Disney princesses tend to have the same body type. Though these princesses may possess strong and commendable qualities of character, their bodies reflect the cookie-cutter image of a willowy and slim figure. What kind of message does that send to young girls who adore the Disney princess franchise? The Disney princess franchise lacks diversity in both body type and race. Jewel, a teenager from Virginia, found the Disney princess line to be a little disconcerting as well. She created a petition with Change.org, that implores Disney to create princesses with curvaceous body types.
Jezebel has an excerpt from the petition that explains Jewel’s inspiration for creating the petition:
“It’s extremely difficult to find a positive representation of plus-size females in the media. If Disney could make a plus-size female protagonist who was as bright, amazing, and memorable as their others, it would do a world of good for those plus-size girls out there who are bombarded with images that make them feel ugly for not fitting the skinny standard.”
Ursula from The Little Mermaid, and Lilo’s sister Nani from Lilo & Stitch, are about the only two plus-size Disney characters I can recall. This is not acceptable. Jewel is taking the right step by being proactive so that younger girls may see a variety of representation in the movies they love. We do not all look the same, so why should Disney princesses?
ShoutOut! James Madison University 
This post is so relevant! I totally agree. Why is our society even putting pressure on young children that they “need” to be thin? Let them be happy with the body they’re in!
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I know and even though it’s more of a subtle message it’s still real. Young girls should see princesses of different body types, not just one size!
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Thats funny you say that at the end about Lilo’s sister because I loved Lilo and Stitch because I thought they looked normal. As a plus sized woman, this makes me so happy. Varying body shapes- even not just plus size, but different bodies in general- can bring more positive body images for young girls to surround themselves with instead of carbon copies of one another.
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Exactly! I thought it was so admirable that a teenage thought of making this kind of change.
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