On Nov. 21, a Los Angeles Times article announced that Disney will refocus its marketing on boys and will temporarily stop making so-called “princess movies,” such as its latest blockbuster hit, Tangled.
I grew up watching the classic Disney princess movies… and loved them. However, I also comprehend the negative impact they have on little girls by teaching them that life is all about scoring the rich guy/hot guy and looking impossibly beautiful. But from now on female Disney characters will only serve as supporting characters or even (God forbid) accessories to the hero.
Disney executives themselves have claimed that girls no longer want to be princesses. Okay, so times have changed. Just because girls don’t fantasize about becoming damsels-in-distress Disney thinks it’s a waste of time marketing to girls. Girls still have incredible dreams and aspirations even if they aren’t fantasizing about being princesses.
If Disney wants to reinvent itself while keeping the magic of the classic animation and musical scores they are known for, then how about making films that can appeal to the general kid market and give girls a positive role model to look up to, instead of brainwashing girls to think all they’re good for is looking good or living in the shadow of their male counterparts?
Think Mulan. There’s action, comedy, drama and yes, the girl gets the guy at the end. But first said girl risks her life to save her father and the Chinese empire from a disastrous fate while demonstrating courage and a general kick-butt attitude!
It’s not wrong to market to boys, but it is inconsiderate and downright rude to give up on trying to market to girls.