shouldn't listen to our hearts so much.

4. Belle

I used to not relate to Belle at all, which is why she used to annoy me so much, I guess. I never understood her, like why she never had an adventure if she wanted one soooo badly. Well, now I see it's just because she's too loyal and responsible to go. I would be the same way. I also didn't get that she's just lonely, which is how I feel a lot of the time now. I also don't have a lot of people I can confide in and my boyfriend doesn't even live in my country. I also love books, but hobbies don't make me relate to a character. I like to think I'm more grateful for what I have and I'm not as brave. But looking back, I can kind of see some similarities- I'm a bit of a Disney snob like she's kind of an intellectual snob, we love solitude but still want to connect to people, and a part of me still wants adventure "in the great wide somewhere" while I'm stuck in this place. And we're both kind of hipsters. When I was a teen I had this annoying "I'm deep and intellectual and hardly anyone else is" phase too. All right, I still like some hipster stuff and enjoy being different (hopefully not in a special snowflakey way). But we deal with people very different- she usually stands up for herself without thinking if it'll get her into trouble, while I sometimes don't if it isn't worth the trouble. I'm very open about how I feel, and when Belle doesn't do this the Beast almost dies. But I'm surprised how much I can identify her, really, even if she's not my favorite, which shows you don't necessarily have to like someone to relate to their feelings or situation.

Fantasy escapist hipsters, but different ways of thinking and dealing with people.

3. Cinderella

By this point, it's REALLY hard to rank them because I relate to them almost equally. The list might change later on.Some people have said it's only Cinderella's story that everyone can relate to, not Cinderella herself. Well, for some maybe, but I think anyone can relate to her personality. Who hasn't felt frustrated by unfair circumstances beyond their control? Or felt like taking it on out someone else (ahem, Lucifer)? Or fall right away for the first guy who treats you well? The general bits aside, I very much relate to Cinderella's personality. I suppose this is partly why I've always seen her as a very realistically written heroine. She's so frustrated with her unfortunate lot in life but she's a naturally upbeat person who is good at stuffing that frustration to save herself pain. I'm not stuck with an abusive parent anymore, but I VERY much connect to that, even now. I'm stuck working a job I don't think I'm that good at and I'm constantly frustrated with being around hordes of people all the time, thanks to social phobia. I'm pretty stoic and my mom used to get so angry when I didn't show emotion when she wanted me to (so she could yell at me more, as I'm sure Tremaine wanted Cindy to). She has plain resentment and even a temper she can't always hide, and I'm that way as well, and I don't even have her level of admirable patience. We're also quiet, not really solid optimists OR pessimists in general, like fashion, and are pretty protective of our pets/family.

Stoic but daydreaming realists with relatable backgrounds, flaws, and attitudes toward our lives.

2. Aurora

Of all the princesses that get called too perfect, I understand why Aurora is accused of this the least. Half the time she's criticized as weak, so how can she be both flawed and perfect at the same time? I'm a lot like her and I'm sure not perfect. I'm not just awkward around strangers, I'm phobic. I don't know what to say to guys either, and I can be pretty flustered if I have to make a quick decision like that. I love that we have such an introverted, shy princess who is allowed to stay that way and not have to change into a more outspoken person! Maybe it's because I've spent tons of time analyzing Aurora, but I don't think she's really as hard to relate to as people say. Are you telling me nobody has ever both loved their guardians but resented their overprotectiveness/rules? Or, like I said with Cindy, crushed on the first guy you connect with? And her imaginative side too. (On another note, Elsa has roughly 20 minutes of screen time to match Aurora's 20 minutes, so why is one seen as so ~relatable~ and the other as too unrelatable and hard to understand?) Now, there's several different types of intelligence. I took a quiz on it and apparently I've got the intrapersonal ("self-reflective") kind where you wonder about your own life and are very aware of your emotions and how you'd react to future circumstances. I believe Aurora is the same way (I might have to do an article on what type each DP has now). I always think about my life, my past, and well as things I'd love to have happen but know they probably won't ("But... it's only in my dreams..."). I'm so quiet and stoic-looking I always wonder if people see me as cold, but if you know me you'll know how emotional I am. Like Aurora, sometimes I listen a little too much to my heart and this can cause disappointment, and we both try to do the right thing, even if we would rather actually do what our hearts want. Really, I could write an essay on how alike I think we are, which should tell you something about Aurora supposedly being a two-dimensional character.

Abundance of flaws, values, and attitudes shared between two artistic, reserved, fragile escapists.

1. Pocahontas

I'm so glad people have been studying Pocahontas' character more, because it's opened my eyes to what a good character she is. I can identify strongly with some things she goes through- not war, of course, but for years, and right now, I'm still struggling to find out what my purpose in life is. What is my destiny? How will I know when to act to fulfill it? Like with Pocahontas, this can cause me to seem passive to others and be indecisive. And like her, I do pray for guidance which can REALLY make me look passive and indecisive. I do also lean on the advice of others quite a bit- I don't know everything about every situation and I like seeing things from different perspectives to figure out the best way of dealing with a problem before acting on it. We both REALLY want to make sure we're doing the morally right thing and not just be blindly proactive. I also love nature too- if I had her kind of freedom, I'd love to be able to explore and see every hill and tree and "go wherever the wind takes me". I've admitted this a lot too- I can be preachy. Pocahontas has a WHOLE SONG where she does nothing but preach about respecting people and the earth. It's hard for us both to just get to the point when there's SO much to say! I also hate conflict. I mean, I argue with my friend and boyfriend a lot, but it's mostly in jest. I HATE too much negativity in the air. In relation to this, we don't always speak up for ourselves. Like I mentioned with Belle, I won't mention how I feel if it'll just cause needless drama. I try to when I see the need to though. Pocahontas also doesn't always stand up for herself (and this causes a domino effect of trouble). The only things I don't really relate to are her rebellious side and some of the INSANELY daring stuff she does. I ain't even standing on the edge of a cliff, much less diving off like some Olympic athlete.

Spiritual nature-lovers who dislike conflict, share flaws, and desire to find our purposes in life.

So, I tend to relate to the more emotional, perceptive, artsy-but-also-proper girls, especially if they're introverts. I've never related to many outgoing girls, despite Anna and Snow White being fairly high, but Snow White isn't as bold about it as Ariel and Anna is pretty dorky for a sociable person. I try to analyze the heroines more before just connecting to them for the usual superficial reasons people list (i.e. "Belle and I are just alike because we like reading!" or "I relate to Aurora because we love to sleep !"). I mean, they're all well-rounded characters, so why not look deeper since you can? ;)

Snow White Was Not an Idiot: In Defense of the Apple

It kills me that Snow White gets so much hatred for her ONE mistake (one made with very good intentions I might add) than any of the other princesses or heroines do. I would say Belle made the biggest two- letting her stalker Gaston into her home while she was alone, and then the infamous "Well, he told me not to go into the West Wing... so I better go do it, YOLO!" scene. Why is Belle seen as so intelligent despite also letting in a possibly dangerous person AND going into a dangerous place alone, but poor Snow is branded a moron for just trying to help what she believed was "a poor old lady"? Or how Jasmine had no hesitation about going into the house of a strange man by herself? Or Rapunzel trusting a thief who broke into her home and deciding to go on a road trip with him? I could go on. Notice how even the "smart princess", as she's universally and unfairly called and stereotyped as, does possibly does the least intelligent things of them all. Why single Snow White out when they all made mistakes and trusted strangers?

credit: waltdisneyconfessions.tumblr.com

Let's look at the movie:

1. Snow White doesn't immediately let her in. The hag takes her by such surprise that, like Aurora, she forgets she isn't supposed to speak to strangers.
2. Snow only lets her in because she thinks the old lady is having a heart attack. What a terrible person, trying to help someone! She isn't the type of person to just let an old person collapse on the ground.
3. Snow is obviously nervous when she starts to offer the apple. She clearly starts trying to stall having to accept it (talking a lot about her wish, and she sounds a little apprehensive). She doesn't immediately gobble it up.

That sounds like how a lot of people normally react when they are surprised, alone, and suddenly have a strange person in their midst, much less when they are a sheltered 14-year-old girl. Was it wrong to do? Of course. When has anyone ever advocated going along with a stranger (except for Sandor lovers/Sansa haters in the A Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones fandoms, of course)? But stupid? No, unless you count the other girls doing the same thing stupid too, which most people don't. I think given that she didn't seem to ever be taught not to trust strangers, yet was still hesitating to trust this one, shows she isn't stupid for this.

If you're going to blame one person for a weakness, you need to be fair and blame the others for theirs too, especially if they know better. Don't single one out just because everyone else is!

A Rapunzel Rant (and Unpopular Opinion)

Rapunzel, the iconic fairy tale heroine and one of the most popular Disney Princesses today, beloved by little girls for her brushable silk tresses and older fans for her quirky personality and humorous movie. But some things bother me about this oft-praised heroine.

Hair of gold, heart of gold, right?

It annoys me that people love her for the exact same reasons they hate Snow White (who is my favorite princess ever, next to Aurora, and really doesn't get the credit she deserves). And a lot of them are just hypocritical about them in general. Rapunzel’s mistakes --if you can call them that, because the movie sure thinks they're good-- are excusable; Snow’s are not, despite the fact that one involved a princess rebelling just so she could have her way, and the other was a princess being too kind for her own good. Rapunzel’s bubbly, perky, naive personality is adorable; Snow White’s is annoying. Rapunzel is so proactive despite staying in her tower for 18 years; while Snow White, who actually makes a lot of choices herself and dominates a household full of men, is somehow “passive”, and this is somehow a bad thing. Rapunzel needs rescuing a lot for things she gets herself into but is feminist; Snow White gets put under a spell and she’s a feminist’s worst nightmare. Rapunzel wants to see lanterns and this is an inspiring dream; Snow White simply wants love for once in her life and this is stupid and sexist. This isn’t Rapunzel’s fault at all how her fans treat her and her fellow princess, of course, but it annoys me because most of her fandom is bad about this.

Hmm, a pretty fairy tale girl sitting around talking to cute little critters in a puffy-sleeves dress in the sunshine... who does this remind me of?

 Now, anyway, I disliked her before the film came out (really fair, I know, but in my defense, many radical feminists made her sound like she was their poster girl). Then I saw it and loved her. Then I analyzed it and didn’t like her as much.

Disney really played it safe with her, like, they just took qualities from every past heroine and put them in her. She just overall feels too… carefully constructed, meant to appeal universally to little girls who like pastel dresses, cute animal sidekicks and long blonde hair (granted, that is canon) and and their Disney-apprehensive parents. Everything about her says “Made by Disney Co.!” I like her still, in theory, but feel she’s more of a marketing tool than an original, well-rounded character. Even her hobbies are plentiful, meant to have one for pretty much any kid to see they also like, instead of making a more distinct personality.

As for hidden princesses with blonde hair and a dashing prince with an amusingly stubborn horse, I actually prefer Aurora and think she has a more layered, organic personality in her 23 minutes of screen time. I like that while she has been kept at home all her life, she doesn’t run away even after she meets someone she clicks with, she doesn’t defy her guardians and rationalize her rebellion like Rapunzel, which is the one thing I truly can’t like about Blondie.

Hmm, a barefoot, free-spirited blonde princess hidden away from the world, talks to animals, and falls in love with the first man she meets... Geez, Disney, ever heard of originality?!

OK, I really hope that didn’t make it sound like I despise Rapunzel or anything, because I don’t, but Tangled bothers me for various reasons. I still watch it quite a bit though- love the animation and it’s very entertaining. But the designated heroes aren't very admirable, and the standard "follow your heart not your morals" is one that needs to stop being presented as good by our fictional role models.

Why "Let It Go" is Far From Empowering

"Whoa dude, just let it go!" "I can't, this song is messed up and makes no sense!"

If you love Frozen, Elsa, and Let It Go, I advise you to turn back now. I'm gonna get ranty and I know how in love people are with this movie so if you don't want to hear any criticism of it, you probably oughtn't read this. I'm also pretty sick of this song (THEY'RE PLAYING IT AT MY JOB EVERY DAY NOW! I can't escape!), but I'll try not to let that make me too preachy.

I think this song is actually the opposite of admirable the more I listen to it. It seems fun and glamorous when you only listen to the words on a shallow level, but when you dig deeper and read into the meaning, it starts looking a little more ugly. Are you surprised? After all, she's finally letting go of all her pain and oppression! But my question is... WHAT oppression? Half the stuff Elsa sings about never happens. Let's take a basic look at the lyrics themselves and why they don't match what actually happens in the movie, then we'll delve into my problem with what this song promotes.



The lyrics:

I think the Frozen filmmakers were so desperate for people to connect to Elsa and their movie they decided to use lyrics they knew PEOPLE would like to hear, because the message is so generic and universal, rather than ones that actually have any connection with Elsa. Let's look at some:

Be the good girl you always have to be- Elsa IS a good girl and no matter what skintight dresses, slinky heels or sexy makeup she wears, she always will be, but this has absolutely nothing to do with hiding in your room or staying calm around people.
Can't hold it back anymore- Of course she can. She just doesn't have to anymore.
I don't care what they're going to say- She does care, we see clearly later, but even so, what people has Elsa ever been around to *not* care about?! Her parents are dead. I find it rather cold and un-Elsa like that she means her own sister, saying she doesn't care what she thinks about this shocker or Anna's feelings.
They'll never see me cry- Yes, we do. But as for this vague, imaginary group of people Elsa seems fixated on, I'm not sure why she says this. Nobody would care about seeing Elsa cry. And why would she? What does this have to do with her powers getting loose?
That perfect girl is gone- Related to the "good girl" line, but this one I hate more. Elsa, listen to me: NOBODY ever expected you to be "perfect". That was YOUR choice. Don't blame other people for how you choose to see yourself. Again, nothing to do with hiding her powers. You'd think she was one of those kids horribly pressured to become an Ivy League student and become President or something. And oddly enough, Elsa IS pretty perfect naturally- she was a perfect daughter and big sister, and might have been a good queen had this all not happened.

But OK, Elsa, whatever makes you feel special and oppressed, I guess. I'm mostly joking but Elsa seems to have this victim complex where she sees herself as being totally persecuted for "just being herself", when this never happens at all in the movie.

And yet again, that makes no sense. Now, if Elsa's paranoia had been true and the people had tried to hurt her, these lyrics would make more sense. But they didn't. They literally just stood there the whole time. Where is Elsa getting all this? I think all those years alone may have done her worse than I thought because she seems to be just projecting here.

I have noticed many people, if not all of us to a degree, like to feel different. Many like to feel like we don't fit in and other people are narrow-minded and won't accept us. Western society has definitely developed and encouraged a victim complex because it makes us feel like special snowflakes who are just so unique and different from everyone else and have it hard. I could be wrong but maybe Disney is aware of this. This song completely speaks to people who see themselves as outcasts- even though likely none of them are- or martyrs (if you're watching this movie in a first world society I really highly doubt you are). Which is manipulative, but I blame the people more than Disney for just using that to their advantage.

They're trying to make Elsa's "concealment" seem like an emotional thing or whatever, when it's only a physical thing. Physically holding back her powers. That's all. Elsa has nothing to hide about her personality or opinions (that we know of, anyway). This seems rather dishonest to me. I get Disney cares mostly about marketing and making people like them enough to make money, but really? At least Rapunzel's songs were actually relevant to her personality and story, whereas this is one big "See how easy to relate to this song is, even though it has NOTHING to do with hiding superpowers which no human being has! Please buy out our Frozen merchandise!"

The message:

But I think my biggest problem is the selfishness. Yes, for all I used to say how selfless Elsa is, now that I can look at this movie without so much hype in my eyes, I'm noticing all the I, I, I and me, me, me-ing going on during Let It Go. Elsa informs us she no longer cares. Not just "what they're going to say", she suddenly no longer gives a wig what happens to her own people, even her sister. That's pretty cold-hearted. I understand she's happy now, but is one's own happiness more important than the welfare of others?

It doesn't help that during the Reprise she keeps pinning the blame onto Anna- basically saying "You did this! You made me feel this way! That's why I can't be happy and free!" What happened to responsible Elsa?

Then there's the extremely defiant "AH DO WHAT AH WANT!" tone to the song I had a problem with even when I was still on the Frozen bandwagon. Again, I don't feel like this is characteristic of a prim and proper princess at all, but worse, this is the last thing we need to be teaching kids- telling them to give the finger to doing what is morally right because you don't feel like taking duty on anymore. It was unfair Elsa had to hide away (although for some time it was still her own choice so you can't entirely blame her parents), but she's not a helpless victim of oppression. She wasn't enslaved, beaten, or verbally abused like some of the other girls were. She had a happy life with her parents (and if A Sister More Like Me is canon, both girls managed to have fairly happy childhoods without each other).

On a lesser note, while I admit Elsa's dress and hair are beautifully done, does she really need to be so... sexy? This to me uncomfortably echoes Grease where adorable, modest Sandy is only accepted by the cool kids once she wears a gallon of makeup, dons skintight sharkskin pants, smokes and sings seductively, kind of saying there's something wrong with being modest and ladylike, as if it's being "repressed". I cannot believe people think Merida's completely harmless redesign is "sexed up"- at best a tomboy in a pretty dress- but a princess wearing a sexy, tight, leg-showing dress with vampy makeup swayin' dem hips is fine, even empowering. Either both should be considered wrong or neither.

Conclusion:

Anyway, the whole scene is portrayed as powerful independence and self-acceptance (which I don't really agree with personally anyway- I think we should strive to NOT accept our shortcomings but rather overcome them and become kinder/stronger people. Now I step off my soapbox...) but it's just glamorized self-centered rebellion, which is exactly the opposite of what kids need MORE glamorization of. Celebrities do this EVERY SINGLE DAY and people ALWAYS criticize them, yet apparently nobody saw the same thing in this melody that romanticizes over caring only about yourself and throwing away responsibility and doing what's right. I also don't see how this is empowering when no one is around to see it. It's not brave to say "screw you!" when you're only saying it to an empty room.

I don't hate Elsa or this movie, but I strongly dislike the message of this song. I think it's odd- it directly contradicts Anna's message of true, self-sacrificing love, which makes the movie look rather muddled in a very Brave-esque way in terms of the center theme. Why do we agree selfishness is bad but turn right around and revel in it when it comes in the form of a catchy pop song? Anna did that and she gets ignored for it most of the time, except- of course- when she sacrifices herself to rescue everyone's Favorite. That's kind of sad.



And no, I won't "let it go".

TL;DR you could just read this to avoid my ranting: http://cultrbox.com/2014/02/01/frozens-let-it-go-and-the-popularity-of-selfish-rebellion/ It pretty well states my exact problem with Tangled/Rapunzel also, though that's OT.

What Is a Rose Without Thorns?

Aurora is my other favorite Disney princess (I must post a list soon!). It would seem I am one of the only few- over age eight, perhaps, that is. So many people don't seem to remember her- I'd be rich if I had a nickel for every person who misnamed her "Sleeping Beauty", though nobody calls Belle "Beauty" or Ariel "Little Mermaid" so what gives?- and some even dislike her. "She's got no screen time! All she does is sleep and sing! SHE HAS NO PERSONALITY!!" She has roughly the same amount of time Frozen favorite Queen Elsa does, who is beloved despite, to me, her personality shown very little. And no- she does much more than "sleep and sing". She dances, she cries, she dreams she hopes, she stutters, she sasses. You could very well say the same for the other girls: that all Mulan does is "be a man". All Belle does is read. All Ariel does is want mooooore. But that's silly. You and I both know every one of them does much more than what they may be famous for doing or being. She also has a lot of personality... much more so than many of the newer, so-called more "realistic" heroines, I think. In fact, it's probably being "unrealistic" as they call it that makes her personality that more standout to me. I adore Aurora and wish she got more love! Or at least, respect.

credit: waltdisneyconfessions.tumblr.com 

 Now, what do I love about her?

1. Her sense of duty.

By far Aurora's best strength. Few heroines put their people or duty before themselves, because it takes a huge amount of emotional strength to, as humans are basically selfish beings. Some of you say Aurora lacks a backbone, and that is the only reason why she does this. Could be, but I don't think so. We see from what time we have of her onscreen that she is pretty obedient and doesn't like to rebel. This is bad? No, she's being mature. She doesn't like conflict or hurting

people's feelings, like her "aunts", who of course would feel bad if she ran away. She also probably knows how foolish it would be to run away as a young girl with no money or protection. She doesn't know the kingdom or her parents but gives up being with Phillip or any goals she had in mind to accept her position as ruler. I think she really cares about people more than herself for the most part and I love this about her because I wish I was more like that. I  love how while she obviously grieves Philip and her old life, and is probably nervous about being a ruler, she goes to the castle anyway and doesn’t even throw a fit. She stays positive during her isolation like Anna and never runs away to have an adventure with Philip as many of the new ones probably would have done (not to bash them, but you know, they definitely are known to do that more). I think she’s a strong person, just not in the typical loud, sword-wielding way we're supposed to see as strong today. Though it may sound cliche, true strength lies without, not in your weapons, hobbies, or sassmouth.

credit: disneyscreencaps

2. Her personality.

I don't care how many people say she hasn't got one, or if she does, it's weak. You can think that, but I feel compelled to point out that unlike a lot of characters who have little screen time, we learn a lot from her in hers. We learn she's elegant, shy but confidant around her friends, mature but very playful, a bit of a "cheerful pessimist" (she's cheerful for the most part but lets things get her down easily), she's a hopeless romantic, she wants to do the right thing, and she loves daydreaming. Sounds like a personality to me. I also love that, for once, we have a shy, timid character who DOESN’T have to change that part about her! And she isn't an idiot. Why do people think this? She's strong enough to shake herself of the spell for a brief moment.Though she's very dreamy, she lives in the moment and doesn't take those dreams very seriously. She's also smart enough to tell Phillip to go to the house to meet her again, NOT alone. She's philosophical about life, probably from long years of having no new company to talk to. She feels intensely- she adores the idea of love, and reacts very emotionally when discovering her dreams must die so she can accept the throne she never asked for. After studying her personality a bit I can relate to her a lot, but I'll tell you that unlike her, I don't make being socially awkward and stuttering look half as charming. I'm often conflicted about what is the right thing to do but I'm very loyal and want to choose the right path. I love her personality and wish I was that graceful and confident as she is by the end of the movie. I wish people would stop negatively judging her so quickly from a surface level and give her a chance. I find her inspiring!

3. Her beauty.

Maybe it's shallow to list, but I think she's just gorgeous. A blonde Audrey Hepburn with a dash of Vivien Leigh. She makes me feel good about having a long face and high forehead. There's nothing unattractive about her. Her looks are striking and unique with a slightly cartoony but lovely figure. (Maybe it's the corset making her waist impossibly tiny.) I don't dislike a thing about her appearance. I also find her voice gorgeous- like her appearance, it's just angelic and flawless! I love operatic voices. They give me the shivers and are just full of beauty, which adds to her looks. 

4. Her flaws.

This kind of goes with personality but I wanted to show she does have flaws and is no more perfect than any other DP. Sure, she has elegance and seems impossibly good, but she was supposed to appear that way. Cuz it's a fairy tale and that's how girls appear in them. Anyway, she wants more freedom but doesn't ask for it. I think it's partly because she's loyal but also partly because she might be too afraid of conflict. She strikes me as the type who might not stand up for herself much; kind of unassertive. I definitely relate to that. I can be rude if I'm angry enough at someone. I don't want that so I usually say nothing to people. She gets flustered when faced with a strange person, and doesn't know what to say. Her attitude towards Phillip changes quickly, as she can't make her mind up! (Hey, she thought the forest was empty as it has been her whole life.) She's also a bit of a pessimist. She has a merry personality and doesn't give up, till she feels her life is over (and in a way it was). I don't fault her for that, but it is rather pessimistic. 

5. Her place in the Disney Princesses.

Each DP brings something unique to the franchise the others don't. Rapunzel brings the everygirl free-spirited sweetness. Cinderella brings the hope and dignity of a humble girl who has earned her happy ending. Jasmine brings the idea that social class and money don't matter with love. What does Aurora bring? She brings the idea that true love conquers all, that through sheer willpower you can make the best of your situation no matter how unsatisfying you find it, and that putting others first, even if you don't know them, is the noblest thing to do. They all bring great things in lessons in one form or another, and just because you may not prefer the dreamy wallflower types who do as their parents tell them to doesn't mean they don't have their own strength and lesson to teach. At some point I'll probably make a list of what each of them bring.

So yes, there's much beauty to see in our fair Rose. She's not without thorns- flaws- as she is a flawed, well-rounded individual most could relate to if they saw past face value of her beauty and "falling asleep".

Introduction

Obviously big Disney freak here. I post on some other sites about Disney (if you'd like links to my tumblr or fanpop account, just ask), but I wanted my own place to post reviews and such. I'll probably write about the Disney Princesses the most, but non-Princess movies may be reviewed as well; it just depends on what I'm able to get my hands on!

Some things to know:

1. I prefer Classic Disney heroines to modern. I'm aware that the newer ones, particularly the Renaissance girls, are more popular, but I find that the ones Walt himself created are more admirable AND interesting. While I also love many modern Disney movies, I think most of the older ones that had Walt's direct influence on were objectively the best.

2. I'll try not to let politics get into the blog too much, but I'll probably refer to feminism a few times. I don't support it, but like it or not, feminism has effected Disney and feminists themselves have a lot to say about the films. I'm also a Christian, so many of my beliefs will effect how I see a character or movie.

3.  Not entirely a hipster. I like the clothes, music, and hipster memes, but I thought it was just a catchy name for someone who's a bit of a Disney snob. ;)

4. The title- "But we've met before"? I got the idea looking up names for a Disney blog and came across this on tumblr (though it was "I've met you before", I think). Sleeping Beauty is IMO the most objectively well-done Disney movie besides Fantasia and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and the lovely lyrics have a timeless, fairy tale feel to them, so I felt they were the best to reference in the title. Besides... meeting in a dream... doesn't get much more Disney or fairy tale-esque than that! The header photo? SWAT7D is my favorite Disney film ever other than The Lion King, and the ending is the most beautiful by far, so I had to use that shot.

5. I've been told I'm pretty honest, and I don't say that to brag. I can be a little too harsh sometimes with how I feel, so if I offend you, don't take it personally. And hey, discussions in the comments section are always welcome!

Have faith in dreams,

TDPH ♔