Disney princesses and the backwardness of Western thought

 Throughout history, the Arab woman has played a significant role in shaping events and influencing outcomes, becoming a symbol of intellect and capability. In ancient times, the archetype of the Arab woman stood strong and prominent—eloquent, quick-witted, and brimming with intelligence.

Disney princesses and the backwardness of Western thought

The stories of the past have long captivated us with examples of remarkable women whose presence transcended mere physical allure. Even the tale of Abla, the beloved of Qais, exemplifies this. Despite being immortalized in his poetic verses, Abla was described not for her physical beauty but for her qualities and significance, stating that she was a dark-skinned Ethiopian in one of his poems—a fact he embraced despite criticism from his father and others over his admiration for such a woman:

"They called you an Ethiopian of dark hue... Yet is not musk treasured for its sweet blackness?"

Similarly, tales of skilled courtesans who excelled in composing poetry, delivering witty repartees, and solving riddles underscored the essence of intellect over appearance. Stories like "One Thousand and One Nights" illustrated the archetype of a clever woman who strategically narrated stories to save her life—her brilliance taking center stage.

Arab media has often drawn upon the traditional image of the Bedouin woman in its portrayals—unwaveringly strong, possessing the fortitude and wisdom to address men with dignity and pride. This portrayal emphasized substance over materialism. The tales of daughters of tribal leaders further celebrated their intelligence; women who refused marriage unless their suitors could unravel their riddles, empowering them with choice and honoring their intellectual acumen.

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In comparison, Western princess tales appear trivial by contrast. Cinderella is portrayed as a pitiable girl whose sole ambition is marrying a wealthy man. Snow White, too naive to heed warnings, repeatedly falls victim to trouble due to her narrow-minded perception. Across Disney narratives like these, princesses often strive for dependence on a man as their ultimate goal—a reflection of an unquestionably patriarchal mindset. Such stories reveal a flawed perspective that perpetuates the notion of gender inferiority.

Ironically, when Disney adapted "Aladdin," they imbued Princess Jasmine with traits emblematic of Arab storytelling traditions—intelligence, strength of character, and independence—despite their constant underlying hints of societal oppression. These portrayals likely draw from historical depictions of Arab women who were agents of change and contributors to society rather than passive subjects. It serves as a reminder that within our heritage lies a proud legacy of women whose influence extends far beyond traditional roles.

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