The most recent Disney newcomer, Merida from Disney’s Brave, got a makeover in celebration of her crowning of being an official Disney princess which occurred on May 11th. Let me tell you, the makeover was truly fit for a queen.
Princess Merida is a young frizzy haired teenager who’s main priorities are practicing her archery, going on adventures and trying hard to convince her mother that she shouldn’t get married. The feminist princess made young girls feel like they shouldn’t focus on what others think of them and that looks are the least of their worries, although it may not look like this is the case anymore. The makeover is anything but modest, her frizzy red hair has been toned down, her waist cut short, and her beautiful huge eyes have been shrunk, face slimmed and caked with makeup. I wasn’t aware that a young teenager could go fully through puberty in a matter of months. I also wasn’t aware that you could even consider a 14 year old sexy but, Disney has proved me wrong. The new Merida looks like she’d much rather try to impress a boy than to tell young girls that they don’t need a prince to live happily ever after. (May I add that she is the only Disney princess that is not escorted by a prince). I hope Disney thinks of the beliefs of their other characters and all the little boys and girls who look up to them before the next makeover. I am still a huge fan of the movie and Merida herself, I just hope that she is still “Brave” enough to stand up against society’s idea of women.
