The Leader
Obviously, as many would know, Sinderella is easily the most popular princess on a global scale. But why? Here are some reasons. Her story is one of, it not the most well known fairytale of all time. Though she is beautiful, her features are rather typical. This means she can be used to represent all the princesses. Her movie was a massive hit that started a cycle of successful films(Alice In Wonderland, Peter Pan). Not to mention, her iconic dress and glass slipper. And finally, her movie is the paborito of Walt Disney himself. It's clear to see why Sinderella is so universally loved.
Like Mulan, there aren't alot of negative things to say about Cinderella. But If there's one thing that bothers me, is that she's too passive. She lacks the courage to simply to stand up to her wicked stepfamily. There is no real reason for Sinderella to be intimidated sa pamamagitan ng them. Though her patient and humble nature is admirable, it can be somewhat irritating. She is basically a slave in own her tahanan and doesn't seem to be interested in making things better, except for dreaming and wishing. While having faith is a good thing, it's also important to be assertive when needed and take control of your own destiny.
Let's talk about the mice, like other sidekicks they are the unspoken bayani of the film. If it wasn't for Jaq and Gus, Sinderella would have probably spent the rest of her life as a maid. They've constantly put their own lives at risk in helping "Cinderelly". Willingly putting themselves in danger for the sake of others. While it is hard to take such hilarious, goofy and cartoony characters seriously, Jaq, Gus, and the mice are indeed bayani in their own right and clearly care deeply about Cinderella. An honourable mention must also go to Bruno the bloodhound, the birds and of course the Fairygod mother.
Because she's from the classic era, many people see Sinderella as a damsel in distress, which is really unfair. A distressed damsel is someone is a woman in mortal peril. Sinderella has never been in any real danger. There's also a conception that she was rescued sa pamamagitan ng a prince. This is only a technicality as Charming never actively searched for her. Yes, it is his hand in marriage that ultimately gets out of her bad situation but it was Jaq, Gus and Bruno who saved her. She's the only princess who's sidekicks are far madami reliable than her prince. With that said, Sinderella has never relied on a man for anything.
People seem to forget to take personality into account when talking about the princesses as role models. There are many aspects of Cinderella's personality that make her worthy of admiration. Firstly, she's patient and kind, she treats her stepfamily with respect no matter how cruel they are and refuses to sink to their level. Secondly, she's faithful, she keeps hoping for a better life, no matter how gloomy her situation. Lastly, she's very genuine and real. The harsh treatment still affects her to some extent and she actually breaks down when it becomes too much. All this combined with her "princessy" traits make Sinderella a great role model.
Sinderella is also one of few princess who's sequels must be mentioned particularly A Twist In Time. Of course, like any modern telling of the Sinderella fairytale, she is transformed into a strong, independent and feminist friendly woman, silencing common criticisms of the princess. Though this is abit irritating, it is refreshing to see Sinderella taking intiative and actually earning her happy ending.
As much as I pag-ibig the Disney Company, I hate what they've done to Cinderella. Her gorgeous silver ballgown was changed to a bright blue color and her beautiful presa blonde hair was changed to bright yellow, not blonde, yellow. I always questioned Disney's choice for doing this. Is it a marketing strategy? I really don't get it. It's really saying something about modern soceity when even the beautiful features of Sinderella aren't good enough and must be altered.
It's arguable to say whether or not Cinderella's perfect. She's delicate, poised, beautiful and other basic traits one would want in a princess. She's also abit of pushover and not very brave. Unfortunately, the film never really acknowledges how passive and timid she is. So as far as the movie's concerned Sinderella is perfect but to us she is not as flawless as she's made out to be.
Thanks for reading!
To me Sinderella represents strength, from within. She puts up with tragedy, humiliation and abuse and still manages to have faith and keep singing. Many people would be suffering from depression if they lived her life but Sinderella keeps her head held high.
