The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid (1989) was a big success, but it's also viewed very controversially. Some see it as a real forward, feminist film, while others think it is just the opposite.

The first song Ariel sings, "Part of Your World" is about women being tired of swimming and ready to walk free, which immediately ties in with promoting women's rights and follows the second-wave pseudo-feminist genre of this film.
"I bet on land, they understand,
you don't reprimand your daughters,
bright young women,
sick of swimming,
ready to stand,
and ready to know what the people know,
ask 'em my questions and get some answers"
This is a song about an inquisitive and intelligent woman wanting more in life. She seeks greater opportunities, and adventure, to learn more and to have her curiosities answered. This a positive aspiration and message for girls and big shift in comparison to previous Disney films, where Princesses merely wish for a Prince, not education.

Many critics of this film argue that it gives a terrible message for young girls as Ariel literally gives up her voice for a man. While this is, in part, true, we can't forget that Ariel always had a fascination with the surface world, before she even fell for Eric. The above lyrics from "Part of Your World" show that.

Further to this, Ariel is far more active than previous Princesses and very central to her own story. She saves Eric, when his boat is destroyed in the storm and he is flung into the water. Without Ariel, he would have drowned. So she is a strong and active heroine from the beginning. I also love how her curiosity and adventurous spirit cannot be curbed. Despite her father's many warnings, she often goes to the surface to observe the world above and collect trinkets from her Seagull friend.

Ariel is also playful and deceptive as she keeps escaping Sebastian's watchful eye. For instance as swims away during the "Under the Sea"medley.

Not to mention she is fearless and brave as she ventures into the unknown human world and takes it all in her stride. In the horse and cart, Ariel takes the reins, jumping the gorge, which terrifies Prince Eric. She thoroughly enjoys learning new things as she explores the town, again showing her inquisitive and curious nature.

As Ursula, the sea witch, tricks Ariel into signing her contract, she sings, "yes on land it's much preferred for ladies not to say a word" hinting at the oppression and inequality woman suffered. However, the story shows that this is, in fact, no longer the case, promising more equality for the young viewers and helping them to believe their voices do matter. This is shown in Eric's frustration that he cannot converse with Ariel, and the bewitching spell Ursula puts on him with Ariel's voice to have him fall in love with her.

So, while many may criticize this film, I believe it does present positive messages, encouraging women to be curious and seek better things in life, as well as showing how important it is not to give up our voices.