Disney, Say It Ain't So!

I'm a Disney kid through and through. My parents took us to Disneyland practically every year. It's one of the few places where entertainment is still wholesome and full of imagination. I love this place so much that that's where I celebrated my 30th birthday. So it was heart breaking to hear Disney's plans for Merida, Pixar's Brave Princess.

Merida is one of my favorite princesses. She embodies courage, bravery, confidence and adventure. She is also the most realistic looking princess to date. She is not your typical princess. No big ballgowns for this girl. She is another version of what a princess can be.

A picture of Merida surfaced that sent people in an uproar. Now the image wasn't on Disney official site, but it was sighted on merchandise on other sites. It's a "sexy" version of Merida. Her features are more grown up and her figure more pronounced. They even removed her signature bow & arrow. It's very different from the original. They've taken the image of a beautiful young girl and twisted her looks with makeup and a smaller waist size. What's Disney trying to say? Are you telling us that Merida wasn't good enough so you had to conduct a little animation plastic surgery?

Disney did give a statement. Their spokeman said,

 "The artwork used on Merida's official social media sites has always been the imagery from the movie. We routinely use different art styles with our characters and this rendition of Merida in her party dress was a special one-time effort to commemorate her coronation. Merida exemplifies what it means to be a Disney Princess through being brave, passionate and confident and she remains the same strong and determined Merida from the movie whose inner qualities have inspired moms and daughters around the world."   

So they're saying it's a one time thing. Okay, but why readjust the image in the first place? I have no issue with her gown or hair. My concern is the face and figure. Disney princesses have always been about promoting good self-esteem. Their princesses usually came from rags to riches. They've believed in themselves and confidence runs through their veins. I don't remember them doing an image lift on Mulan. Who by the way has a very similar vibe to Merida's character.

Even though Disney is saying that its a one time thing and that Pixar's image is the one that will remain, the altered image is going on merchandise that's not being recalled. Merida will have 2 images of her floating around. 

Self image is such a vital part of a little girl. In this modern world, girls are being bombarded by images of what they can look like when they grow up. Some are inspiring but most are unattainable. Now, Disney has contributed to this dilemma, perhaps unknowingly, but nonetheless there it is. 

I hope they recall the merchandise with the altered image and keep Merida's integrity intacted. 

Disney do the right thing.