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Feminists Still Freaky About Disney
'Say It, Sister' has a lot to say about princesses
The wonderfully named Allendra Letsome, Vice-President of Marketing for NOW (the National Organization of Women), has a lot to say about Disney, princesses, and feminists on the feminist blog, Say It, Sister.
Most of what she says, unfortunately, makes little sense.
After watching 'Tangled' recently, Allendra thinks Disney has taken "a few more baby steps on the path to feminism". Disney, of course, isn't aware it's on that path, and if it were aware, it would likely get a good laugh as I doubt feminism is one of disney's long-term corporate goals.
Just as people find in the Bible what they want to believe, so feminists, apparently, see in Disney movies what they want to believe.
The best part of Allendra's article - once you're past the feminist cant - is her run-down of how Disney has treated women in its movies, starting with Snow White (who had one goal: finding a husband; well, two goals, if you count keeping the Dwarfs' cottage clean) and ending with Rapunzel (who is entirely out for herself and needs no man).
Despite the progress that Allendra recognizes Disney has made over the years, she charges that "Disney has a long way to go before they create a truly feminist animated character."
The problem, Allendra writes, is that Disney ignores the many, many stories from many, many cultures about strong women and instead picks fairy tales where the women are beautiful, in need, and end up living happily ever after - with a man.
A terrible thing, isn't it?
If Disney creates a 'truly feminist animated character', they should also create characters acceptable to masochists, misogynists, and even transgender morbid emos. Let's fill the kingdom with artificial princesses whose genesis is due entirely to special interest pressure.
Sister, you may be sayin' it, but you ain't sayin' it right.
Don't stop there! More Tidings Await...
Comments (4)
I don't think that Disney intends to be a feminist organization. But I do think that their characterization of women has changed with the times, and as more of their viewing/consumer audience wants to see female characters looking for more than marriage out of life.
My personal favorite Princess right now? Tiana, who believes that wishing on a star is nice and all, but if you want the good stuff, you gotta put in the elbow grease. I'm also a huge fan of Mulan in warrior drag.