Image via PlayBuzz
For my Paradigm Shift project, I am analyzing the evolution of Disney princesses. I plan to demonstrate how through each of the three “eras” of Princess movies, the princesses progressively became more influential and realistic role models for young girls. I plan to cover the entire duration of Disney Princess movies, from Snow White (1939) to Moana (2016).
In my essay, I’ll talk about how racial and feminist progress, better storytelling, and changing goals in the making of the movies influenced the evolution of the princesses. In my TED talk, I think I will focus on the storytelling aspect of the change. However, I will also tie in social change and movie making goals.
I chose this shift because I think it is very relevant to our current culture, specifically female culture. As a kid, I loved Disney princesses and saw them as role models. Both younger and older audiences of women are looking up to the Disney princesses. I think their evolution deeply reflects our culture’s views on women throughout the past century. In addition, I think that the princess movies released in the past ten years are creating the best role models for young girls. I think we need to understand the changes that have occurred so we can continue to promote great characters to represent girls and women.
I really like your paradigm shift idea. The Disney Princesses really have changed over the years. I remember them always being my role models too. I’m excited to hear your take on the racial and feminist progression through these movies as they relate to external social changes.
As soon as I read the title of your blog post, I knew this would be a great idea for a paradigm shift. There is so much that is different about early Disney princesses when you compare it to Moana and other Disney princesses that had movies recently. Especially with a princess like Moana, the movie not only looks different than old animation Disney did, the plot and characters are unique. I love how Moana is very independent and headstrong because some of the roles of early Disney princesses were to only be the girl that gets the guy. I can’t wait to see your TED talk and see how you expand on this!