Final answer:
The message of Cinderella has evolved from emphasizing traditional feminine roles and passive heroines to portraying more active and independent female leads in later Disney films. There is ongoing debate about the effects of the princess culture on girls' development, with some critics pointing out potential negative impacts, while others suggest a balanced approach to engaging with princess-themed media.
Step-by-step explanation:
The message of the Cinderella movie traditionally emphasizes virtues like kindness, patience, and believing in one's dreams despite adversity. However, the portrayal of girls, especially the princess culture in Disney movies, has come under scrutiny. Early Disney princess movies like Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty presented a narrative where female leads were passive and their happy endings often involved marriage to a man who rescued them. This raised concerns about the impact on young girls' self-image and aspirations.
In response to such concerns, Disney's later films like The Princess and the Frog, Brave, Moana, and Frozen have featured protagonists who are significantly more active and independent. These characters engage in brave acts, focus on goals beyond romance, and offer a broader definition of what it means to be a hero. The intentional shift away from the traditional princess narrative aims to provide a more empowering message to its audience.
Discussions around the effects of princess culture on girls' development continue. Critics like Peggy Orenstein in her book Cinderella Ate My Daughter have highlighted potential negative consequences such as an emphasis on beauty, reduced interest in science and math, and lower self-esteem. Yet, there are also views suggesting a balance where children can enjoy princess culture while still engaging in a variety of interests and activities, potentially mitigating the stereotypical influences.