Break the mold, Disney!

This summer we will be taking our first ever trip to Disney. Given that I have never been, I am beyond excited at the chance to see what the hype is all about. However, I am also a realist and question if the long, hot days surrounded by massive amounts of people will be my cup of tea. More on that later.

Before and After

Needless-to-say, being in the thick of planning right now, we have everything Disney on the mind. My girls love princesses and I was excited to see that Merida (a character from the movie Brave) was going to be named as the 11th "princess" before our arrival. This character thrills me as she puts to rest the idea that princesses have to be hoity-toity, do-gooders that get the prince in the end. She is independent, adventurous, and not interested in romance. However, with the unveiling of her character, Disney has portrayed her as some sultry, sexed up princess, who lost her bow and arrow, tamed her unruly locks, and ....is that make up on those high cheek bones? Not to mention the skinnier waist, bedazzled dress and bare shoulders. Call me a prude, but I was excited for a princess that broke the mold. This change in character seems to be the exact opposite of what the entire movie represented. Are we failing young girls by setting them up to believe that adventure and independence is not beautiful in and of itself? Why the need for the makeover when the original Merida was loved for being herself?