By Cindy Cuellar
Staff Writer
Social issues and feminism are being imbedded within today’s kids’ movies.
This is a good change from older Disney movies that emphasized the trope of brawny male characters saving the day for every ‘damsel in distress.’
The 2018 animated adventure film, “Ralph Breaks the Internet” perfectly combated that notion in a scene where Vanellope Von Schweetz, who is a racer, meets the Disney princesses in a room.
During this scene of Disney self-deprecating humor, Cinderella literally smashes her glass slipper, which resembles her delicate femininity and key to finding her prince, and uses it as a weapon the second she sees Vanellope.
The rest of the princesses are quick to use their respective trademark accessories as weapons too.
Disney was not subtle about addressing each princess going through a tortuous journey that was always resolved by a heroic man and love interest.
Each princess chimes in asking what kind of princess Vanellope is by asking “Were you poisoned, kidnapped or enslaved?”
These things happen to the classic princesses just to create conflicts in each film while also degrading them for being women.
Yes, they are just animated movie characters but children watch these films at a young age when they’re most impressionable.
A 2016 study conducted at Brigham Young University states, “96 percent of girls and 87 percent of boys viewed Disney Princess media.”
These impressions create and promote stereotypes for girls who grow up believing true love will solve all of their issues.
Such trends were recently disrupted with recent Disney hits such as “Frozen” and “Moana,” which feature single females.
While many viewers still await the first LGBTQ princess/prince, the furthest we’ve gotten is a princess of color who does not fall in love by the end of her movie.
This notion is evident when Rapunzel asks Vanellope, “Do people assume all your problems got solved because a big strong man showed up?”
Princess movies are supposed to be about the princess getting stronger through her own struggles, yet these films still end up being about a man.
The transparency and self-awareness shown through this scene is necessary for younger kids to realize that almost every princess movie is the same, with thinly disguised misogyny.
Pixar is also incorporating feminism in their upcoming film “Toy Story 4.”
The classic “Toy Story” character Bo Peep, who was briefly mentioned in “Toy Story 3,” makes a return in teasers and posters that hint at her strong role in the new film.
She has a completely new look on par with that of a superhero and her confidence is apparent through her power stance on the film’s poster.
Bo Peep ditched her pink dress and now has a blue jumper and cape, with her shepherdess crook at hand.
“Bo’s taken control of her own destiny” said “Toy Story 4” director, Josh Cooley, in a press release.
Bo Peep is back, hopefully to remind little girls and women of the strength they have while still being feminine.
Bo is a porcelain glass doll who hardly had much of a role in the previous “Toy Story” films but her new look might change that.
Bo Peep’s reintroduction establishes her as an independent female character.
This is evident as she bursts through a poster reading “Get ready” to Woody and Buzz Lightyear’s surprise during a clip posted on the film’s Twitter account.
Any bit of female empowerment shown through Disney or Pixar films is welcomed with open arms.
Other Disney and Pixar films that have strong woman leads include “Incredibles 2” and “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.”
In “The Last Jedi,” female protagonist Rey, played by English actress Daisy Ridley, breaks the streak of long-running male leads in the Star Wars franchise.
Fans on Twitter were quick to compare the newest incarnation of Bo Peep to the outfit and iconic accessories used by Rey.
The 2016 animated comedy “Zootopia” perfectly incorporates social issues within its film and has a popular quote that says, “Change starts with you.”
Racism is alluded within the plot as the antagonist, Bellwether, plots against certain characters for being different species.
It is extremely important for movies that are directed towards a younger audience to encourage strength and confidence.
Such actions challenge antiquated American social constructs for both men and women.
This new wave of strong female characters encourages girls to believe in the strength, dreams, creativity and knowledge they carry regardless of their gender, sexuality or background.
Enacting this change in children’s films is a great and artistic way to do so.
