Controversy

Quite recently, Disney have been criticized for the redesign of Princess Merida from the Pixar fairy tale fantasy 'Brave'.

Disney have created a 'glammed up' version of Merida for a new toy line.

The very tom-boy bow-slinging female has been given a whole new look in order to fit in alongside the other Disney princesses. She now looks slimmer, older and slightly sexualized in comparison to what she used to look like from last year's animation film.

In retaliation to this, a petition has been launched in order to transform Merida into her old self; this petition has reached 100,000 signatures in just over a week and has gained the support of Merida's creator Brenda Chapman - "I think it's atrocious what they have done to Merida," she wrote in an email to the Independent Journal. "When little girls say they like it because it's more sparkly, that's all fine and good but subconsciously they are soaking in the sexy 'come hither' look and the skinny aspect of the new version. It's horrible! Merida was created to break that mould - to give young girls a better, stronger role model, a more attainable role model, something of substance, not just a pretty face that waits around for romance".

Addressed to Disney's chairman Bob Iger, the petition reads "Merida was the princess that countless girls and their parents were waiting for – a strong, confident, self-rescuing princess ready to set off on her next adventure with her bow at the ready. She was a princess who looked like a real girl, complete with the 'imperfections' that all people have."

By making Merida skinnier, sexier and more mature in appearance, a message is sent to girls that the original, realistic version of Merida is inferior; for girls to have any form of value and to be recognized as a true 'princess' they must conform to a narrow definition of beauty.

Disney restored the original Merida artwork to the character's profile on their official princess website. A Disney spokesperson responded to the controversy in a statement to Yahoo! Shine saying: "Merida exemplifies what it means to be a Disney princess through being brave, passionate and confident and she remains the same strong determined Merida from the movie whose inner qualities have inspired mums and daughters around the world.

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Other Disney Princesses who have been transformed into slimmer, older and sexualized Princesses:

Ariel

Belle

Cinderella

Jasmine

Mulan

Pocahontas

Sleeping beauty

Snow white

Final major project proposal

The title of my final major project is "Feminism in Fairy tales". I will work towards producing a series of six photographs which aim to portray the feminism within specific fairy tales.

This project extends my knowledge, understanding and creative ability because it takes what I already know and further develops my ability. This project allows me to be creative (as this is MY own chosen project - it is all my own work). Along the way I will have the opportunity to learn new things as I am going along. I will also have the chance to further understand modern day issues and allows me to build on them to create my own images with meaning.

My influences for this project are the more traditional fairy tales in literature. These are relevant to my ideas because my photographs will be based around the feminism and the stereotypes within these stories. The subject areas I intend to research are:

- What is a fairy tale and how are they stereotypically feminist?

- How specific photographers photograph general Disney characters

- Photographers who have taken a different view of certain characters based on their story

- Modern day examples of characters who challenge the roles of women expected by society

The materials, techniques and processes I intend to used are:

Materials:

- Camera (digital)

- Memory card

- Tripod

- Reflector

- Props

Techniques:

- Slow shutter

Processes:

- Photoshop (software)

Obviously I will experiment with other materials, techniques and processes in order to explore different outcomes so that I can develop on these outcomes. I will also experiment with different studio practices, workshop procedures and the use of particular equipment and software.

In order to investigate, develop, produce and evaluate my project, I have divided up my time as follows:

1st three weeks = research

2nd four weeks = test shooting and planning

3rd five weeks = produce final (edited) images 

In order to critically review and analyze my work to determine that it is successful, I intend on reviewing my own work. I will look at the use of props/clothing (as symbols and forms of identity) and the quality of my own work. I also intend on getting reviews from my peers:- I will ask on their opinion and whether or not they understand the meaning behind my work. Lastly, I will ask myself what I would have done differently in order to see if I am satisfied with my own work.

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Alpha females

Modern day examples of characters who challenge the roles of women expected by society:

Lara Croft (Tomb raider)

There have been many variations (cartoons, comic books, movies etc.) of the character Tomb Raider, however the character stays exactly the same throughout.

The character in Tomb Raider is the English archaeologist Lara Croft, a female adventurer in search of ancient relics. Throughout her journeys, she stumbles across many enemies which she has to defeat. At the end of all of the comics and movies, Lara succeeds in her missions and becomes the hero.

This character challenges the stereotype of women because she is capable of conquering tough situations on her own without a man. Women nowadays are perceived as people who are in constant need of a heroic man to come rescue her.

Hit girl (Kick ass)

Hit-girl (character's real name is Mindy Macready) is a fictional character appearing in the series, Kick Ass. She is only young but she is a tough vigilante who was trained by her father Damon Macready (also known as 'Big Daddy') from an early age to be a costumed superhero and assassin.

Hit Girl is considered a 'feminist hero' because of the fact that she pays no attention whatsoever to gender stereotypes. In the first film, although she isn't the main character, she turns out to be the hero. Hit Girl comes to the rescue of (also superhero) Kick Ass when he is in trouble; without her help, Kick Ass would be dead.

Again, this character has challenged the stereotype of women by coming to the rescue of a man - whereas in real life, people would presume she would be  the one to need a mans help.

Alice - Resident evil

Alice (portrayed by Milla Jovovich) is the main protagonist of the Resident Evil.

The basic story line of Resident Evil is about an outbreak of the "t virus". In the film(s), Alice sets out to search for someone/something and is caught up within the zombie-like monsters that now rule the city. She, in the end, completes her mission and defeats her enemies and becomes the hero. Again, this challenges the stereotype of the modern day woman - she doesn't need a mans help and it capable of doing things by herself.

Letty (Fast and Furious)

Leticia "Letty" Ortiz is a main female character in the Fast and Furious movies series and is portrayed by Michelle Rodriguez. She is a highly skilled street car racer and mechanic. Letty was Dominic Toretto's ex-girlfriend. 

During the events of Fast and Furious, Letty is on Dominic's crew in his gang of fuel tankers. It is revealed that she contacted FBI agent Brian O' Conner and became a double agent for Braga's crime ring in order to allow Dominic to return home.

The character of Letty challenges the stereotype of women. She's part of a 'sport' that is most commonly known for being a male sport (street racing) and her role as the 'mechanic' shows that she isn't just tagging along with the boys ... she actually knows what she is doing. Stereotypically, men are supposed to be the ones who play with their cars a lot and women are scared to get even a speck of dirt on them. Whereas the character isn't afraid to get dirty. She also has the brains to become an FBI agent!

Selene (Underworld)

Selene is the main fictional protagonist character from the Underworld series; Selene is portrayed by Kate Beckinsale. The films feature enemy characters such as vampires and lycans (an ancient species of werewolf). Alice is a vampire and belongs to the Death Dealers. Selene basically wants revenge because about 600 years ago, Lycans slaughtered her family when she was a child. In the movies, Selene is seen as being very headstrong.

This character challenges the stereotype of women because she has the capability of conquering her enemies. Normally, nowadays, a man would be the one to come to the ladies rescue - however, not in this case.

Dina Goldstein

Dina Goldstein is based in Vancouver, B.C. She has balanced her love of unique portraits with a career in editorial and commercial photography. Her photographs have been featured in many high profile magazines and she has received numerous awards for er commercial and creative photography.

The following post will focus on how Dina Goldstein has photographed the Disney Princesses in her own way.

This series of photographs is titled "Fallen Princesses".

Fallen Princesses place Fairy Tale characters in modern day scenarios. In all of the images the princess is placed in an environment that articulates her conflict. Goldstein questions the messages behind Disney princess films that so many women grew up with, by setting them in harsh realities. The 'happily ever after' is replaced with with a realistic outcome and addresses current issues. It imagines what would become of the princesses if they were subjected to same standards and realities women in the real world have to deal with.

Snow white

This photograph depicts the Disney Character, Snow White, in a different situation in comparison to the fairytale ending of the book. 

In this photograph, she is seen alongside her four children and her "prince charming". From the looks of this photograph, Snow White never got the fairytale ending that she desired. Although she is still 'keeping' the house, she is also looking after four poorly-dressed children AND her lazy prince.
This photograph adresses the modern day issue of feminism. Nowadays, by many men, women are perceived as someone who should cook, clean, reproduce and run around after their family whilst their partner comes home from work (with their pay) and settle down to be waited upon.


Cinderella

The fairytale ending of Cinderella is a very fortunate one (in the storybook); Cinderella and the Prince married and lived 'happily ever after'. However, in the above photographed, the situation is completely different.
Instead of the Prince coming to Cinderella, she instead is left waiting in her ball dress in a grubby bar. Not only is she waiting at a single table by herself, she is also being stared at by creepy men (which are the total opposite of her 'prince charming'). 

Rapunzel

The basic storyline of Rapunzel is about an evil witch who raises Rapunzel and has her hair grow very long. When Rapunzel was old enough, the witch locked her in a tower with no exit and only a window. The only way to get in is by having Rapunzel throw down her hair so that  the witch can climb it.

One day a Prince comes by and see's the witch climbing the hair into the tower and, after the witch leaves, he calls out "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair. She does so and he climbs up and they have an epic love story.

In Dina's photograph, Rapunzel is seen sitting in a hospital bed clutching onto her long hair. It is obvious that the issue that is being addressed is modern-day illness. The illness that Rapunzel has, in this photograph, is cancer. 

This image challenges the fairytale endings in fairy tales. Obviously, Rapunzel never lived "happily ever after" and isn't going to live the way she had dreamed.

Little red riding hood

The fairy tale character in this image is depicted very differently in comparison to the commonly-known character.
Looking at this photograph, the modern-day issue that is being addressed here is obesity. Instead of the character being slim carrying healthy food in her basket, she is very large and it holding very unhealthy food items such as burgers, fries and fizzy drinks.

Sleeping beauty

This photograph basically depicts Sleeping Beauty still sleeping with her (presumed) Prince waiting beside her. Sleeping Beauty is still under Maleficent's spell therefore she has not ages BUT her Prince Charming has. This photograph is set in an old-people's home. 

Jasmine

This photograph shows the well-known Disney Princess, Jasmine, is a battlefield holding a large gun. 

In the storybook, Aladdin is the one who saves Jasmine and becomes the hero. Instead, the photographer has made Jasmine the hero by giving her the role of a soldier.

Ariel - the Little Mermaid

Basically, in the storybook 'The Little Mermaid', Ariel is allowed to roam around have a little bit of freedom. However, in this photograph, Ariel is shown cooped up in a tank for the public to view. She is basically being perceived as just something to look at. She has no real value, she is just there for other peoples entertainment.

Belle - Beauty and the Beast

This photograph shows Belle getting plastic surgery.
This image is, quite clearly, addressing the modern-day issue of body modification.
In the Disney storybook 'Beauty and the Beast', Belle is basically the pretty lady who is needed to break the 'beasts' spell so that he can return to his natural form. 

It's very ironic that someone who is perceived and known for being 'beautiful' is getting plastic surgery so that she looks as beautiful as she desires.

Pocahontas

The basic storyline of the book 'Pocahontas' is about a female who (for a change) is the hero of the story. She is basically a warrior who defeats the bad guys.
In this photograph, she is depicted as a stay-at-home kind of woman who has a tendency to collect cats - this gives the impression that she isn't very sociable ... she'd rather spend time with her many cats. There is no evidence of her being any kind of hero/ warrior in the image.

Annie Leibovitz

These are some of the images produced by Annie Leibovitz that I have researched:

Disney dream portrait series

Julie Andrews portraying the blue fairy from Disney's Pinocchio with her apprentice fairy portrayed by Abigail Breslin

Whoopi Goldberg as the genie from Aladdin 

Jennifer Lopez posed as Jasmine and Marc Anthony as Aladdin 

Scarlett Johansson as Cinderella

Julianne Moore as The Little Mermaid

This series of images show how Annie Leibovitz portrays the Disney characters in her own way.

Research

Initial idea: Warped fairy tale

• Short story featuring fantasy characters
  -> far-fetched story
  -> tall tale
• Older fairytales were intended for an audience of adults as well as children
• "Once upon a time" means a fairytale/ little story from a long time ago when the world was still magic
• The moralizing strain in the Victorian era altered the classical tales to teach lessons
• "Damsel in distress" is always a woman
  -> usually a beautiful young woman placed in a dire predicament by a villain or monster and who requires a hero to achieve her rescue
  -> The helplessness of the damsel (who can be portrayed as foolish and ineffectual to the point of naiveté along with her need of others to rescue her) has made the stereotype the target of feminist criticism

History of the Damsel in distress

* = example

Antiquity

• Ancient Greek mythology
  * Andromedo
• Ancient Indian epic
  * Sita = Ramayana

The middle ages

* Rapunzel

* Snow white

* Sleeping beauty

17th Century

* The spanish lady

18th and 19th Century

* Clarissa

Portrayal of women in fairytales

• Men = strong, smart, powerful
• Women = pretty, passive, powerless
  ^ The women depend solely on a man to save them in their lives

Cinderella

• Portrayed as weak and passive
• Doesn't have the self-respect to stand up for herself
• Her family members feel that she is inferior to them and her only purpose is to serve them

The little mermaid

Hans Christian Andersen first wrote the Little mermaid in 1836

• Teaches girls that looks are all that matter in life
• She has a voice and is rebellious
• If Ariel gives the sea witch her voice she will receive a pair of legs in return
  ^ The catch is that Ariel has to get Prince Eric to give her a kiss of true love before the sun set on the third day
• Ursula tells Ariel "Men up there don't like a lot of blabber, they think a girl who talks is a bore. But don't worry you have your looks, your pretty face, and don't forget about body language".
• The message that girls are getting from this story is that they don't need a voice, instead they can depend on their looks to get by in life
• Ursula gains power of the sean by a deal she made with King Triton to save his daughter and sacrifices himself instead. Ursula is about to kill Ariel but Eric comes to the rescue and saves the day. Once again a man saves the day and gets the girl

Snow white

• In the Brother's Grimm version of "Snow white", the dwarf's play an important role in the safety and security of Snow white herself
• The male figure is initially brought into this story when the huntsmen let Snow white go without harm because he "took pity on her"
• When Snow white finally finds the dwarf's house, they let her in with one request; if she were to keep the house, they would protect her
  ^ This is the typical stereotype about the roles genders are supposed to cook, clean and keep everything neat and tidy while the man is out working hard and coming home to protect her
  ^ In most fairy tales, the female plays the role of being naive and always ends up getting herself into danger, then the man comes along and saves her life. Women are never capable of saving themselves and always need a man to protect them (according to literature).
• The queens actions also play an interesting and important role in the story. She too is given a typical female role: jealous, conceded and self-centered. She physically cannot live unless her mirror tells her that she is the "fairest woman of them all" but tells her that Snow white is "fairer". She seeks out to kill her by disguising her identity. Her actions reinforce the ideas of how women are conniving and manipulative
• When Snow white falls for the same trick three times, it reinforces the stereotype about how women are naive and gullible
• In addition, the character of the Queen was very carefully created and places into this story to reinforce many of the common stereotypes about women and the roles that they are "supposed" to play in society
• The dwarfs and the Queen in the story both play critical roles in exemplifying the common stereotypes about genders that are prevalent in most fairy tales. This fairy tale is a perfect example of how women are being perceived/ portrayed in literature.