When I say “Frozen”, you probably roll your eyes as you remember the time where Elsa’s dress was literally on every little girl everywhere and there were people singing “Let It Go” unironically. But, both “Frozen” and “Moana” are reasons why Disney is getting more progressive with showing female protagonists that do not need a love interest to fall head over heels for and are independent women that go against what society tells them is right. Of course, not to dismiss the amazing characters that are Mulan (who basically saved all of China), Tiana (who worked hard to get her own restaurant opened), Nani (who raised Lilo by herself while maintaining a steady job after their parents passed away), etc. that got by on their own and were heroes in their own sense by taking care of themselves and saving others without the help of a man, but Moana and Elsa are two new protagonists that add to this list.
“Let It Go” and “How Far I’ll Go” are both academy-award nominated original songs that are about the protagonist realizing that they have strength within themselves and that they don’t need to conform to society’s views of them, but can find happiness in their passion. Elsa feels free once she gives in to her powers and controls it, instead of withholding herself and locking herself up. Moana is joyous as she realizes she’s a voyager at heart, not a chief, and that her true calling is to the sea. The songs are catchy and powerful, so that when young girls have the lyrics memorized and sing them at the top of their lungs, they are singing about inspiring messages that are entwined with self-love and acceptance.
Both Elsa and Moana have done tremendous things mostly on their own and became the heroes of their own story, all without a love interest. Elsa unfreezes her town once she accepts her powers as a part of who she is and doesn’t hold back anymore. Moana saves her village and island, and earns the trust of her father to lead their village to become voyagers, showing that she is a true chief of her village by taking matters into her own hands. Though the girls did have some help along the way, the main point is that they figured out and solved the problem they each faced on their own by accepting themselves as different and being totally ok with it.
These songs and storylines send such positive and inspiring messages to young girls whose minds are vulnerable to the viciousness of society and its view of how women should dress, and, and live their lives. Viewers can learn to live life their own way and that it is ok to do so. It also preaches that a woman does not need a love interest to distract her from reaching her goals and being who she truly is. Hopefully as Disney releases more movies in the future, they send just as powerful messages, and could include more minority protagonists.
