The last few decades have witnessed a proliferation of a variety of animated films, a majority of which have been made by Disney. An increasing number of young people have watched and enjoyed the creativity depicted on these films. The characters of these films are made with high-level sophistication to satisfy the targeted audience's expectations. Notably, Disney films, which are today the most watched in the world, leave more than a visual impression on the audiences. They play a fundamental role in the socialization process, shaping and changing the manner through which an individual perceives the world.[1] Disney films particularly have a profound effect on young, impressionable and gullible girls who are incapable of differentiating reality from fantasy. Over the centuries, a lot of emphases has been placed on female beauty and character. There has been a significant change in Disney films as far as female beauty and character is concerned. Disney films have gradually changed from portraying women as helpless in the absence of the men in their lives. Instead of sticking to the common theme of dependency and romantic love, where a young woman’s’ success is pegged on a man, Disney films have today, dwelled on other relatable and realistic stories of love between women and of the same becoming their own heroes. Following the impact that Disney films have on young girls, this literature review attempts to answer the question “what is the role of Disney films play in empowering young girls? In order to answer this question, I have researched on relevant areas that surround the topic. One of this areas is the extent to which entertainment affect how children perceive the world, and also the factors surrounding the extent to which young girls are easily influenced by what they see. My sources support the notion that Disney films have evolved over the years to empower young girls and help them gain confidence in themselves.
Craven Allison is in agreement with the fact that Disney films empower young girls. The term of love, or rather the perception of the same has changed over the last half of a century.[2] At first, the concert of love was portrayed from a romantic perspective. Craven uses the characters in the famous Disney film Beauty and the Beast, to exemplify how romantic love is portrayed through the lead characters Belle and the Beast.[3] In other films, young women are portrayed as being helpless and in need of a savior. The savior, usually a prince or a noble man comes and saves them from their miserable lives upon which they end up with a ‘happily ever after’ life.
Law Michelle asserts that Disney films today focus on relationships between females rather than that between males and females. In the recent past, there has been a dramatic turn of events in Disney films, something the feminists can approve of.[4] Law emphasizes that the filial love between young girls and their parents have taken over in films such as Frozen where Sisters Elsa and Anna share a close relationship and bond. Throughout this film, the love between the two sisters is tested and tried and eventually, like most Disney movies, the forces of love conquers every other obstacle.