In Defense Of Pocahontas. 

Pocahontas typically doesn’t come to mind when people think of the Disney princesses. She doesn’t have a tiara, ball gown, or palace. But she is the daughter of the Powhatan chief, so yep she’s a princess. She’s one of the eleven heroines who are part of the official Disney princess brand.

Pocahontas is so cool. This is the first Disney movie based on a historical figure (please tell me you knew Pocahontas was a real person.) That’s awesome! She isn’t a character from some made up fairytale, she was a real life awesome girl. I really like that.

I realize that Disney changed the story up quite a bit. People whine all the time about how “that’s not what really happened! She and John Smith weren’t a couple! Blah blah blah…” Honestly, I know and I don’t care. Why does that bother everyone so much? The movie wasn’t made to be historically accurate on every point. It’s not an educational video; it’s entertainment. They based it on this actual person, but that doesn’t mean every detail needs to line up with what really happened. They can add a love interest if they want. They can vamp up the story line some. It’s okay.

Disney also gets complaints about how the movie is racist and misrepresents Native Americans. That is much more of a valid concern than just the story line being altered.

 I get why that’s upsetting. I’m not sure that it’s true however. Not being Native American myself, I can’t tell and won’t try to say whether or not they portrayed this group of people fairly. I will say that from my perspective they were at least portrayed positively. Across the board the European settlers were definitely set up as villains even. I know that when making this movie Disney went to great lengths to work with Native Americans trying to make sure they didn’t offend anyone. I guess it wasn’t good enough to satisfy everyone. At least they tried?

Pocahontas is the second non-white princess! And she is beyond gorgeous. She looks so different from the other Disney beauties and she is absolutely stunning. Besides having a darker complexion, her eyes are smaller, her lips are fuller, her bone structure is stronger, and I think she might be taller. I always love when a character breaks away from the norm. Yay diversity!

weren’t white (which is cool, way to be progressive Disney),

actually has race as an issue in the plot. The whole point of the movie is to not judge a group of people because they are different from you. That is such an important message! It’s a huge issue and thank you Disney for tackling that.

And on that note, this movie has a mixed race couple! Aladdin and Jasmine weren’t white but Pocahontas and John Smith are from different races and drastically different cultures. That’s really great, especially considering the more prejudiced attitude overall toward things like that when this movie came out (1995).

It’s not a typical fairytale romance on several accounts. John Smith and Pocahontas don’t end up together. People get upset about that, but I really don’t mind and actually sort of appreciate it. Pocahontas made the choice to stay with her people in Virginia instead of following John back to England.

 Things don’t always work out and that’s okay. He leaves, and she stays, and you know what? Her life goes on just fine. That’s very real and I like that Disney portrayed that.

Enough of all that, let’s talk about Pocahontas herself. This girl is amazing. Like a lot of the other princesses she’s kind, smart, and adventurous. She loves nature. She’s playful and a free spirit. What I love love love about her is that she is strong and independent without being brassy and in your face. She has a quiet dignity. Absolutely lovely and graceful. And she’s witty, wise, and forward thinking. Brains and beauty y’all. Pocahontas brings peace between the Powhatans and the Englishmen! She saves John Smith’s life! She’s invincible! I’m getting over excited because she’s just too awesome to handle. 

Posted on Wednesday, August 7 2013. Tagged with: Disney charactersdisney moviemovieanimationhistoryjohn smithnative americanpowhatanindianmixed race couplelegendfairytaleheroinecharacteranalysiscriticsimdefenseprincessracePocahontasDisneyDisney Princess

I have always been an avid Disney princess fan. Lately I\'ve been saddened to see so many criticisms and attacks toward the princesses. This blog is devoted to their defense.

This is also a feminist blog. Beyond Disney, it is dedicated to the defense and celebration of all women.

I also have a Harry Potter blog! http://whatscurious.tumblr.com/

(I won\'t be on Tumblr at all for lent season. Feel free to message me still, I\'ll reply as soon as I\'m back after Easter!)

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