Disney's Real Leading Ladies

Last week I took the Disney Princess brand to task for being shallow and promoting a lifestyle that involves underage marriage and a tendency to be useless. And the response I got from Twitter was amazing and I'm so glad to see I'm not the only one who's a bit put off by all the princess hoopla. But I want to devote some time to the female characters that Disney got right - the ones who are good role models, and have something to offer beyond pretty dresses and falling asleep at whim. It's interesting to note that most of these women are fairly recent creations, but still - they're not the subject of merchandise, DVD spin-offs, and boutique makeovers. And it's a real shame, because they deserve to be:

(Note: this roundup is limited to women and humans only - with apologies to Wendy, Alice, Miss Bianca and Nala)

Pocahontas:

The Problem: European settlers bring prejudice, violence, and Mel Gibson to the Native American people.

The Solution: Serve as peacekeeper between the Native Americans and the settlers.

Special Powers: Wise beyond her years, can paint with all the colors of the wind.

Gets Her Man Because: She doesn't, actually. She chooses to stay with her father and her people.

Role Model Status: High. A kind, noble, free-spirited, eco-friendly heroine.

Megara (Meg):

The Problem: Men suck. You try to do something nice and the next thing you know, you're enslaved to the God of the Underworld.
The Solution: Stand up to the bad guy, free the flying horse, save the hero, and almost die.
Special Powers: Extreme sass. Meg doesn't take crap from anyone, even if you're a hunky demigod.

Gets Her Man Because: She's awesome.

Role Model Status: Excellent.

Jane:

The Problem: Monkeys! Everywhere!
The Solution: Teach the handsome wild man English, then move in with him.

Special Powers: Curiosity, intelligence, compassion
Gets Her Man Because: She chooses to live outside "normal" societal constraints.

Role Model Status: Good. Jane is one of those people you want to have at a dinner party because she would always have the best stories to tell.

Mulan:

The Problem: Mulan is a girl. Unrelated: the Huns are invading!
The Solution: Unleash centuries of cultural repression. Kick ass, take names.

Special Powers: Master of disguise. Plus, courage, strength, determination.
Gets Her Man Because: He respects her. Imagine that!
Role Model Status: The gold standard. I mean, she saved China - what did you do today?

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Related Links:

* The Problem with Disney Princesses