Have you ever re-watched your favorite children’s movie as an adult and thought to yourself: Wow, this is actually REALLY problematic? If so, it seems that you’re in really good company, because actress Kristen Bell is currently finding herself grappling with the exact same scenario.
In an interview with Parents, the actress says she worries that some of the common themes displayed in Disney princess stories are actually bad for growing girls. This comes as a somewhat ironic revelation as Bell, herself, has starred in one of the biggest Disney princess films of all-time–Frozen.
Ever heard of it? (Just kidding!)
But seemingly contradictory views aside, we do have to commend Bell for the arguments she gives in the interview, particularly her thoughts on Snow White. The actress states that the story is actually a really big hit in her house at the moment–apparently, her daughters, Lincoln, 5, and Delta, 3, can’t get enough of the classic fairy tale.
That being said, Bell emphasizes that she always puts on her parenting cap before allowing her kids to consume media, especially the kind that promotes rather questionable practices.
OK, we know you’re likely rolling your eyes at that last “questionable practices” phrase, but until you hear her point, you definitely shouldn’t judge…
Every time we close Snow White I look at my girls and ask, ‘Don’t you think it’s weird that Snow White didn’t ask the old witch why she needed to eat the apple? Or where she got that apple?’ I say, ‘I would never take food from a stranger, would you?’ And my kids are like, ‘No!’ And I’m like, ‘Okay, I’m doing something right.’
Does she have a point? Yes. Can it be argued that taking food from strangers is actually a good thing? No. No, it can’t.
In addition to Bell’s very astute realization, she also tells her girls that there is yet another aspect of the film that they should absolutely beware of.
Can you guess what it is?
OK, we’ll give you a hint: it likely seemed romantic to you when you were a little kid, but as an adult, it probably seems really creepy…
Yep. It’s that super weird kiss at the end, in which the Prince kisses a sleeping Snow White. Talk about a lack of consent…
Maybe it’s time for Disney to re-vamp some of its classics. We’re sure Bell would make the perfect, modern Snow White!
To learn more about Bell’s thoughts on the classic fairy tale, and to see which of her fellow actresses has gone so far as to ban princess movies altogether in her home, be sure to watch the video below. We’re some of the biggest Snow White fans ever, but even we must admit that the actress has a point!
We can’t wait to hear your take on Kristen Bell’s opinion on this classic fairy tale! Do you think she’s right? What other fairy tales have problematic themes or messages? Are there certain Disney movies that are off-limits in your household?