Merida Controversial Makeover
The 2012 release of Disney/Pixar’s fairy tale, Brave, portrays one of the most unique interpretations of the “princess” archetypes yet seen in the canon of Disney princesses. In a world which is becoming more focused on appearance and young girls going to more and more dangerous extremes in order to fit in, it is refreshing to finally see a role model that girls can realistically look up to. But is this role model meant to endure or will she fall into the cracks as another rendition of a beautiful, Disney-inspired archetype?
The essence of what made Princess Merida such a strong character was not that she was beautiful or that she had the ability to make a man fall in love with her instantaneously. Instead, this Scottish warrior princess stands out as unique in the Disney princess canon because she relied on courage, integrity, and the strength of her own heart to define who she was. She not only embraced the warrior within her, but she also realized that she could stay true to who she was while also allowing herself to be the voice of compromise and inspiration for her people. This is what a true princess should be. Sure, she did not fit the mold of the classic Disney princess, but that is what made her stand out. She was not a polished and beautiful girl on the threshold of womanhood. She was, to put it simply, a child. Her wild, flyaway hair, her rebellious nature, and her determination to have her own voice instead of submitting to the rule of her mother allowed Merida to be portrayed as a believable teenager.
So why is Disney so hell-bent to change this courageous heroine into yet another perfect Disney role model that young girls can never live up to? To be honest, the re-vamped Princess Merida is almost unnerving because she has lost the essence of what made her so special, and as a result, she does not command the same respect and admiration from me that the original princess did. The more sophisticated clothing and makeup actually detract from the character because they represent what Merida was opposed to instead of who she truly was. If Disney wishes to remain true to the essence of this strong and courageous young heroine, they will allow Merida to retain her youthful innocence and restore her bow and arrows instead of trying to change her into yet another perfect face.
© 2013 – 2016 Keriane Kellogg. All rights reserved.
The 2012 release of Disney/Pixar’s fairy tale, Brave, portrays one of the most unique interpretations of the “princess” archetypes yet seen in the canon of Disney princesses. In a world which is becoming more focused on appearance and young girls going to more and more dangerous extremes in order to fit in, it is refreshing to finally see a role model that girls can realistically look up to. But is this role model meant to endure or will she fall into the cracks as another rendition of a beautiful, Disney-inspired archetype?
The essence of what made Princess Merida such a strong character was not that she was beautiful or that she had the ability to make a man fall in love with her instantaneously. Instead, this Scottish warrior princess stands out as unique in the Disney princess canon because she relied on courage, integrity, and the strength of her own heart to define who she was. She not only embraced the warrior within her, but she also realized that she could stay true to who she was while also allowing herself to be the voice of compromise and inspiration for her people. This is what a true princess should be. Sure, she did not fit the mold of the classic Disney princess, but that is what made her stand out. She was not a polished and beautiful girl on the threshold of womanhood. She was, to put it simply, a child. Her wild, flyaway hair, her rebellious nature, and her determination to have her own voice instead of submitting to the rule of her mother allowed Merida to be portrayed as a believable teenager.
So why is Disney so hell-bent to change this courageous heroine into yet another perfect Disney role model that young girls can never live up to? To be honest, the re-vamped Princess Merida is almost unnerving because she has lost the essence of what made her so special, and as a result, she does not command the same respect and admiration from me that the original princess did. The more sophisticated clothing and makeup actually detract from the character because they represent what Merida was opposed to instead of who she truly was. If Disney wishes to remain true to the essence of this strong and courageous young heroine, they will allow Merida to retain her youthful innocence and restore her bow and arrows instead of trying to change her into yet another perfect face.
© 2013 – 2016 Keriane Kellogg. All rights reserved.