Defending Disney Princesses--Snow White

"Emma, I feel a rant coming on."

We were sitting in class watching a group presentation on whether or not the media perpetuates stereotypes. The affirmative side had showed a slide on stereotypes of women--including the Disney Princesses. Something inside me snapped. I was sick of this whole theory that Disney Princesses turn girls into languishing zombies who think they are unfulfilled without their Prince. Yes, girls want to get married but I think it is perfectly natural to want to fall in love and do that. So I am going to go and debunk the myths by examining each Princess in turn and see why they are relatable--not just a languishing girl who needs a man to complete her. I will examine what makes each on unique, and summarize why they are not bad influences on young girls who are their primary audiences.

The first classic Disney Princess was Snow White, one of the Princesses most maligned with this accusation of ninnyness. First, let us consider her time period and situation--medieval-looking setting, Elizabethan costumes, so a time when women were largely helpless purely because of unfortunate laws and traditions. Both of her parents are dead, her stepmom is jealous and cruel enough to force a Princess of the Blood to work as a palace servant. To rise to such a position, we can naturally assume that after the first Queen, Snow White's mother, died, she somehow won the affections of the bereaved King. We must therefore assume that she either began life truly beautiful and kind or faked the kindness to win over the King. So, after her father is now dead, Snow White has to face the fact that she is a complete orphan, her stepmother is really either two-faced or just so messed up inside that jealousy has driven her to abase her stepdaughter, Snow White. Through all of this dysfunction in her family and the cruelty of her stepmother, Snow White remains hopeful and cheerful about her situation. That takes good attitude, that takes determination, to remain so positive throughout that kind of emotional upheaval.

Now, half the reason Snow White gets the flak she does is because of "Some Day My Prince Will Come." But let us consider the facts: based on the time period her story is based in, as well as her social status, she probably would have had a marriage arranged before her Father's death which has now been put on the back burner, her Stepmother having most likely claimed Regency until Snow White "comes of age" as deemed by her Guardian, Regent, and Stepmother. Also, for women of that age, marriage was often the only way to attain autonomy. Sometimes, even today, marriage is the best way out of a bad family situation--because once you get married, you don't have to live with anyone besides your husband. So, in all reality, her most realistic hope is for her "Prince" to come and save her, after a way of speaking.

When she gets away from the huntsman who has been paid to assassinate her, she finds the seven dwarves and lives with them. She is kind and cheerful, she cooks for them and cleans their home, she gives them reason the celebrate and enjoy their evenings after long hours in the mines. By simply being there, contributing her cheerful attitude and the skills she has acquired, she improves the lives of seven otherwise lonely men.

Now eventually, of course, she is fooled into biting the apple and has to be kissed back to life by her Prince--who finally shows up! Look, the fact of life is that sometimes women are going to make mistakes, sometimes we are put into bad situations because we don't have all the facts, and, at some time or another, we will have to accept help from a man. She doesn't know who is offering the apple, gets a fatal case of food poisoning, and is saved by the wandering Prince. This is a guy who is willing to kiss a dead girl and ends up saving her life!

So end my thoughts on Snow White. This was so long I think I'll make it into a series. Next time--Sleeping Beauty: Politics, Intrigue, Heartbreak!