Disney Princesses (continued)

The thing about these princesses is that they were all minding their own business, living their lives. Evil villains may have had it against them since they were born but their plans never prosper. The princesses always come out on top after the drama. They're all kind - to animals, dwarfs, family and even a giant beast man. Guys "fall in love" with a princess at first sight and then go to extreme lengths to be with her. They always do have that one prince and then they live "happily ever after."

People usually point out how the stories end once man and woman join together but I believe that the stories are not meant to at all be about or against marriage. The stories are about seemingly stunning individuals who are all female characters. When the guys do fall in love at first sight, which obviously seems like frivolous shallowness, it is also obvious that they still always have a mind/freewill of their own. However, marrying the prince is usually pretty much going against all that is expected of the princess because she has been living under someone else's rule/ownership. Things are never as they seem in these princess stories.

Ariel was going through a rebellion/independence-seeking phase, wanting to be a part of another way of life or, as she said, that world (life above sea level). They are all pretty young, these princesses. They have all been estranged by one or both parents, either for their safety or because of death or something. Snow White is the only one where there is no mention of her parents, and so, she was probably "grown." Cinderella was still at home, essentially as a live-in maid. They were all pretty much coming-of-age. Jasmine's story was actually more about Aladdin but it is the same. There's always royalty and prestige involved, whether in a forest or a palace. They've all got exaggerated eyes and long eyelashes. Their hair's thick and smooth. Jewelry is to a minimum but almost-shoulder-length gloves are all the rage. They all have sad beginnings and happy endings and go from rags to riches. Even the princes all look the same, except the beast.

What I find incredible is the way that young girls can connect to the innocence portrayed in the characters. It's a problem that they are usually shown to be powerless victims but that is often how children feel. Children want a lot but don't know how/if they can achieve it. It's a mentality and, once again, these girls overcame it..