Princesses - what do *you* think?

[VSL]

I didn't really know where else to post this...

Over here (UK) we have the 'Disney Princess' range of products out (for little girls). The princesses mostly featured (they seem to be the 'Disney Princess' models) are Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine and Aurora.

Now, to me, the true princesses (off the top of my head) are:
- Snow White
- Aurora
- Jasmine
- Pocahontas
- Ariel

The others (Belle, Cinderella, etc.) just married into royalty.

Now obviously, I believe that they chose the four princesses above because of the differing dress colours and how they compliment eachother.

If you were to create the 'Disney Princess' range and had to choose just four Disney princesses for it, who would you choose (vote your four in the poll, too!), and why?

 

[VSL]

OK, my why's:

Pocahontas - she's the only American princess; she stands up for what she believes in
Jasmine - modern woman?
Snow White - the original Disney princess; has to make the best of a bad situation, but embraces it
Aurora - I don't know, she's just so sweet and innocent

 

[tclowe]

Personally, I like Mulan the best. She represents all that I would want my daughter to model after. She has spunk, loyalty to family and country, respectful of her elders and ancestors, not afraid of challenges, and still have lady-like qualities. Plus, Mulan was a real female heroine in Chinese history (not make-believe). Sort of like a Chinese Joan of Arc.

Then the other princesses that I like:

Belle (love of books and willing to see beyond looks)
Ariel (saw the Prince and followed her heart)
Cinderella (life sucks when you have a wicked stepmother AND two wicked stepsisters!)

 

[athenna]

I'm sure no one will be surprised by my answer:
Snow White
She was the original, the 1st Disney princess ever, and the 1st full length animated feature film. IMO, if Walt had listened to his naysayers and not taken a chance on making this film, the entire Disney Corporation could be dramatically different than it is today.

 

[stacy6552]

well considering that most little girls would become princesses only by marrying a price, I'm not sure why we are poo-pooing bloodlines.

And yes I agree, that the princesses heavily merchandised are because of color coordination and the majority of girls clothes and stuff being of appeal in pink and purple.

 

[Tiggernut_jadie]

I've voted for Ariel as she's my DD's favourite and it's really frustrating trying to get Ariel stuff in the UK!

 

[bytheblood]

I don't consider Pocahontas a princess. To me, when I think of a princess, I think of Royalty. Or my daughter.

Snow White was the first and by birth-right.
Aurora is a princess by birth-right.
Cinderella is a princess because the story is just so perfect, royal and beautiful and she married the prince.
Ariel is a princess by birth-right.
Jasmine is a princess by birth-right.
I do consider Belle a Disney princess because she married a prince, therefore making her a princess.

 

[mommaU4]

I don't consider Pocahontas a princess. To me, when I think of a princess, I think of Royalty. Or my daughter.

Snow White was the first and by birth-right.
Aurora is a princess by birth-right.
Cinderella is a princess because the story is just so perfect, royal and beautiful and she married the prince.
Ariel is a princess by birth-right.
Jasmine is a princess by birth-right.
I do consider Belle a Disney princess because she married a prince, therefore making her a princess.

I was just wondering... wasn't Pocahontas' father the Indian chief? Couldn't that be like a King? So wouldn't that make her an Indian Princess? Just curious.

 

[mattsdragon]

First of all, Belle is not a princess. I don't know why, but it sticks in my craw when they list her with them. And what about the princess from Black Cauldren? Not the most "Disney" of all the movies, but she was still a princess. Oh, and if it's royalty, what about Maid Marion? Cinderella, she was the daughter of a nobleman, so she was royalty as well. Pochahantas was a princess (at least that's how they taught us in Virginia), but even so, she was at least the daughter of a chief. Ariel was a princess, but she was a bimbo. Mulan, another not a princess, she didn't even marry royalty, she married an officer in a bad direct to video sequel.

And truth be told, the first princess is still the best. Everyone should follow in Snow White's footsteps.

 

[meeko_33785]

I consider Pocahontas a Princess. Being the father of the head of the Pohatan Nation should be enough to consider her royalty.

Cinderella and Belle are both Princesses by marriage but IMO should still be considered Princesses. They're actually my favorites, so I would definatly want to see them included in the line.

Eilonwey (Black Cauldron) and Kida (Atlantis) are also Princesses, but are rarely marketed as such.

My problem with the Princess line they have now is that it seems to promote the dresses and title of the Princesses instead of the actual Princesses themselves. Belle's inteligence and love for reading, Jasmine's spirit and longing for freedom from the palace, and Cinderella's backbone and sense of humor seem to disappear, making them nothing more than Barbie dolls having tea parties and dancing at the ball. It would be nice to see them actually presented to girls as the heroines they are instead of just Princesses.

 

[liamandcaili]

My problem with the Princess line they have now is that it seems to promote the dresses and title of the Princesses instead of the actual Princesses themselves. Belle's inteligence and love for reading, Jasmine's spirit and longing for freedom from the palace, and Cinderella's backbone and sense of humor seem to disappear, making them nothing more than Barbie dolls having tea parties and dancing at the ball. It would be nice to see them actually presented to girls as the heroines they are instead of just Princesses.

I suggested this on another thread, but if you want your DD to perceive the princesses as heroines, then Scholastic books has an excellent club called Disney Princess Club that sends your DD two books a month for a reasonable price (around $13 for the two.) The series features Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Belle, Ariel, Mulan and Pocahontas...I don't think I'm forgetting anyone...and the theme is "A True Princess Shines From Within." Each book features one of the "princesses" and has her solve some sort of problem through kindness, patience, determination, loyalty, forgiveness, etc. I really like the series because it sends the message that the real qualities to being a good princess aren't fancy clothes or princes, but inner beauty and strength. My DD has really enjoyed these books with some of her favorite characters, and I have liked the message. You can sign up at the Scholastic website for a free trial.

My DD is 4, and I read the books to her, but my DS6 also enjoys the stories. I would guess the books are a first grade reading level, if DD was to read on her own.