Disney

Analysis of Disney princess

Disney itself is a multi-billion dollar industry that has made its revenue entirely through creative productions and entertainment globally. It all began with a mouse by the name of Mickey, who became an icon and turned into Disney’s trademark that is recognized worldwide. As an expansion of the company's character palette the first Disney Princess was introduced in 1937 with a feature film known as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Since then Disney has released an array of feature films depicting princesses from different cultural backgrounds including Mulan (Chinese), Pocahontas (Native American), Jasmine (Arabic), Elena (Hispanic/Latino). These Disney character’s hold a huge influence to children all over the world because the company has incorporated a medium to expose them interculturally. The only issue at hand is that although Disney portrays a sense of diversity found within their characters they are highly misrepresented through westernized culture and ideas. These cultures could have arguably been exploited by the power and influence of Disney.

Mulan is based on folklore from non-Western Culture. The Disney character Princess Mulan is seen as a strong, powerful, and self-reliant female. She can be seen as a positive role model due to her personality and heroism.

Mulan is the strongest of all Disney princesses. She not only has good looks, but is very intelligent and good at problem-solving. She isn't waiting for Prince Charming to rescue her and "all of China" praises her for this.

On the other hand, Mulan has characteristic of a typical American girl. For example, she writes notes on her arm and she is not on time for things just like other American girls her age. She sees arranged marriages as outdated and she struggles to cope with the traditional Chinese culture and family obligations. Mulan struggles to remain "true to herself". According to Tony Bancroft, Mulan is a "story about a girl who can't help who she is but...