Alright, confession time: I set out to do this role model countdown with a certain level of zeal that I'm sure surprised some of you, but truth be told: it's part of some deeper research I've been working on for a while.
As many of you, I'm a student of both film and feminism, and I'm particularly fascinated by how women are portrayed and have evolved in Disney animation. I've been researching and writing about my findings with Disney and feminism for a while, but I wanted to see what YOU GUYS, the devoted fans, see in your favorite (or least favorite) heroines. Are they truly good role models? What do WE as a generation value? And since several of us are from different generations than others, how do we differ?
I have to tell you, this countdown yielded some considerable surprises, and I've definitely logged away some of your responses for my research. I'm thankful for everyone who contributed in any way. Later on today, I'll be posting an article called "Disney Heroines: A Feminist Evolution, Part 1," and it will be a series of articles focusing on what I've learned about each of our favorite Disney women through my studies and your input. But until then, here's the countdown: The Best Role Model, According to Fanpop.
10. Ariel
The bottom spot immediately ignited some INTENSE debate among Fans. Fanpop immediately split into two camps, Team Aurora and Team Ariel, about who truly was the worse role model. After a pretty intense tiebreaker, the hugely popular princess landed in the absolute Worst Role Model spot for being recklessly impulsive, naive, and being willing to throw her family under the bus for a boy she doesn't know. That's not to say that Team Ariel didn't put up a good fight, though. This is one Princess who divided Fanpop right up the middle.
WHAT YOU SAID:
" Well, the thing she can teach little girls are: running away from home for a guy is perfectly fine; you shouldn't care about your family even though your family cares about you; not giving a damn for your friends is something every little girl should do; making deals with evil looking strangers is recommended; and finally (almost) killing your family and friends due to your own general stupidity will make your life complete".-- BelleAnastasia
"Ariel: Actually go after what you want in life and never give up if you really want it that much. It's ok to make mistakes because everyone does but you have to at least try to fix them yourself".—Straggy
9. Aurora
Although she narrowly inched ahead of Ariel as far as role model status, Aurora found herself destined to be at the bottom from the beginning. Although a few Aurora fans cited her as sweet and caring, most Fans agree that she doesn't contribute much to her own destiny and that she's given so little screen time that we barely know her by the end of the film.
WHAT YOU SAID:
"She's very obedient, which is not a bad thing...but she doesn't really stand up for herself or fight for what she really wants...its almost as if she doesn't have a backbone" —DreamyGal
"Aurora literally has everything dished up to her; beauty, a beautiful voice, a talent with dancing...she doesn't have to work for anything, and all she has to do is sleep and wait for her prince. This is actually why Aurora is very low on my list".—ppgbelle4
8. Jasmine
For me, the fact that Jasmine landed in this spot was truly surprising. Normally she's a pretty popular princess, but Fans cited her seemingly spoiled and demanding nature as a definite bad role model quality. She was called ungrateful for her pretty cushy princess life. However, this was another princess who seemed to divide Fanpop in half. Although she eventually took the number 8 slot with minimal effort, lots more people spoke up for Jasmine than defamed her, leaving Fanpop divided once again.
WHAT YOU SAID:
"She's really moody and mean when she doesn't have to be".—sarahcorine
"She runs away from home even though her life there is pretty good, it's not like she's being abused or mistreated". – milky-way
"And Jasmine (who has lived her whole life of privileges, not having to think about things like paying, how to survive on the streets and stuff) , and she gives all that away for what she believes in (not being forced in to marrying someone she doesn´t love, having other people living her life). She also chooses to marry Aladdin, a thief even though the law forbids it. She is a great role model, who shows that standing up for what you believe in, and not letting other people control your life".—JonnaSe
7. Snow White
Snow White's position also came as a bit of a surprise, since the classic princesses are usually the first to go in just about everything. However, Snow White seems to have seen a resurgence in popularity and respect, and Fans seemed to be pretty gentle in criticizing her. Most people didn't claim her to be a terrible role model, just an outdated one. Her cutesy, innocent, naive qualities don't stand up realistically to girls today, according to Fans, but she's a cute princess nonetheless.
WHAT YOU SAID:
"I don't think she is the worst role model EVER, but when it comes to today's standards, she doesn't really cut it. I mean, she teaches girls to be kind, hopeful, and optimistic, and she does teach you the lesson to not take food from strangers. However, it is better for girls to have a stronger role model".—ppgbelle4
6) Rapunzel
Here, Fans were unusually quiet. It was clear to everyone that Rapunzel seemed to be the worse role model of the princesses that remained in the countdown, but no one seemed completely sure why. Her personality just didn't seem strong enough to compare to the others. Some called her out for disobeying her mother and running away, while others claimed that dallying with a thief wasn't the brightest decision, but on the whole Rapunzel landed in this spot for reasons best described as uncertain.
WHAT YOU SAID:
"Running away from home and relying on a thief to help you seems stupid.
Well, she's not, but she didn't really think of the consequences before she made a deal with Flynn. She's only a kid, she'll get killed in the outside world, and no amount of magical hair would help her if Flynn turned out to be a greedy bastard who only wants to trick her."-Darkshine
"She's just the worst one out of all of these choices, I think. I mean, she does run away from home and doesn't associate herself with the best people (Flynn)."-- ppgbelle4
5) Cinderella
Showing that classic Princess do have a little staying power, Cinderella came in at number 5, another surprising turn. Although she was voted for in every round, up until round five, someone else always seemed to be worse. Much like Snow White, Fans seemed to believe that Cinderella truly is a good role model, she just didn't compare to the rest of the list because of her seeming inability to control her own destiny without lots of help. Others believe she should have stood up for herself more. Whatever the reason, Cinderella found herself right in the middle of the countdown.
WHAT YOU SAID:
"I say the others are better role models then her.She really didn't stand up for herself around her step mother and step sisters,she just let them abuse her.She should've stood up to her self and let them know she is not prisoner and maid and she has rights too!"—Pocahontas1Fan
"She is a great girl, but everyone has a limit, and apparently hers stretches beyond most. Her father loved her, and she was entitled to live as a human being no matter what. After so long, I'd of fought back hard!"-- snowwhitesilver
4) Pocahontas
Pocahontas was another princess who left Fans oddly speechless. She was voted out with little competition, but very few people left any comments about why they chose her, and the comments that were left seemed mostly about her cliff-diving. However, some said that she seemed to develop a whole different personality once she met John Smith and that she was more reckless than the other choices listed. According to Fans, Pocahontas just paled in comparison to the others left on the list.
WHAT YOU SAID:
"She is more reckless than the others, I guess, because she keeps jumping off cliffs. She is a good role model, however, when it comes to the environment".—ppgbelle4
"I think she's more reckless than there others, and once she meets John Smith it's like a different person. I don't know, I never found her to be the best of role models...."—Gabstersm
3. Tiana
The hard-working princess landed in this spot by a SMALL PERCETANGE, so it was a really close call between her and number two. It seems that a lot of that seems to correlate not so much with her qualities as a role model, but with her own basic unpopularity on the site. Although Tiana was called a great role model because of her determination, work ethic, and practicality, she does have her weak points: falling for a playboy prince and being willing to give up on her dream for him being among them. It seems that even the best role model isn't perfect.
WHAT YOU SAID:
"I like this top 3. Anyways out of these 3, Tiana may be the worst, but I still think she is a good rolemodel. I think it's just the fact that she works TOO hard and doesn't have fun that makes me think she's the worst out of these choices but other than that she is a great rolemodel.—loveandbeauty18
2. Belle
Disney's resident bookworm barely eeked past Tiana for this round, but found herself firmly planted in the second spot. Fans love her quirky personality, her strength of will, her devotion to her family, and her intelligence, but don't seem to love her seeming lack of real drive and the fact that she fell in love with someone who was mean and hot-tempered (not to mention fuzzy.) However, despite her low points, Belle has proven once again that a love of literature and a relatable personality can get you a LONG way, particularly on Fanpop.
WHAT YOU SAID:
"Mmm... well, if you look at it in a non-Disney perspective... things could have gone REALLY bad when she gave up her former life to be with the Beast. Of course in Disney, a kind woman can succeed in changing a bad-tempered beast into a gentleman but in reality, she would have ended up a battered and beaten housewife.
So kids, don't go trying to change bad-tempered and scary men into gentlemen".-- Weaslyismyking
"I admire Belle because she didn't judge someone on the outside. She looked inside and saw him as a beautiful soul. Now days, people judge all the time and they rarely ever get to the same conclusion Belle did".-- SarahCorine
1. Mulan
The most badass princess of them all easily landed the top spot, gaining the title of Best Role Model. With her courage, devotion to her family, and determination to be herself, Mulan was easily the best contender for the title, and Fans agreed almost unanimously... although Mulan didn't escape without her own share of criticism.
WHAT YOU SAID:
"But yeah, Mulan is the best role model. Showing that girl´s can kick ass, that not letting your family decide for you, to make your own decisions (even though you might "fail")".-- JonnaSe
"She ran away from home, put herself and her family in danger, was lazy and cheating in the beginning, and we want to teach girls to cheat their way into something? but she is still an amazing role model, btw."-- princesslullaby
"Mulan actually tried to make something of herself and prove to people she wasn't just an outcast."-- boolander25
"I HIGHLY admire Mulan for her devotion to protect her family and her bravery, but what she did was extremly dangerous, and put her and her family in danger. Luckily for her it all ended well."-- DreamyGal
Keep an eye out for Disney Heroines: A Feminist Evolution, coming soon, and Thanks to everyone who participated!
As many of you, I'm a student of both film and feminism, and I'm particularly fascinated by how women are portrayed and have evolved in Disney animation. I've been researching and writing about my findings with Disney and feminism for a while, but I wanted to see what YOU GUYS, the devoted fans, see in your favorite (or least favorite) heroines. Are they truly good role models? What do WE as a generation value? And since several of us are from different generations than others, how do we differ?
I have to tell you, this countdown yielded some considerable surprises, and I've definitely logged away some of your responses for my research. I'm thankful for everyone who contributed in any way. Later on today, I'll be posting an article called "Disney Heroines: A Feminist Evolution, Part 1," and it will be a series of articles focusing on what I've learned about each of our favorite Disney women through my studies and your input. But until then, here's the countdown: The Best Role Model, According to Fanpop.
10. Ariel
The bottom spot immediately ignited some INTENSE debate among Fans. Fanpop immediately split into two camps, Team Aurora and Team Ariel, about who truly was the worse role model. After a pretty intense tiebreaker, the hugely popular princess landed in the absolute Worst Role Model spot for being recklessly impulsive, naive, and being willing to throw her family under the bus for a boy she doesn't know. That's not to say that Team Ariel didn't put up a good fight, though. This is one Princess who divided Fanpop right up the middle.
WHAT YOU SAID:
" Well, the thing she can teach little girls are: running away from home for a guy is perfectly fine; you shouldn't care about your family even though your family cares about you; not giving a damn for your friends is something every little girl should do; making deals with evil looking strangers is recommended; and finally (almost) killing your family and friends due to your own general stupidity will make your life complete".-- BelleAnastasia
"Ariel: Actually go after what you want in life and never give up if you really want it that much. It's ok to make mistakes because everyone does but you have to at least try to fix them yourself".—Straggy
9. Aurora
Although she narrowly inched ahead of Ariel as far as role model status, Aurora found herself destined to be at the bottom from the beginning. Although a few Aurora fans cited her as sweet and caring, most Fans agree that she doesn't contribute much to her own destiny and that she's given so little screen time that we barely know her by the end of the film.
WHAT YOU SAID:
"She's very obedient, which is not a bad thing...but she doesn't really stand up for herself or fight for what she really wants...its almost as if she doesn't have a backbone" —DreamyGal
"Aurora literally has everything dished up to her; beauty, a beautiful voice, a talent with dancing...she doesn't have to work for anything, and all she has to do is sleep and wait for her prince. This is actually why Aurora is very low on my list".—ppgbelle4
8. Jasmine
For me, the fact that Jasmine landed in this spot was truly surprising. Normally she's a pretty popular princess, but Fans cited her seemingly spoiled and demanding nature as a definite bad role model quality. She was called ungrateful for her pretty cushy princess life. However, this was another princess who seemed to divide Fanpop in half. Although she eventually took the number 8 slot with minimal effort, lots more people spoke up for Jasmine than defamed her, leaving Fanpop divided once again.
WHAT YOU SAID:
"She's really moody and mean when she doesn't have to be".—sarahcorine
"She runs away from home even though her life there is pretty good, it's not like she's being abused or mistreated". – milky-way
"And Jasmine (who has lived her whole life of privileges, not having to think about things like paying, how to survive on the streets and stuff) , and she gives all that away for what she believes in (not being forced in to marrying someone she doesn´t love, having other people living her life). She also chooses to marry Aladdin, a thief even though the law forbids it. She is a great role model, who shows that standing up for what you believe in, and not letting other people control your life".—JonnaSe
7. Snow White
Snow White's position also came as a bit of a surprise, since the classic princesses are usually the first to go in just about everything. However, Snow White seems to have seen a resurgence in popularity and respect, and Fans seemed to be pretty gentle in criticizing her. Most people didn't claim her to be a terrible role model, just an outdated one. Her cutesy, innocent, naive qualities don't stand up realistically to girls today, according to Fans, but she's a cute princess nonetheless.
WHAT YOU SAID:
"I don't think she is the worst role model EVER, but when it comes to today's standards, she doesn't really cut it. I mean, she teaches girls to be kind, hopeful, and optimistic, and she does teach you the lesson to not take food from strangers. However, it is better for girls to have a stronger role model".—ppgbelle4
6) Rapunzel
Here, Fans were unusually quiet. It was clear to everyone that Rapunzel seemed to be the worse role model of the princesses that remained in the countdown, but no one seemed completely sure why. Her personality just didn't seem strong enough to compare to the others. Some called her out for disobeying her mother and running away, while others claimed that dallying with a thief wasn't the brightest decision, but on the whole Rapunzel landed in this spot for reasons best described as uncertain.
WHAT YOU SAID:
"Running away from home and relying on a thief to help you seems stupid.
Well, she's not, but she didn't really think of the consequences before she made a deal with Flynn. She's only a kid, she'll get killed in the outside world, and no amount of magical hair would help her if Flynn turned out to be a greedy bastard who only wants to trick her."-Darkshine
"She's just the worst one out of all of these choices, I think. I mean, she does run away from home and doesn't associate herself with the best people (Flynn)."-- ppgbelle4
5) Cinderella
Showing that classic Princess do have a little staying power, Cinderella came in at number 5, another surprising turn. Although she was voted for in every round, up until round five, someone else always seemed to be worse. Much like Snow White, Fans seemed to believe that Cinderella truly is a good role model, she just didn't compare to the rest of the list because of her seeming inability to control her own destiny without lots of help. Others believe she should have stood up for herself more. Whatever the reason, Cinderella found herself right in the middle of the countdown.
WHAT YOU SAID:
"I say the others are better role models then her.She really didn't stand up for herself around her step mother and step sisters,she just let them abuse her.She should've stood up to her self and let them know she is not prisoner and maid and she has rights too!"—Pocahontas1Fan
"She is a great girl, but everyone has a limit, and apparently hers stretches beyond most. Her father loved her, and she was entitled to live as a human being no matter what. After so long, I'd of fought back hard!"-- snowwhitesilver
4) Pocahontas
Pocahontas was another princess who left Fans oddly speechless. She was voted out with little competition, but very few people left any comments about why they chose her, and the comments that were left seemed mostly about her cliff-diving. However, some said that she seemed to develop a whole different personality once she met John Smith and that she was more reckless than the other choices listed. According to Fans, Pocahontas just paled in comparison to the others left on the list.
WHAT YOU SAID:
"She is more reckless than the others, I guess, because she keeps jumping off cliffs. She is a good role model, however, when it comes to the environment".—ppgbelle4
"I think she's more reckless than there others, and once she meets John Smith it's like a different person. I don't know, I never found her to be the best of role models...."—Gabstersm
3. Tiana
The hard-working princess landed in this spot by a SMALL PERCETANGE, so it was a really close call between her and number two. It seems that a lot of that seems to correlate not so much with her qualities as a role model, but with her own basic unpopularity on the site. Although Tiana was called a great role model because of her determination, work ethic, and practicality, she does have her weak points: falling for a playboy prince and being willing to give up on her dream for him being among them. It seems that even the best role model isn't perfect.
WHAT YOU SAID:
"I like this top 3. Anyways out of these 3, Tiana may be the worst, but I still think she is a good rolemodel. I think it's just the fact that she works TOO hard and doesn't have fun that makes me think she's the worst out of these choices but other than that she is a great rolemodel.—loveandbeauty18
2. Belle
Disney's resident bookworm barely eeked past Tiana for this round, but found herself firmly planted in the second spot. Fans love her quirky personality, her strength of will, her devotion to her family, and her intelligence, but don't seem to love her seeming lack of real drive and the fact that she fell in love with someone who was mean and hot-tempered (not to mention fuzzy.) However, despite her low points, Belle has proven once again that a love of literature and a relatable personality can get you a LONG way, particularly on Fanpop.
WHAT YOU SAID:
"Mmm... well, if you look at it in a non-Disney perspective... things could have gone REALLY bad when she gave up her former life to be with the Beast. Of course in Disney, a kind woman can succeed in changing a bad-tempered beast into a gentleman but in reality, she would have ended up a battered and beaten housewife.
So kids, don't go trying to change bad-tempered and scary men into gentlemen".-- Weaslyismyking
"I admire Belle because she didn't judge someone on the outside. She looked inside and saw him as a beautiful soul. Now days, people judge all the time and they rarely ever get to the same conclusion Belle did".-- SarahCorine
1. Mulan
The most badass princess of them all easily landed the top spot, gaining the title of Best Role Model. With her courage, devotion to her family, and determination to be herself, Mulan was easily the best contender for the title, and Fans agreed almost unanimously... although Mulan didn't escape without her own share of criticism.
WHAT YOU SAID:
"But yeah, Mulan is the best role model. Showing that girl´s can kick ass, that not letting your family decide for you, to make your own decisions (even though you might "fail")".-- JonnaSe
"She ran away from home, put herself and her family in danger, was lazy and cheating in the beginning, and we want to teach girls to cheat their way into something? but she is still an amazing role model, btw."-- princesslullaby
"Mulan actually tried to make something of herself and prove to people she wasn't just an outcast."-- boolander25
"I HIGHLY admire Mulan for her devotion to protect her family and her bravery, but what she did was extremly dangerous, and put her and her family in danger. Luckily for her it all ended well."-- DreamyGal
Keep an eye out for Disney Heroines: A Feminist Evolution, coming soon, and Thanks to everyone who participated!
The last of the Classics
Since I am trying to make the Princess Of The Month more popular, this is another one of my ideas. In the end of each month I'll post articles, based on the countdowns for songs, hairstyles and outfits. There everybody will have the chance to discuss whether they agree with the results, what corresponded to their expectations, and what they wish would have been different!
Once again, I will be using pictures for my articles. A few months back I would have made a detailed explanation about each result, but since the recent changes, Fanpop has been acting really weird. And yes, I don't like the option of writing long paragraphs with text, while the pictured are all clustered in the bottom of the article! So under each picture I will be posting one comment, related to the result. So in case you don't want your comments posted in my articles, please contact me!
Here are the results of the POTM Songs Countdown: ~*DP villains*~ (March 2013)! Enjoy and share your opinion!
Once again, I will be using pictures for my articles. A few months back I would have made a detailed explanation about each result, but since the recent changes, Fanpop has been acting really weird. And yes, I don't like the option of writing long paragraphs with text, while the pictured are all clustered in the bottom of the article! So under each picture I will be posting one comment, related to the result. So in case you don't want your comments posted in my articles, please contact me!
Here are the results of the POTM Songs Countdown: ~*DP villains*~ (March 2013)! Enjoy and share your opinion!
"Vanessa's song is nice :)" - BraBrief
"Aww- Gaston Reprise is my favorite song from Beauty and the Beast!" - rhythmicmagic
"I feel like the only person who loves "Mine Mine Mine", it's not menacing or anything but I just have fun listening to it." - Mongoose09
"It's not really his song, I always thought that he was just joking about prince Ali and imitated Ali's song." - fiina
"Gaston is amazing and funny" - Popcornfan
"I actually like Mother Knows Best. It's one of my favorite villain songs." - MissAngelPaws
"I think Dr. Facilier's song is unique and pretty awesome" - dimitri_is_hot
"Belle is in my top 5 of favorite Disney's song! and Gaston's part is really funny!" - BraBrief
" I think "Mother Knows Best Reprise" is the best song in Tangled." - rhythmicmagic
"I think the Mob Song is amazing" - AllegroGiocoso
"That song is awesome!" - AllegroGiocoso
"It's amazing!" - princecatcher93
"I think Savages Part 2 is amazing" - AllegroGiocoso
Credit goes to Deviant Art for all the pics!
I've been wanting to do this list ever since I started writning articles so now I decided to write it. I don't like the princes as much as the princesses, but oh well here we go!
10. Aladdin
I honestly hate him, okay he's alright in the beginning of the movie, but after that I really start to lose interest and he's the main character of the movie so he's one of the reasons to why I don't like this movie so much. My main problem with him is that he's a liar and it bugs me especially after he meets Jasmine and after that his personality isn't even interesting to me even though he has an okay...
continue reading...
10. Aladdin
I honestly hate him, okay he's alright in the beginning of the movie, but after that I really start to lose interest and he's the main character of the movie so he's one of the reasons to why I don't like this movie so much. My main problem with him is that he's a liar and it bugs me especially after he meets Jasmine and after that his personality isn't even interesting to me even though he has an okay...
Read this
This article is my way to say my opinion. Please don't hunt me down and kill me if you don't like something. F- favorite, P- prettiest (like duh, right). The P icons are by CuteDiana, the biggest credit to you.
F: 10. Aurora
Just a bland piece of nothing. She is pretty, that's it. Well yeah she has some great morals, but she fell asleep and so did I.
P: 10. Rapunzel
She is nice and cute but eyes freak me out. TOO big!!! She looks like she is 12. But one this is that she has got amazing hair. That's all.
F: 9. Cinderella
She is lovely, sweet, charming and cute, but the...
continue reading...
This article is my way to say my opinion. Please don't hunt me down and kill me if you don't like something. F- favorite, P- prettiest (like duh, right). The P icons are by CuteDiana, the biggest credit to you.
F: 10. Aurora
Just a bland piece of nothing. She is pretty, that's it. Well yeah she has some great morals, but she fell asleep and so did I.
P: 10. Rapunzel
She is nice and cute but eyes freak me out. TOO big!!! She looks like she is 12. But one this is that she has got amazing hair. That's all.
F: 9. Cinderella
She is lovely, sweet, charming and cute, but the...
Hi! After seeing quite a few members doing these articles I decided to give it a shot. :) Hope I don't bore you
My name is Brianna. I live in Washington, I'm 18 years old, I have 7 siblings (two older half sisters, one older whole sister, a stepsister and a stepbrother, and one little halfsister), I'm a vegetarian, and I am currently taking my third year of my culinary arts class :)
I was born two days before Christmas in Tacoma and lived there for 3 years until my mom moved me and my three older sisters to the safe little town Port Angeles.
When I was a baby I was diagnosed with autism....
continue reading...
My name is Brianna. I live in Washington, I'm 18 years old, I have 7 siblings (two older half sisters, one older whole sister, a stepsister and a stepbrother, and one little halfsister), I'm a vegetarian, and I am currently taking my third year of my culinary arts class :)
I was born two days before Christmas in Tacoma and lived there for 3 years until my mom moved me and my three older sisters to the safe little town Port Angeles.
Hi Guys! here are the the Results of Fanpop's Favorite DP Movies! Hope you will like it! I did my best :)
__________________________________________________▐ █ 10 Princess and the Frog █▐ 
Okay that wasn't a surprise! I mean we all know that PatF will be at the botton because it has many haters (including myself!) but even the lovers of the movie sure know that it will be at the bottom. So...
What Fans Said:
callejahLUVSed - I happen to love this movie. Sure, compared to some others it isn't as appealing to children, because of Tiana's tough...
continue reading...
__________________________________________________▐ █ 10 Princess and the Frog █▐
Never Lose Sight of What's Really Important!
Okay that wasn't a surprise! I mean we all know that PatF will be at the botton because it has many haters (including myself!) but even the lovers of the movie sure know that it will be at the bottom. So...
What Fans Said:
callejahLUVSed - I happen to love this movie. Sure, compared to some others it isn't as appealing to children, because of Tiana's tough...
He waited so long to see her and had almost given up hope that he never would, but now looking into her eyes, he decided to give in to temptation no matter what the consequences may be.
