I recently watched a video (see below) that
that showed exactly what media and marketers in America are doing to the
self-esteem of our youth, especially little girls. The fabulous and sexy diva,
Ursula, nemesis of Ariel in the Little Mermaid, had what appears to be a “crash
diet” to appease to Disney’s new Villains Designer Collection. Ursula’s once
full and luscious figure has been shrunk to that of a doll that looks anorexic
and anything but healthy.
Why? According to Disney she was “…designed
and carefully crafted to capture the essence of evil at its best dressed the Villains
Designer Collection re-imagines the stylish wickedness of classic Disney
Villains." Apparently designer and carefully crafted is shrinking someone down to 1/3 or their
original size!
Unfortunately, this is not the first time companies have taken iconic figures and stuffed them into a frame that is "acceptable." Strawberry Shortcake went from looking like Raggedy Ann to having long, flowing locks and a smaller figure. Both Rainbow Brite, and even My Little Pony were forced to slim down. And for what? Because companies seem to think that thinner means more commercial value.
What is this telling young women, and all women for that
matter? That the world won’t take you seriously if you can’t fit into the
unrealistic expectations that have been set forth. Now I'm not saying young women shouldn't work for the healthiest lifestyle they can, but seriously, the new Ursula is gross! She looks like she has been doing meth since the film's original release. And yes, Ursula was the villain
in the classic Disney film, but she was a boss! She was the freakin’ Queen of
the Ocean! That takes some serious power and ambition! I would take her confidence
and sexy rolls (and admit it, with her attitude, and ability to strut that sexy
black dress, she is fantastic!) over her new, small, fragile, anorexic frame any
day. I’m disappointed Disney, truly disappointed.
I concur!! My daughter loves Merida (and wants to learn archery because of her!) and I was appalled when I saw how Disney "made her over" for her coronation into the official Disney Princess line. Unacceptable!!
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