Dislike My Disney Princess: Why and How!

Disney princesses, beloved figures in the magical world of Disney, are often celebrated for their charm and charisma. However, not everyone agrees with the narrative or the characters revered by the masses. In this article, we explore the reasons why some beloved princesses are disliked by many, focusing on four: Ariel, Aurora, Cinderella, and Snow White. We'll dig into the fundamental issues that contribute to this dislike, providing an in-depth analysis based on specific actions and story arcs.

The Case Against Ariel: A Trojan Horse of a Princess

When it comes to the Oceanic kingdom, many find Ariel to be more of a villain than a hero. Her actions in The Little Mermaid are questionable, particularly her Faustian bargain with Ursula.

The Faustian Bargain: A Mistaken Path to Redemption

Ariel's decision to meet with Sebastian and sell her soul to the sea witch is far from heroic. She seeks a horn of plenty to buy trinkets, but her cravings escalate to wanting to be human. In doing so, she makes a pact with the enemy, which is tantamount to treason in any realm.

The consequences of this bargain are dire, yet Ariel's role in the story is passive. Ursula's attempts to punish Ariel only surface later when her contract with the sea witch comes into effect. Ariel's betrayal, however, is thoroughly her own.

Beyond the betrayal, Ariel's character development is lackluster. There is no genuine redemption arc; she is saved by others, namely Albus, without her own efforts. This passive involvement belittles the significance of her actions and weakens the narrative.

The Ultimate Message: Sacrifice Without Redemption

The message conveyed by Ariel's story is disconcerting: a character can make a disastrous life decision and still receive a happy ending. This conflicts with the traditional narrative of sacrifice and self-improvement.

Why Aurora and Prince Philip?

While Aurora is adored by many for her beauty and grace, a significant portion of the audience finds her bland and uninteresting. Beyond the surface-level singing and dancing, Aurora's character lacks depth.

The Bland Personality: A Product of Convenience

Aurora's character is often described as insipid or bland. Her interactions are reserved, and her focus on singing, dancing, and particularly sleeping form the entirety of her character. While these traits might appeal to younger audiences, they can be grating for those seeking a more intriguing protagonist.

Prince Philip: A Stalker's Worst Nightmare

Prince Philip is another character that receives criticism for his behavior. His character is often perceived as more of a stalker than a charming prince. His hasty and possibly improper actions, such as kissing Aurora, raise moral questions. The context of their relationship, if any, is equally questionable, as it often feels forced and rushed.

Cinderella: A Timeless Victim

Cinderella, a timeless yet polarizing princess, has been both praised and criticized for her character. While many adore her for her resilience, others find her story inherently unsatisfactory.

The Victim's Plight: A Familiar Story

Cinderella's story is not unique; it is the template for countless other Disney films, such as Aurora and Snow White. Her situation as a victim of abuse and harassment is a recurring theme in classic Disney princess narratives. However, the solution often remains the same: a prince comes to the rescue, kissing her to wake her from her slumber. This narrative perpetuates harmful stereotypes and erases the agency of the protagonist.

Illogical Plot Points: A Missed Opportunity

The plot point where Cinderella discovers the slipper is fitting, but her subsequent sobs over the shoe before it falls off is a poorly executed closure. If the slipper fits, why does it fall off? The resolution is illogical and undermines the story's impact.

Snow White: A Shadow of Aurora

Snow White, like Aurora, falls into a deep sleep and is awakened by a prince. This reflects the shallow narrative structure often associated with Disney princesses and raises questions about the depth of these stories.

The Sleep and Kiss: A Timeless Formula

The deep sleep and awakening motif is a typical setup for Disney princess tales. In Snow White, the formula is no exception. While the story is compelling in itself, its reliance on this narrative makes it less impactful compared to others that explore more complex themes or character development.

Character Similarities and Lack of Originality

Comparing Snow White to Aurora, the similarities are striking. Both fall into a coma and are awakened by a kiss. This redundancy in storytelling breeds dissatisfaction as viewers seek fresh and distinctive narratives.

Conclusion

While Disney princesses have enchanted millions, their narratives are far from perfect. These stories, while charming, often lack the depth and complexity needed for a positive and impactful experience. Whether it's a character's bland personality, questionable morals, or shallow plot points, Disney princesses can be criticized for their limitations. Finding these aspects in the beloved characters helps audiences appreciate the complexity and depth of storytelling, encouraging a more thoughtful and nuanced view of these iconic figures.