The Reasons Why Disney Creates Amazing Role Models for Children

The Reasons Why Disney Creates Amazing Role Models for Children

There are some people who aren’t fully aware of the magic that is Disney. These people have a false idea that Disney is a bad representation of what young men and women should grow up to become. They say that Disney films make women seem helpless, and that they don’t create a sense of independence. Many of the people who possess these opinions really don’t dive deeper in order to understand each film and the underlying morals and ideals that make it so wonderful. Disney films set amazing standards for young people, and give them a chance to learn more about the best things in life. These films give children a better outlook on life and teach them some of the biggest and most valuable lessons that life has to offer. Of course everyone has the right to their opinion, but it is always important to do research before really forming such a harsh belief. Personally I believe that these stereotypes towards Disney are completely unfounded, and lack a true understanding of what it means to be a Disney fan, both as children and as adults.

It is important to address these Disney films as a whole, but also to take apart each film in order to explain why the attacks on them are not true. So we should probably begin with some of the classics and work our way towards the more recent films, instead of simply discussing why Disney films set great morals in general. This will help us gain a deeper understanding of the specific characters and why people develop such incorrect opinions towards them.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

I understand that Snow White is a much older film, which can cause it to seem outdated in some ways. It is important to remember the time this film came from, and to take that into account. On top of that there is really nothing wrong with Snow White or the ideals it can teach young people. Snow White teaches us that even though life can hand us challenges, we should always be brave and kind to others. She continues to be positive no matter what she endures, and even though she has lost so much. Snow White cares for others and does not lose her warmth and goodness, which is something to be admired in her. Whether or not you like her character is beside the point, Snow White teaches a positive moral, which is to persevere and not to let the darkness in others change who you are.

Cinderella

Cinderella is one of the films that gains the most negativity from people who simply see her as a helpless girl. The stereotypes attack Cinderella for sitting around just waiting for a man to come and rescue her. What these attackers forget to mention is that Cinderella is no ordinary young lady, she is actually in a completely abusive situation. If she were living today most people would sympathize with how she is treated and the suffering she continues to endure. Cinderella goes from having loving parents, to losing them both and winding up with a stepmother who tortures her and abuses her. She has everything taken away and has to become the household maid in her own childhood home. Her once loving environment turns into a place filled with cruel people who seek to control her. Even though Cinderella is in a rather dark place, she continues to live with kindness and with hope. She never really gives up on the hope that one day her life will change, and she will find love and happiness. Instead of lashing out Cinderella continues to be a good and kind person to those around her, living with a grace that is unmatched by most. This tells children to be strong even when life is hard, and to never lose your warmth and kindness just because you are around bad people.

These ideals are not bad, simply because Cinderella falls in love with a kind Prince. Falling in love is not something we should scoff at, and is not a good enough reason to consider this young lady a bad role model. Most people would not survive the pain she endures in her life, and yet she pushes through it without letting it taint who she is. To me that is an excellent role model for young people, and teaches them a lesson that is important to learn.

Beauty and the Beast

Belle is a character that gets attacked simply because people state that she had Stockholm syndrome. To set the record straight Belle does not possess the qualities and reactions that someone with Stockholm syndrome possesses. These people are frightened and whimpering, and will cower to anything their captor requests of them. Belle is the opposite of weak and is actually rather stern and independent. She knows how to put the Beast in his place and does not back down to him when he is being a brat. She shows him how to be a better version of himself and brings out the good inside of him. Belle is one of the bravest characters you will find and not just in a Disney film. She sacrifices herself for her father, and will do anything to protect him. Belle also teaches young people that physical appearance is not something that should be valued as much as who someone is on the inside. She does not love Gaston, even though he is strong and handsome. To her he is not attractive because he is not a truly good person. She focuses on understanding the soul of a person and clearly does not possess a shallow bone in her body.

Belle also teaches young people that it is okay to be a little different, even if others seem to judge you for it. She loves to read and enjoys dreaming, and she is not afraid to be herself even though it can be difficult for her sometimes. These morals are something to be valued, and are a big reason why Belle sets amazing standards for young people.

Aladdin

Jasmine is a perfect example of a young woman who is strong, independent and who speaks her mind freely. She refuses to just be a prize for some wealthy man, and wants to be her own woman. She is not obsessed with the idea of being a wife, and only wants to marry if she finds a man who loves and respects her. Jasmine also looks past Aladdin’s mistakes, and chooses to see the goodness that lies within. She does not care that he is poor, instead she loves him for who he is and chooses to bring out the best in him. Jasmine is her own woman, and does not turn to others to make her decisions for her.

Princess and the Frog

Tiana is an amazing role model for young people in many ways. Her work ethic proves that she is not expecting the good things in life to simply be handed to her. She was taught to always work hard and chase after her dreams, and she will do whatever it takes to achieve her goals in life. She is not afraid to work hard, and she proves this by pushing herself even when things seem a bit overwhelming. Tiana has strong inner morals, and doesn’t want to do anything that might compromise who she is or what she believes in. This teaches young people to always take initiate in your own life, and teaches them to be independent instead of simply relying on others to take care of you. Tiana does not need someone to protect her, instead she takes her life into her own hands.

Brave

Merida is an incredibly strong and independent young lady, which definitely makes her a suitable role model for children. She doesn’t want to simply rush into marriage, wish shows young women that it is perfectly acceptable to be your own woman without relying on the idea of romance. She wants to feel free to be herself, without having someone else control her actions. Merida is a bit of a tomboy, which is a great way to represent another type of young women instead of the stereotypical princess. This diversity is what makes Disney so great, giving a place for all types of young people to feel like they can be themselves. This film also represents another important thing, which is family. It shows how we can become prideful and distant from our parents as we grow up, and that mending that relationship is a door that swings both ways. It is okay to fight and become frustrated with one another, but that we need to remove our pride in order to become close once again. It is a wonderful and important thing to remember in life, especially as we get older.

Mulan

Mulan is honestly one of the most incredible role models for young people, especially young women. It teaches them to be strong and independent, and proves that women can be incredibly powerful people. Mulan is not the typical young lady, which does somewhat alienate her from the expectations of her family. Even though it can be difficult for her, Mulan eventually has to let her true colors shine through. When she does this she uses her intelligence and her problem solving abilities in order to make a real difference for those around her. Mulan does not wait for others to rescue her, instead she is the one who does the rescuing. She is one of the most amazing role models ever created, and definitely proves that Disney sets great examples for young people.

Frozen

Frozen is a representation of familial love, instead of romantic love. Anna and Elsa ultimately break a spell based on their bond of sisterhood, instead of looking towards true love from a man. Elsa is also the embodiment of strength and independence, and she does not have a love interest at all. She does not need a man by her side to make her whole, instead she focuses on learning to love herself and overcoming her own struggles in life. Anna also proves that rushing into romance can be a bad thing, she since finds herself falling for the wrong person at first. These aren’t the easiest lessons to learn, but they are extremely valuable ones which completely defy the stereotypes set around Disney films.

Perfection is Not a Good Role Model

Many of these characters get attacked because they possess flaws, but flaws are realistic. Having a perfect and ideal character is not going to set realistic standards for young people. These sort of flawless characters are not actually someone children can look up to and connect with on a deeper level. Real heroes overcome adversity and become stronger and better because of it. Disney characters set different examples and give plenty of diversity for people to connect with and ultimately aspire to.  Just because one person does not connect with a specific character, does not mean that film is setting bad examples- it simply means they aren’t the right character for that individual to relate to.

Disney is something that many of us grew up with and learned many hard but good lessons about life and growing up. They taught us that things aren’t always easy and that we will struggle, but it is the best people who become stronger and wiser through those struggles. Disney taught us to make mistakes, but to learn from them and to pick ourselves back up when we fall. These films show people what it means to strive for sincerity, kindness, altruism and to learn how to see the best in people. We learn to look past appearances and into someone’s soul, because it is truly what is on the inside that counts. Each film teaches us a lesson, but it sometimes takes putting aside our pride and ego in order to truly understand. Disney made me a better person, and I will stand by this truth as I continue to learn from these films well into adulthood.