The question, “Why can’t Disney have a chubby princess?,” in their lineup of female characters has sparked a major debate online amongst Disney fans, and essentially, has everyone in disagreement with each other.
Whether you’re for it or against it, there seem to be fairly valid points on both sides of the coin.
If you’ve ever seen a Disney princess movie, then you probably already know that they all have relatively similar body types.
While in real life, princesses could come in all shapes and sizes, Disney’s ideal female figure, evidently, is on the slimmer side.
The concern is that young girls who watch these movies are given the impression that this is what they are supposed to look like.
Disney’s beauty standard is far from realistic, and therefore could potentially be harmful.
Anyway, this topic struck up a debate on Quora, and the two competing sides have presented some equally compelling arguments.
So, why are there no plus-size princesses?
Possibly the same reason that we rarely see plus- size leading ladies in regular movies and TV shows, some have suggested.
“Generally, the person we are supposed to like is fit and attractive to this end, whereas the person we are supposed to hate is unfit and ugly. This isn’t always the case, but appearance always is important,” one person wrote.
For example, “Superman. You know who he is. He’s also physically in peak form, can fly, good features, well spoken,” they added .
Another person mentioned that while all of Disney’s princesses are slim, they’re also quite curvy.
“They do have curvy female figures in their lineup. Moana and Lilo are really good examples of this,” they said .
They also added that as time goes on, Disney has become more and more forward-thinking.
” Disney is improving in diversity. The ratio of their diverse to not-diverse princesses will look bad because the majority of them are from the 30s to the 70s.”
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They explained that because Disney is such an old company, their lack of diversity in their older films is no surprise.
“The company is very old, as are the majority of their characters; we can’t forget that major point, which taints everything they do for most people. “
Another person suggested that a plus-size princess would immediately be less likable by default, because they wouldn’t represent someone in peak physical health.
“So if Disney decided to have a fat princess, the movie would kinda fail in comparison to their other works, the princess wouldn’t be loved very much, except by those of similar bodyshape or who value themselves as progressive, which is a minority next to the hordes of young children around the world .”
“They would lose money from it and could have spent the time and resources on a far more rewarding franchise.”
“And their gain would be? A bunch of older people who are also fat that watch disney, who are now happy there is a new person who is also fat? You wouldn’t get many people who would begin to watch Disney from this who wern’t already watching Disney , and it would likely loose more people then they’d gain.”
Someone else explained that a plus-size princess might promote an unhealthy lifestyle.
“A heavier set princess would be more inline with modern society, but that could be seen as sending thew wrong message (regarding healthy living, not appearance).”
Another explained that while having a “chubby” princess might make some young girls feel better represented, it would send the wrong message.
“Yes, by having a chubby princess many children would feel better represented. However, it would promote that being slightly overweight is OK, being overweight is OK. Which it is not, being fat is not ok. It’s not good for the body, it’s not a healthy state and if not treated it can grow into obesity which is a medical condition .”
“The current generation or tide of acceptance towards overweight people has great, kind intentions and I do support that no one has the right to insult or make fun of someone for their physical appearance.”
“This is why I think Disney doesn’t have a chubby princess. Becuase they don’t want to tell children that it’s okay to be overweight-becuase it’s not and it’s a risk to health.”
Another person pointed out that animations aren’t *supposed* to be realistic or attainable.
“The definition of cartoon states that it is a drawing that is simplified and exaggerated. It’s not supposed to be realistic. You don’t see people complaining about stick figures or Picasso paintings.”
“There is no way someone who is trying to look exactly, and I mean those *exact* proportions, like a cartoon is mentally stable.”
“Belle is skinnier than me, but so what? I identify with her the most because she’s a bookworm, and she has so many admirable qualities as do the others. I admire Mulan her bravery and devotion, I admire Tiana her determination and work ethic, I admire Cinderella’s perseverance, I admire Rapunzel’s creativity, Jasmine’s fire, Moana’s independence, Ariel’s curiosity, etc.”
What are your thoughts on the debate? Be sure to chime in and let us know!