Disney princess movies are arguably one of the building blocks of female childhoods, especially those born early into Generation Z era (1997-2005). Young girls growing up would play pretend and dress up as princesses because these movies had such an impact. However, it is important to note the underlying themes in these films, particularly that of the male gaze.
The male gaze occurs when the audience is put into the perspective of a heterosexual male. The female form is objectified and sexualized. It places women in the context of male desire. (Mulvey, 1975)
A prime example is The Little Mermaid. The young mermaid (aged 16) wanted to go to land as she has fallen in love with Prince Eric, a human. Ariel was given as ultimatum by a witch–she can give up her voice for human legs, and she has three days to make the prince fall in love with her. This demonstrates how Ariel quite literally gave up her voice for this dream. Furthermore, by giving up her voice, she only has her body and her looks to make the prince fall in love with her. This shows young girls that it is okay to give up parts of yourself for a male, and also puts an emphasis on changing yourself for others.
While this can be seen as a pessimistic point of view, it is important to note that this is the foundation of young girls’ childhoods. We grow up with this as an example for love, as an example for what is acceptable. Throughout a lot of Disney’s princess movie this is the case, as the princess’ main goal is to end up with a prince. Especially in the earlier days of Disney, the hero was never the woman. The focus was the woman’s romantic interests, and the prince that is going to save her from the evils she faces.
However, over the past several years, Disney has been turning away from this narrative. Movies such as Frozen, Moana, and Tangled have given young girls more of a sense of adventure and empowerment. This signifies, hopefully, a change in society, as we become more accepting of women in a position of power.
In conclusion, it is evident that the theory of the male gaze has been a part of our lives experiencing since the beginning. Even through children’s shows and movies, the idea of the male gaze prevails. Although, it is important to note that our society is changing and evolving. Disney is not the only company to have made attempts to subvert the male gaze in films. Furthermore, the awareness and acknowledgement about such a phenomenon is one of the first steps to create the change.
I am hopeful that, with time, our society will become more comfortable with strong, powerful women in media. These Disney movies are only the beginning.
References:
Mulvey, L. (1975). “Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema.” Screen, 16, 6-18
That’s an interesting choice of material you’ve got there hehe! The initiation story for most girls as children, the bedtime story is the story of the princess and the prince.
You clearly present the male gaze theory in classic Disney films.
In addition to the case of the Little Mermaid that you cited, early Disney films such as Cinderella and Snow White demonstrate a more pronounced objectification of female characters. Snow White’s beauty and helplessness make her a passive object waiting to be rescued by the male character (the prince). Cinderella, on the other hand, despite her courage and resilience, is ultimately changed and redeemed through her union with the prince. I think you could have written about the case of the Little Mermaid in more detail and made a general reference to Disney films, which are also full of male condescension.
In addition to this, I think a good entry point would be that you could explore the potential impact of the male gaze in children’s education, for example, whether young girls acquire certain social behaviours and values through these films, which in turn affects how they identify with their roles. Of course I think you’ve already done a great job 🤩