Disney Princesses, Feminists, and Trolls (me)

On Tuesday, when I should have been working, I got caught up in a debate/argument over the Disney princesses and their sociological meanings at this site:

Disney Princesses Deconstructed

Now, I don't know where everyone stands on the Disney princess debate, but I thought it was fascinating to watch the comments flow past all morning. I am proud to say that, according to this site and it's commentators, that I am an "anti-feminist troll" and that I am not to be fed.

Frankly, with this group, I'll where their derision proudly.

But, that is besides the point. I actually thought the picture and most of the comments were interesting, so, in the spirit of fun and fair play, I'm linking back to the original article. You may agree or disagree with the post, my response, or the now 200+ comments, but it was certainly was a fun way to spend the morning.

It really took me back to college days when I would spend hours antagonizing the ultra-liberal feminists in my program who, unlike me, had absolutely no experience in the field we were all studying. They argued till they were screaming that I, as a middle-class-white-Christian-male, was the root and cause of all evil. It was great fun.

Click on the like above to see what started the discussion and then join in if you want. I'm not sharing this to find like minded defenders, but only to point out a good debate and some (not all) thoughtful responses. My original response is below, but I'm in the comments section many times.

Comments on the Disney Princesses I think most of this "analysis" is based on hatred for men and the noble idea that men should love and protect women. All of the princesses have redeeming qualities, but they are the qualities under attack by feminist thought today. Snow White - Innocent and beautiful, yes, but also loving, nurturing, brings purpose and organization to a group of men who need to learn that work isn't the only goal in life. Jasmine - Independent, refuses to follow the status quo, fights her father and other power figures to set out on her own path for love and independence. Actually SAVES the prince instead of being saved by him. Ariel - Another independent free-thinking female, talented, curious, willing to break the rules, get out of her comfort zone and find out what the wide and scary world is about. Breaks social norms at home, and breaks down barriers of prejudice on land. Belle - the village intellectual, caught up in reading and knowledge, looks for something more, something grander for herself. Humiliates the town bully, sacrifices her life for the life of her father, tames the beast with love, culture, civility, and finally frees him with love. Cinderella - works tirelessly under the oppression of evil women. Stays hopeful, is kind, loving, gracious, but knows that she deserves more. Sleeping Beauty - She's just kind of cute and lives a sheltered life until Maleficent comes after her. OK, so she's kind of shallow. These women are bold, gutsy, loving, cultured, independent, and after discussion, can be a role model and case study for female empowerment. Looking only at the "happy ending" that most American movies, not just Disney, tacks on, the author gives a wildly incorrect reading of the sociological message these movies send. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Click HERE, for a totally different troll problem.
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