The Disney Princess Merida makeover is being called “blatant sexim” by its critics, including Brave writer and co-director, Brenda Chapman.
As previously reported by The Inquisitr , the Disney Princess Merida makeover caused quite a backlash from the public.
The original Disney Princess Merida was hailed as a positive role model for girls because she was independent, active and outdoorsy. In preparation for her “coronation” as a Disney princess, the Disney Princess Merida makeover made the protagonist of Brave thinner with a bigger chest and gave Merida a more “princess-worthy” dress. Merida was painted up and had her wild red hair tamed, and her bow and arrow was replaced with a sash around her waist. Although, obviously the props would probably be back for other images.
Brenda Chapman called the Disney Princess Merida makeover effort “a blatantly sexist marketing move based on money.” Chapman ripped into Disney, saying, “‘There is an irresponsibility to this decision that is appalling for women and young girls. Disney marketing and the powers that be that allow them to do such things should be ashamed of themselves.”
The Change.org petition over the Disney Princess Merida makeover is just as scathing in its remarks:
“The redesign of Merida in advance of her official induction to the Disney Princess collection does a tremendous disservice to the millions of children for whom Merida is an empowering role model who speaks to girls’ capacity to be change agents in the world rather than just trophies to be admired. Moreover, by making her skinnier, sexier and more mature in appearance, you are sending a message to girls that the original, realistic, teenage-appearing version of Merida is inferior; that for girls and women to have value — to be recognized as true princesses — they must conform to a narrow definition of beauty.”
The Disney Princess line is a $4 billion franchise which sells movies, books, and paraphernalia, which will eventually include Disney Princess Merida. Disney is saying the Disney Princess Merida makeover was “a special one-time effort to commemorate her coronation.”
What do you think about the Disney Princess Merida makeover?
