Final answer:
Tiana from Disney's The Princess and the Frog has been created to subvert traditional gender stereotypes. She is a self-reliant chef and entrepreneur who prioritizes her career over romance, representing a shift in Disney's portrayal of princesses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tiana, from Disney's The Princess and the Frog, has been designed as a character who challenges traditional gender stereotypes. Unlike the earlier depictions of princesses who waited for a prince to rescue them, Tiana is portrayed as a talented chef and aspiring business owner who is independent and driven by her own goals and ambitions. The narrative of the film emphasizes her hard work and determination rather than focusing on the need for a romantic relationship to achieve personal fulfillment.
While Disney's historical portrayal of princess characters has often been criticized for reinforcing gender stereotypes, characters like Tiana, as well as Merida from Brave and Moana from Moana, represent a shift towards more empowering and diverse representations of female characters. These characters embark on adventures, show great acts of bravery, and prioritize personal growth, friendship, and family over romantic love. Such portrayals can be seen as part of Disney's broader response to concerns about the princess culture and its effects on young audiences.
Nevertheless, there is a discursive space surrounding Disney princesses, where concerns about gender stereotypes and their implications on children are debated. Some argue that princess culture could potentially lead to an unhealthy focus on appearance and passivity, while others suggest that children can still engage positively with these stories, combining them with diverse activities that defy traditional gender roles.