Education From A Princess {Part 2}

Alright so a year ago I wrote a post going through the first five princesses and what we learn from each princess. I talked about how the themes in these movies influence young minds and...you know, just go and read the post here. We'll wait for you, and it will save me from repeating myself. You don't have to read the whole thing, just the opening paragraphs. Well, go on. . .

Oh, you're back? Welcome. :) Now, I'm here today with another five ladies because it's rather a popular post and I have received a few requests to hear about the other princesses. And just for further clarity, Mulan is not a princess, neither are some other Disney leading ladies you might think are 'missing' from this list. I might have to do an edition on them but for now, I just chose the next batch of five princesses.

**Like before, I'm using the altered Disney storylines, not the original fairy-tales.**

Jasmine: The Snob

I recently re-watched Aladdin and I have to say, I simply wasn't impressed with Jasmine and here's why. She's as snobby as the suitors she is refusing. She is dealing with the classic dilemma of an arranged marriage over a marriage for love. (A situation that always means ALL of the intended suitors are unsuitable. One day, there should be a book about a suitable suitor and a different problem that has to come into play. But I digress.) The problem is her attitude towards the situation. She acts as superior as she accuses her suitors of being. She is easily irritated and when she discovers Aladdin is 'the prince' she goes all crazy on him for insulting her intelligence. Huh? *Cordy says dully* I don't have much more to say about Jasmine except her character is rather on the cliche side and therefore, naturally, weak.

• Dreamer
• Prideful
• Snobbish
• Thoughtful (of the child in the market place, even though she almost lost a hand! :P)
• Curious

Pocahontas: The Brave

Okay, I'm something of a Pocahontas (the Disney movie) fan. (Just thought you should know that before reading on.) Pocahontas seems very natural to me in that, she experiences a myriad of emotions throughout the film such as confidence, fear, doubt, enthusiasm, curiosity, and much more. Along those lines, she is a willing learner but also a prepared teacher. John Smith is 'educating' her in all these things with his culture but she, in turn, shares her culture with him. And to take that a step further, Pocahontas also has the courage to teach her father. Her father is blinded by a situation that is charged with hatred and Pocahontas takes a stand against his actions. I don't know about you but, I can state my differing opinions to anyone outside of my 'familiar' circle without a problem. But declaring an opinion that might differ from the opinions of those I love--is VERY different. Right? Anyway, back to Pocahontas.

• Active/Adventurous/Lively
• Curious
• Willing Learner
• Teacher
• Loving
• Brave
• Honest

Tiana: The Sensible (or the go-get-'em-girl!)

Tiana is a girl with her head on straight. She knows what needs to be done and how to go about it and then goes for it! She is just one sensible girl who has the motivation to chase her goals. There really isn't so much more to say, as that quality alone is admirable. However, she also has a pretty good overall attitude towards the situation she's thrust into as a frog. (Being transformed into a frog would be slightly upsetting in my humble opinion. ;)) Also, the girl looks realistic in the morning. Random but important! ;) I'm sorry, but I am not a Cinderella in the morning, I am probably more of a Tiana. (I wish this movie didn't have so much black magic in it. It's pretty disturbing which is why I've only ever seen it once. But I do like Tiana.)

• Hard Worker
• Sensible/Logical
• Dreamer
• Positive Attitude

Rapunzel: The Zealous

Alright, Rapunzel, Blondie (which I have to wonder if Eugene had to change her nickname). Rapunzel has a refreshing sense of wonder because of the sheltered life she has led. She wants to know everything about everything. And she doesn't want to do anything halfway! The girl has the unique quality of embracing the world around her and doing the best you can with what you've got and been brought up with. I mean, look at those walls! Sheesh, how many rainy days did you spend on those? She's strong and smart but also naive and vulnerable.

• Trusting
• Artistic
• Dreamer
• Honest
• Adventurous
• Positive
• Helpful
• Kind 

Merida: The Teenager

That's right, we have another teenager. I have seen Brave all of. . .once. I did not like it and I did not think it was worth my time for a second viewing. HOWEVER, I think there are contributing factors that save Merida from joining the Ariel degree of 'teenager'. (See the first post to learn more on that score.) Okay, I think Disney used the fiery redhead theory to the extreme in this movie. Merida is a spoiled brat with a lenient father and a tightfisted mother that is portrayed as a tyrant in an effort to make the viewer "feel" for Merida. And I just don't buy it. Merida has no sense of responsibility because she's been raised with a father that doesn't expect any and a mother that expects perfection. This leaves the redhead with a self-centered attitude and violent behavior problems. (OH, and once again we are in an arranged marriage situation where NO ONE is suitable. :P) Well, this rebellious teen almost costs her mother her life and you see Merida struggle and begin to grasp the bigger picture of life as a whole. She sees the cost of her actions and what is needed to repair the damage she has caused. She is remorseful and takes full responsibility for her actions (in a way that Ariel never does.) So, there is the shortest take I have for Merida. (I tried to keep my focus on the girl rather than the flaws in the movie itself.)

• Stubborn (which is a blessing and a curse)
• Repentant
• Smart
• Strong
• Skilled
• Brave

And there you have round two of my Princess Education Course. What are your thoughts because if this is a "course", homework is part of the deal, right? ;)

Yours truly,

Cordy