Why Disney Princes are the Worst Role Models for Young Men

Many Disney movies have themes running through the storyline that are meant to set a good example to children and teach them about good morals and values. Similarly, many of Disney’s characters are supposed to portray good characteristics for children to aspire to with many of the characters being good role models. However, this is not necessarily the case with the princes featured in Disney films as there are several instances where these particular characters do not give a good representation of men and male roles.

Here are some of the reasons why the Disney Princes are bad role models for young boys:

Beauty and the Beast

Prince Adam is the Beast for the most part of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Towards the end of the movie, he is brave, gentle, and kind. However, during the earlier stages of the movie, he is impatient, unkind, and selfish. The main reason for this is he has been spoiled. He is also fierce and territorial, possibly due to loneliness. This is a poor role model to young boys because it gives the impression it is alright to be spoiled and get your own way while treating people however you want. The Beast also kills Gaston in a rooftop battle.

Pocahontas

There are actually two princes in this movie and it could be considered that both are negative role models for boys. John Smith is the main male protagonist in Pocahontas. He is obsessed with land and money in the earlier part of the movie and could be seen as materialistic. This changes when he falls in love with Pocahontas. John Smith is the only Disney prince who is not actually a true prince. He is also based on a real person. The other prince in this film is John Rolfe who Pocahontas eventually moves to England with and marries even though she is in love with John Smith. This strange love triangle could give a negative impression of relationships to impressionable young boys.

The Princess and the Frog

In ‘The Princess and the Frog’, Prince Naveen is the love interest of Tiana. Prince Naveen is hugely spoiled and is initially an annoyance to Tiana. Although he is a brat in the earlier parts of this Disney movie, he shows a better side to his personality throughout the latter part of the film. This is another example of showing young boys how behaving like a spoiled brat is acceptable.

Aladdin

Aladdin goes from a street rat to becoming Sultan Aladdin. Before he meets Princess Jasmine, he does whatever he can to get by in life and this includes stealing. As a result of his criminal activities, his life improves significantly. This gives the impression to children that it is OK to steal and commit crimes as it will help you to become successful and have a happy life.

Tangled

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZHbL8oSI8s

Just like Aladdin, Prince Eugene Fitzherbert has a shady past before he becomes a prince. As a child, he was an orphan and he turns to crime before he becomes a prince. Again, this gives boys the impression that a life of crime is acceptable and that you can achieve great things even if you live a dubious lifestyle.