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Thanks to Princesslullaby's recent poll questions, I ended up looking at my own childhood vs. each Disney Princess's childhood. Some of this is just painful for me, and there is no getting around that.

My categories of adverse childhood situations (some with severe adverse conditions) are based on evaluation from the domestic violence class I took. I'll be frank. I have my own dissociation/childhood trauma.


This is an article where I'm defining where I'd group categories of adverse childhood experiences, specifically for the Disney Princesses. I'll also add in how each princess copes with their where-I-was-born dilemma.

Ariel and Rapunzel are right close together, because they just share the border between authoritarian parenting and authoritative parenting. Those parenting styles are similar, but are not the same.


Severe and Pervasive Childhood Oppression-- the Authoritarian Parenting Style

Cinderella, Snow White, and Ariel receive this slot.

Cinderella

Cinderella becomes a slave in her own home. With her parents both dead, her stepmother treats her like dirt. Cinderella has the most "hope in her heart" next to Snow White. Cinderella copes by daydreaming and dreaming of a life free of her tormentors.

Snow White

Snow White is first shown in rags, and is mopping the stairs of the castle. I don't know how she ended up as a slave, but with both parents dead, and another evil stepmother in place... Snow is basically impoverished, with one good dress, and one that is rags. Stepmother tries multiple times to kill this girl. Snow copes by singing songs, by praying, and by doing her own pastimes: cleaning and baking.

Ariel

Ariel is first shown exploring a shipwreck, and saving her best friend Flounder from a shark. The very next scene we get featuring Ariel is one in which she gets scolded by the court conductor, Sebastian, and reprimanded by her father for forgetting to show up at a concert. It seems like both the court conductor and Ariel's dad each are insulted and embarrassed by Ariel's behavior, and so the two of them "decide between them" that Ariel requires CONSTANT SUPERVISION. This "constant supervision thing" is Sebastian's idea, first, but King Triton wholeheartedly agrees with it, and this set-up soon predominates Ariel's whole existence under the sea. Sebastian is tracking Ariel's every move. It's Sebastian who sells out Ariel by divulging that she saved a human and is keeping a grotto of human detritus. Ariel copes by singing to herself, collecting what debris she can find, and generally trying to remain upbeat in a restrictive atmosphere. However, for her pains, Ariel is yelled at for her forgetfulness and curiosity; her father uses his trident and violently destroys her collection to "get through to her" that all humans are awful, and that he protects her by dominating her life. I find "constant supervision" stultifying to a person. This should be applied only to someone who is around 5 years old or less. Ariel is not 5 years old in the original 1989 film.
Constant supervision is not something a sixteen year old wants, and most psychologists will tell you, that parents who "set-up" this authoritarian parenting style are actually implementing abuse.


Less Severe, but Extremely Problematic Parenting Styles-- halfway between Authoritarian and Authoritative

Rapunzel

Rapunzel is kidnapped soon after birth because her parents used/stole an enchanted flower that belonged to a witch named Gothel to prevent Rapunzel's mother from dying in childbirth. Gothel decides that in retribution for what was "stolen" from her, she will do the stealing, too. So Gothel sneaks in and steals their child away... which is similar to the original Rapoince tale where Rapoince's father steals this type of lettuce from the witch's garden to prevent his wife from dying, and in trade, the witch steals the daughter from the parents. So, Rapunzel's folks are partly to blame for what happened to Rapunzel even in the Disney version. Afterward, Punzie grows up isolated in a tower, provided with every material thing she could want from Gothel, save seeing another face that isn't Gothel's. Punzie sings, paints, plays chess, sews, cooks, makes candles, reads, and tracks the stars. Punzie dresses up her chameleon, Pascal, to get a practical joke or two. These are Punzie's coping mechanisms, along with seeing "the lights" every year on the same day. Punzie is most curious about the lights, and THIS is the part where she feels DISSATISFIED. Otherwise, Punzie doesn't see her life as horrible, and this is rooted in her own ignorance resulting from Gothel's situational manipulation, and this is also partially because Gothel hasn't been a helicopter parent on Punzie, nor reduced Rapunzel to direct servitude. It's Pascal who attempts to leave the tower first, and Punzie scoops him up before he can get too far out the window. Rapunzel feels BORED and wonders "when will my life begin?" But is she tormented? I have seen children who were tormented individuals (as I am a nurse), and I can tell you that no, Rapunzel is not acting like a tormented adolescent. Finally, deviating from the warped fairy-tale, Disney introduces Flynn/Eugene who stumbles on Punzie's tower while running from a heist-gone-bad. And it is Rapunzel who ties Flynn up and DEMANDS that he take her to see the lights if he wants the "crown object" back. Gothel is abusive in creating an environment that preys on Rapunzel's gullibility and ignorance. But compared to someone who is under constant supervision for every choice ( which is what is going on with Ariel)--- this is not so with Rapunzel. Gothel visits Rapunzel once a week, if that. And Rapunzel doesn't get told that her priorities are wrong. Gothel has "one rule" for Rapunzel, while Triton's law on humans was more like 5 rules disguised to deter dissent. I see Rapunzel as a victim of both her parents stupid choice to steal a plant, and as Gothel's equally stupid retaliation move to prevent age deterioration. But when I think about Rapunzel's actual day-to-day existence, Rapunzel's day-to-day life is more like Merida's and Jasmine's: little on the excitement part, and big on the tedium. Gothel never gives Rapunzel constant supervision. Rapunzel hides Flynn before/and while Gothel is there. Rapunzel herself is good at withholding things she doesn't want her pseudo-stepmom to know. Even the Rapunzel in the original tale hid the ladder she was making to escape the tower. The Rapunzel in Disney's tale and in the original has agency, and she makes her own choices. She is not being supervised and bullied 24/7.


Merida

Merida's mother is strict. Merida doesn't get "a day all of her own" until the end of the week, as it were. Most of the time Elinor is trying to groom Merida to become the next Queen of Dunbroch. Merida doesn't like this, and balks at every opportunity. Merida copes with her mother's restrictive schedule on her life, by using the bleep out of her "one day a week personal time" to do everything from archery to climbing the firefalls. Elinor is strict, but she isn't sneakily abusive like Gothel, nor is she constantly supervising Merida's whereabouts like Triton does to Ariel through Sebastian. I don't like Elinor initially, because she's so prim and stuck-up, but she does less harm to Merida than Gothel and King Triton do to Punzie and Ariel.

Jasmine


She's confined to the palace. She is restricted by location and by the fact that she has to marry a prince. Jasmine's options in suitors irritate her, and she chafes at being "a prize to be won." But Jas has a better life than Rapunzel and Merida, because the sultan, her father, is never purposely sneaky nor purposely restrictive. He also does not send someone to watch Jasmine 24/7, and leaves her largely to herself. Jasmine copes... by having Rajah nip and bite playfully at her suitors. That's the bonus for having a tiger for a pet.


Mulan

Chinese culture was restrictive and obligated women to become wives. Mulan isn't confined to the house like Rapunzel is, doesn't seem to have a rigid schedule like Merida, and doesn't have a designated row of suitors pushed up in her face like Jasmine. However, Mulan doesn't have the freedom to be herself and to make her own choices, which is societal and which her parents are reinforcing. The good thing is that Mulan isn't being watched 24/7 either, which is why she could get away with cheating and painting verses on her arm as a method to try to pass the matchmaker's exam. Mulan mopes and sings when coping with her situation. I don't see her doing a lot else in the movie with coping, at least not until she decides to try to prove herself.


The Best Childhoods Among The Disney Princesses-- halfway between Authoritative and Permissive

Aurora

The movie seems to show that Aurora hardly received a stern word from Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather. Aurora views these women as "my three nosy aunts," but doesn't seem to feel that they are undeniably restrictive, and who watch her every movement. In fact, the three fairies send Aurora out all by herself on her sixteenth birthday to collect berries. That doesn't sound like King Triton's constant supervision of Ariel, nor Rapunzel's "one limitation rule," nor Merida's strict schedule of activities, nor Jasmine's palace ennui, nor Mulan's societal expectation. Aurora has more freedom....now that I consider it...than a lot of the princesses have had. And I did not realize this before. How far did Aurora roam in the forest during all of her childhood? She seems pretty darn familiar with her surroundings. Aurora copes with her pervasive loneliness by using sly humor, singing to herself, and dreaming at night of her "mysterious stranger."

Belle

With the exception of her mother dying in Paris ( or somewhere) during Belle's youth when she was probably 3 or 4, Belle doesn't seem to have had any horrible experiences. Maurice, her father, moved them to "the poor provincial town" where Belle feels disgust and irritation at her neighbors because she is seen as "the oddball" for not chasing around and flirting with guys, and wanting to read instead. Belle doesn't hit adversity until Maurice gets himself lost and jailed by the local Beast. And then Belle offers her freedom for her father's life. Right up until this half of Belle's existence ( beast capture) she hasn't had anybody abuse her, nor restrict her, and the societal expectations in her village she willingly defies without much blow-back ( whereas in Mulan's case it brought shame). I don't see Belle being watched 24/7 by Maurice, and Belle only gets the 24/7 treatment when she ends up surrendering her freedom to the abusive beast. Belle copes by reading everything in the local bookstore, and singing about her favorite book. Belle is just lonely, like Aurora, and they both are outsiders occupying time until they eventually find the life they are seeking. Belle's childhood was not horrible in any way. It was somewhat sad, actually, because of the death of a parent, but that death did not translate into abuse from Maurice, as did happen in Cinderella's case, in Snow's case, and in Ariel's case.

Pocahontas

Pocahontas goes "wherever the wind takes her." Powhatan seems like he has not decided to restrict Pocahontas at all. Powhatan has given Poca complete freedom to speak her mind. Powhatan respects Poca enough. He is extremely gentle when asking her to assume her mantle as the next leader of her people. Poca takes a while to figure out who she is, but her father doesn't stop her from finding her own path. Powhatan is not monitoring Pocahontas 24/7, reducing his daughter to a slave, or demanding that she marry Kocoum right away. He doesn't want war, but he does want to see that there is safety for his daughter, his tribe, and peace for his land. He's an example of a good dad.


Tiana

Tiana wins this weird childhood countdown. Tiana has the best childhood Disney has crafted in a long time. Maybe, it's the best childhood since Bambi (before Bambi's mother died). I don't ever see Tiana's parents scolding her, restricting her movements, or denying her the things she loves to do (cooking). Tiana's dad is exceptional. He is so engaging, so humorous, so instantly likeable that it physically hurts me when Disney yanks him out of the picture. :( The only damper on Tiana's life is the death of her dad and his dream. The Segregation of Blacks in the South of 1920s New Orleans, Louisiana is a further backdrop to Tiana's personal pain. Tiana's father dies when she is sixteen ( I'm guessing? Because Tiana looks like she is 19 in the movie or something, same age as Cinderella). The plot kicks in afterward, and Tiana becomes a grieving and very angry adult. But Tia's dad and mom never mistreated her, and she has insanely good memories of her family life.



This is my deduction from seeing each princess’s situation in their movies, and watching each one cope with the situation into which they were born. Though I have experienced emotional trauma myself, I don't think each princess really had it that easy. I don’t think every princess had the worst childhood, either. Likewise, I don’t think every princess had the best childhood. Some childhoods were right smack dab in the middle and isolating, but these—in my view-- sidestepped being marked by episodes of outright punishment, volatility, and slavery.

Leave thoughts below. Thanks. And until next time...
added by moulan
added by disney_prince
Right now I'm doing a countdown for which Disney Princess is the best role model, and I've seen some people not think they're the best role models, and since personally I see them as the three best role models, I'd like to explain why I think so. Also, I wanted to right an article that was a bit more thought provoking other than another countdown and I was bored. I'll go through why each princess is a good role model individually, and at the end conclude what they all have in common, so let's get started! (I literally say "let's get started" or "without further ado" for every single one of...
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Author's Note: Remember the preview? So here is the first chapter of Seldom What They Seem, my Sleeping Beauty Fanfiction. It was originally named Once Upon a Dream, but I wanted a more original name. Enjoy!

Briar Rose laughed as her prince spun her around. Then he playfully pulled her to the ground. She fell atop him, her hands in his broad chest. Her laughter died as her thoughts became lost in those handsome features. A strong chin, a long neck and a defined body.

His hair was a honeyed brown, but his eyes were a chocolate brown. But the best thing were the lips. They looked so.. kissable....
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posted by Queenofpink
All of the princesses have amazing hair. But who has the best hair? It's hard to decide, but here is my list.

13.) Snow White
Sorry Snow but your hair is not very amazing. I like that its curly but its too short. It doesn't look awesome blowing in the wind because its so short. If it were longer you would be higher on the list.

12.) Tiana
I don't really like Tiana's hair. Its messy and always in a bun or ponytail. I do like her curls but I wish she would let her hair down, both literally and figuratively. Her hair is not very exciting.

11.) Cinderella
Her hair has no body or bounce to it. Its sort...
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posted by Shiki_Otherside
Frozen movie poster
Frozen movie poster
Frozen, the latest Disney Princess movie that was claimed to have been the best movie since The Lion King. Does it hold it up as a Disney Classic?

The Princess and the Frog was released in 2009, in an effort to restore the Disney Animation Company's reputation. In this movie they went back to their own roots, using a fairy tale revolving around a princess, who receives her Prince Charming in the end, and sings catchy tunes along the way. Notable differences from the other movies included an African American protagonist (Disney's first!) and a modern setting (New Orleans, Louisiana). Although...
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posted by AnotherHepburn
I've noticed that characters and relationships are discussed in great detail on this page where a lot of the Disney Princesses are ripped apart. Well as much as I agree to a lot of whats being said I think to kick-start my first time writing an article on this page I would start out on a positive note.

Snow White
For starters she is the one who started it ALL. Disney's first and most anticipated movie was hers. For years he dreamed of recreating this wonderful fairytale that is so incredibly enduring and timeless that here we are on fanpop talking about it all the time. The best thing about...
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posted by princecatcher93
The Queen of Spoilers
The Queen of Spoilers
Tony Stark is Iron Man, everyone dies at the end of Les Miserables, Cinderella goes to the Ball, Spoiler, Spoiler, Spoiler, SPOILERS!!!!

Back in the day before the web, 'yes there was a time before the web,' it wasn't this hard to hide yourself from spoilers. Now with one the BIGGEST Disney Movie Event in a long time, it's even hard to hide from them. But this article hopefully will help everyone know what do to when it comes to spoilers.

The Wall.
The wall is like your facebook wall, you post something and everyone can see it. Now when you see Frozen say opening day you’re going want to be...
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This is my first article on Fanpop and I hope you all enjoy viewing it! This is completely my own opinion and should not be taken seriously. I will be creating an updated list after Frozen premieres. Please keep in mind that this is a list for specific characters, not their movies. Otherwise, this list would look much much different. Let the countdown begin!

#11: Mulan

I have nothing against Mulan, honestly, but she is the one Disney Princess that doesn't interest me in any way, shape, or form. She is strong, chivalrous, and brave. Which is great, but I've always been a girly-girl. Her personality...
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posted by daylightdream07
My user icon (at the moment). I think this is the most beautiful princess castle Disney has created.
My user icon (at the moment). I think this is the most beautiful princess castle Disney has created.
Hey guys! So I’ve been here since the beginning of summer, and I figured it was time to make one of these since I’ve seen so many of my new friends make them, too! I haven’t really opened up to anyone about who I am and what I like, so I thought this would be a good place to start! :)

My name is Brooke and I’m 18 years old. I live in southern Delaware with my parents, my two older sisters, and my younger brother. However, I’m going to be moving to college in a couple days, so that’s going to change soon!

I originally came to fanpop when I was researching Disney history for a fun...
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posted by krissy1996
CALLING ALL MEMBERS!!!!!

A petition is starting and I need your help! There are five women who are part of the "Disney Animated Characters" who I believe deserve to become known as a "Disney Princesses". When I am done with the petition I will be sending a letter to Disney Productions.

I will start with Kida(Kidagakish), Princess of Atlantis from "Atlantis:The Lost Empire" and "Atlantis:Milo's Return". Next there is Esmerala, Princess of the Paris Gypsies from "The Hunchback of Notre Dame 1 & 2". Then there is Meg(Megara), married to Hercules(Prince of Gods) from "Hercules". Some would...
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Alright, it’s getting toward the end of summer, and before it’s over I thought I’d do something entirely superficial. The placements are based purely on looks alone, I’m just going to be entirely shallow. These are just my opinions, they’re weird, I know. This is going to get very long. The pictures are their prettiest shots in my opinion.

11. Merida
*Blows out a deep breath* Merida. (Read in same intonation as Nostalgia Chick uses when she says “Anime” in her top ten hottest animated guys countdown- watch it, it’s hilarious.) I want to like the way Merida looks, I really do....
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Hi. I'm new here and since everyone was doing this list I decided to give it a try too. :) Thanks for letting me share this with you. :3

Okay then, number 10. Is Anastasia (Anastasia)
I have to admit she looks a little bit older than 18. Her appearance is a little plain, but still I like her fiery character and hair.

9. Is Ariel (Disney's The Little Mermaid, really sorry, guys) And she wouldn't even be on this list if it weren't for her looks. I've always liked mermaids. (When I was little I pretended to be one) and she has lovely hair and an adorable face, but to me, she's just too perky, childish...
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When dimitri_is_hot made her list of the Disney Princes she'd settle down with I figured I'd do it too but with the Disney Princesses. It took a lot of thought to figure it out. Anyway please comment about what you think and please keep in mind this is just my opinion.

11.Aurora

I honestly don't think we would have any chemistry. Me and her don't really have anything in common, other than feeling like people treat us like we're still children, but other than that nothing really. I'm outspoken and a little rebellious while she's dependent and does what she's told. For me I prefer to have...
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10th Place
10th Place
Series so far:

Favourite Ballgowns: link

Favourite Formal Dresses: link


10) Mulan's Green / Multi-coloured Dress

I don't like this dress. The top green part really suits her so does the red sash. But the rest of the colours doesn't do her any favours.


9) Aurora's Cottage / Forest Dress

This is proof that Aurora looks good in any thing. It's a very plain dull looking dress, but Aurora's graceful movements and natural beauty make it seem elegant. But I can't put it any higher because the grey makes it too dreary!


8) Snow White's Forest Dress

I don't like the back-collar high neck piece. The skirt is...
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Here is the Fan of the Month Interview with DsnyPrincess!

1. Congratulations for being November Fan of the Month! How did you feel?
I feel very honored and overwhelmed. I 'm also so surprised that people voted for me because I love this site and I'm always on this club!

2. How did you first get on Fanpop and Disney Princess spot?
Well I was looking up Princess quizzes to show my family how much I knew about the Princesses and saw what else you could do and I just thought "Perfect!"

3. What is your favorite activity on Fanpop?
Defiantly the polls, I just love having my opinions being voiced!

4. Is...
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Young Stars Edition

Snow White-Selena Gomez

Cinderella-Bridgit Mendller

Aurora-Jennette McCurdy

Ariel-Ariana Grande

Belle-Anna Popplewell

Jasmine-Melinda Shankar

Pocahontas-Q'orianka Kilcher

Mulan-Ashley Argota

Tiana-Keke Palmer

Rapunzel-Annasophia Robb
I'm a big fan of Britney Spears, her songs are fantastic and she's very well known and has been a singer since 1998, isn't that amazing? Now this time I'm not going to post a link to an article about her since I think most of us knows who she is. Again it was hard to choose which song I would use for each princess, but anyways enjoy!

Snow White: Oops!...I Did It Again

This song suits her very well in my opinion because well it suits the relationship between her and Grumpy, it's not a very well suited song, but it still suits her in my opinion.
Here's a link to the song: link

Cinderella: Lucky...
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Ariel and Rapunzel appeared in Balitanghali Parts 1 and 3
Ariel and Rapunzel appeared in Balitanghali Parts 1 and 3
Disney Princess Diaries: Balitanghali
Disney Princess Diaries: Balitanghali


Disney Princess Diaries: Balitanghali Parts 1 and 2
Disney Princess Diaries: Balitanghali Parts 1 and 2


Part 1 of 5: Ariel Found A Bottle From The Sea
One day, Princess Ariel saw a bottle of letter. She read it and then Rapunzel arrived. She talked Ariel about the unknown news. "This is so blur and old. Who wrote this?" Rapunzel questioned. "I don't know. I picked up the bottle and I opened it. I really who think it was?" Ariel answered. Balitanghali arrived. "HEY! That's my bottle of letter! Thank you for finding this, little mermaid." Balitanghali answered happily. "Oh! Is this yours woman?" Ariel...
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posted by starlight77
As usual, lessons were unbearable to Lizzie. She had been doing the same things repeatedly since she was six years old and little had changed. It always started the same. The headmaster would have Elizabeth and her lady-in-waiting Cornelia have tea and then they would start with a geography and literature lesson that Elizabeth didn't mind. Next came the unbearable part. Learning proper party protocol or dealing with fans or dancing. None of this Elizabeth particularly enjoyed (especially dancing) but at least she didn't have to learn about the 40 different utensils for eating one meal. She...
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