Grace Heriegel

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Whilst it’s hard to distinguish an exact line between the new vs old Disney, it is very obvious that there is a difference over the long term. Two examples have very much stood out to me, and I’m here to talk a little bit about them.

The animation is something that has vastly changed in the most recent productions. A more elegant and oddly realistic style has been replaced with a cartoonish, Pixar look. I understand the majority of Disney films are produced for children and therefore the latter look may be more appealing for them, yet I can’t help but miss the beauty of the old. An important part of Disney’s audience are nostalgic adults, yet I just don’t feel that way when it comes to the new appearance. It was classic and unique, whereas now I feel Disney is falling in with the rest of the media – and I’m not sure it’s their best look.

When it comes to Disney princess’, not only have the voices and – arguably – the sophistication taken a huge transformation, but the stories being projected upon little girls and their idols have too. Yes I won’t deny having princesses like Merida and Elsa who wish to become a leader on their own are strong role models for girls to grow up with and these should not be ignored, but what about those who just wish to love. Just because women can be a ‘girlboss’ and be the breadwinner of their home doesn’t mean they have to. I don’t believe that to lift a whole gender and generation up we have to deny a biological part of them, removing a dream that little girls might not believe to be valid anymore. Projecting and promoting feminism into the media should be equal to displaying the joys and comfort of marriage and motherhood.

I think this conversation can fall in with the transgender debate, with examples like changing the term ‘breastfeeding’ to something more gender neutral like ‘milk giver’. Whereas I do believe trans rights need to be prioritised, why in providing others with contentment and happiness do we need to remove it from women who just want to feel female and traditional. However, that’s a whole other topic to discuss at a later date.

To summarise, there is beauty in the old, and I don’t think it should always be ignored. Where power and strength are enforced, so should love and simplicity, especially in a company that is so vital in a little child’s upbringing like Disney.

To quote Meg March from ‘Little Women’:

“Just Because My Dreams Are Different Than Yours, It Doesn’t Mean They’re Unimportant.”