18:1 princesses

There has been a lot of hype lately about Disney's Frozen and the strong female characters. Everyone is saying this is the first Disney princess to fight for herself and not need a man. However, what about Mulan? She posed as a man and fought in the military- ending up saving her country. In the end, she doesn't get married either. And, I think the classic Disney princesses deserve some more respect. Sure, Disney lightened the stories form their origins a bit, but each still teaches their audience, especially young girls, valuable lessons. Each princess stands up for what she believes in, even if she gets married to a mysterious, handsome man very quickly.

In Beauty and the Beast, Disney shows that you should be yourself and not worry what other people think. That just because someone, like Gaston, is revered, doesn't mean they're a good person. Belle, her father, and the beast are all persecuted because they are different. When they "win" in the end of the movie, it shows that being yourself is so much more possible than being popular.

Cinderella lost both her parents and deals with unappreciative relatives every day- but she always stays positive- and look how that ended up for her? She married the prince! Her confidence may quite well have been the deciding factor between her and all the other beautiful maidens. She knew what she wanted in life, and realized that nothing is perfect, but that everything can be appreciated. 

These classic princesses, like any of the others, did marry right away, but if it's true love, and they felt it, then why not? These stories are not teaching young girls that they must be saved, or that they need a handsome man for a good life. They teach girls that you should be yourself, be strong, and be positive to make your dreams come true.