My Top Ten Unofficial Disney Princesses

On December 21^st, it will be seventy-eight years since the realise of the company’s first full length animation film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Throughout this time, the studios has seen many up’s and down’s with its theatrical realises, and direct-to-video films and sequels. Currently, Disney is at its highest peak since their realise of Frozen in Christmas 2013. Through some of these films, there have been some iconic female characters who have been created princesses of their own right. Princesses like Belle, Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora and their latest princesses Anna and Elsa. But what about those who aren’t princesses? Don’t they deserve to be princesses too?

So in honour of the women who didn’t make the cut, I’ll be posting my first top ten countdown of my favourite unofficial Disney princesses. This countdown is based on only female Disney characters who didn’t make to the official princesses lists because of box office flops, non-humans, didn’t make a lot of money on theatrical realise or because they haven’t starred in their own main feature films.

So here they are; my top ten:

10. Maid Marian (from the 1973 film, Robin Hood)

A relative to the English Royal family (niece to King Richard as matter of fact), best friend to her lady-in-waiting, Lady Kluck and the love interest of England’s greatest hero, Robin Hood, it seems to me that Maid Marian is the perfect candidate to be ranked as a Disney Princess. The only problem? She’s a vixen! Now, how can Disney disregard Maid Marian as a “princess” if she’s a member of the dog family, as is Robin Hood? Also, Robin Hood did well at the time of it’s realise; however, the film received mixed reviews decades after. Is that the reason why she is not classified as a princess in the Disney genre?

What puts Maid Marian in the number ten spot is her spirit, dreams of finding love, and making things right with her Robin and is very kind. So, do Disney need to re-think twice or do the critics need to change their minds about Robin and his Maid Marian?

9. Giselle (from the 2007 film, Enchanted)

She’s the second transformative, modern Disney character since Mulan to change her ways – from being a damsel in distress to become a true heroine. Giselle is also a beautiful, happy, kind and (in my opinion) adorable. So why isn’t Giselle an official Disney princess?

Well, Giselle was really, really close to becoming one; that is until she was dissed by Disney lawyers that the studios said they had to pay Amy Adam royalties for using her likeness in the film. So what resulted in this was disapproval and Giselle being taken off the princess list. However, Giselle is still a fan favourite and at this moment, a squeal is in its early stages of development! So it looks like we’ll being seen Giselle sometime soon.

8. Melody (from the 2000 sequel, The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea)

Melody is a daughter of an official princess, Ariel, and a royal prince, Eric and the granddaughter of King Triton; this means that her claim as a princess is really strong as she is related to both royal families of the land and seas. If she was an official Disney princess, Melody would have been the youngest princess on the list. If only there weren’t three problems.

• The Little Mermaid 2 didn’t do really well and received negative reviews from critics
• The second was the film, being a direct-to-video squeal
• This is a possible one – Melody’s age. In the film, Melody is twelve years old while all the Disney princesses are between sixteen and twenty-one years old. Could this be an issue since Disney thought Melody was too young to be a princess?

7. Wendy Darling (from the 1953 film, Peter Pan)

She’s not a royal, but she is a major character in Peter Pan. So why is Wendy not an official princess?

Is it because of the reviews? No. Peter Pan did well on its theatrical realise and gained positive reviews.

Is it her physical appearance? No. Wendy is prefect as she is; young or not.

Was she involved in radical stereotypes? No. Although Tiger Lily was due to the film’s mocking of Native Americans at the time.

So why is Wendy not a Disney princess? You can blame Tinkerbell for this one.

Upon the films realise, Tinkerbell overshadowed Wendy by taking her spotlight as a favourite female lead. So I guess that makes Wendy the completely forgotten Disney princess. Too bad; Wendy could have been a sensation but she still is in my eyes. 😉

6. Nala (from the 1994 film, The Lion King)

Upon The Lion King’s realise, it became one of the highest grossing animated films of all time before it was knocked to third place by Frozen and Toy Story 3! L

So why isn’t Nala on the list? Like Marian, she’s not a human; she’s a lioness.

But I love Nala because of her kindness, fun attitude and her loyalty to Simba. Who can argue with that?

5. Kida Nedakh (from the 2001 film, Atlantis: The Lost Empire)

She is a princess by birth (like Princess Aurora) and expectably beautiful.

However, Kida isn’t an official princess because she becomes Queen after the death of her father (towards the end of the movie) and Atlantis was a flop at the box office. Still, she had a squeal but that didn’t do too well either…

4. Lilo Pelekai (from the 2002 film, Lilo and Stitch)

Lilo is an adventurous, free-spirited, dysfunctional girl who always gets into trouble. She’s also an outsider because she doesn’t fit in with other girls. Lilo is a unique and inspirational character who is well loved because we can all relate to her.

I’m not entirely sure why Lilo isn’t a Disney princess but I believe it maybe because of her age, like Melody and Wendy. Or is there another reason? Who knows…

3. Kiara (from the 1998 sequel, The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride)

Like Melody and Kida, Kiara is a princess by birth and has a strong calm. Kiara isn’t an official princess for a couple of reasons:

• She’s a lioness (like her mother, Nala)
• The second Lion King movie is a direct-to-video squeal
• The movie didn’t so well, as it received negative reviews from critics.

I guess, mother and daughter aren’t having too much luck with popularity, or success either.

But in my opinion, Kiara is beautiful and strong willing; just the prefect princess, and an inspiration to young girls and women everywhere. 🙂

2. Ting-Ting, Su and Mei (from the 2005 sequel, Mulan 2)

Okay, Disney have made a very weird choice on this one. While the first Mulan film was a huge success and Mulan was declared an official princess (even though she isn’t a princess by right or by marriage; she’s a princess because of her heroism and bravery – I see no problem with Mulan being a princess because she’s a real inspiration ), Mulan 2, and Ting-Ting, Su and Mei were not.

Ting-Ting, Su and Mei are princesses by birth because they are daughters to the Emperor. However, these three beautiful women haven’t made it to the list for two reasons:

• The film was a direct-to-video (and DVD) sequel)
• Mulan 2 was a flop and it received negative reviews

It’s a real shame because I really love these three princesses, especially Mei who is a sweet character in my eyes. 🙂

1. Jane Porter (from the 1999 film Tarzan)

Ever since I can remember, I had a huge thing for Jane; I really love her; I look up to her as my inspiration and I wish she was my big sister. I also had a huge crush on Tarzan because, come on, he’s super cute and boiling hot. He just makes me want to drool…

Anyway, back to Jane. Why isn’t she a Disney princess?

The film did really well at the box office; in fact it was a massive success, like The Lion King, there were no battles between female characters and the film was very clean (in reference to stereotypes). So, what’s the real reason Jane isn’t a princess?

Like Giselle, Jane was so close to become a Disney princess; she even appeared on the front cover of the official Disney princess magazine in the UK!

Issue #18 of “Disney’s Princess” magazine, where Jane Porter is on the front cover

The other reasons that Jane isn’t a Disney princess is because that her dress is the same as Belle’s dress (which was really confusing), because Tarzan is the King of the Jungle and due to a lawsuit by Burroughs’ family estate, Disney isn’t allowed to make any further Tarzan movie series and television shows (sorry Legend of Tarzan fans), following the direct-to-video squeal, Tarzan 2.

But another reason for Jane not being a Disney princess is Tarzan’s family.

When Tarzan was a baby, his real parents were murdered by a leopard and was adopted into the clan by Kala, the alpha female. When he grows up, he becomes the alpha male and leader of his clan.

So does Tarzan’s adoption have anything to do with Jane, as an unofficial princess? I’m not too sure on this one.

But, what if Burroughs’ family estate was okay with Disney, marketing Jane as an official Disney princess? Should Disney re-official Jane as a princess, even though she’s a Queen. Just like they did with Elsa from Frozen?!

Re think this one, Disney; with all of your unofficial princesses. Please, for the sake of your fans. 🙂

So, there you have it. Those are my top ten unofficial princesses.

Who are your favourite unofficial Disney Princesses? Also, do you think Disney should re think, change their minds about re-officiating their unofficial princesses and treat them as equals by letting these ladies becoming princesses in their own right?

That’s all for now; I’ll try and upload more poetry and favourite quotes tonight, but I have to up early again tomorrow.

Hopefully, I’ll see you soon.

Gigi. Xxx

Girl Power – My Top Women Who Changed History

Have you ever thought that women leading the country would continue to grow in the twenty-first century? Well yesterday, history has done it again; the Church of England consecrated their first female bishop at Canterbury Cathedral.

Rachel Treweek, 52, (formally the Archdeacon of Hackney) became the new Bishop of Gloucester and is now the first woman to run a diocese.

So to celebrate, I am going to counting down my top five inspirational women who’ve made history from each category, from politics to religion. These are based on my own opinion and nothing more. So without further ado, here are my top five.

Nancy, Viscountess Astor (1879 – 1964)

Viscountess Astor was the first to have a seat in the British Parliament. However, she wasn’t English; she was American. Born in Virginia, Viscountess Astor moved to England after divorcing her first husband, Robert Gould Shaw II. Following her marriage to Waldorf Astor, she succeeded to the peerage and was elected in her husband’s stead. Waldorf Astor was already serving Parliament and was an MP for Plymouth Sutton at the time of the election (which was in 1919). Both of the Astors’ stood for the Conservative Party. Viscountess Astor held her seat until her retirement in 1945, one month after the end of the Second World War.

Matilda (1102 – 1167)

If you think the Tudors were the first Royal family who gave England their first female monarch, then you are wrong! Matilda was the first female monarch. The daughter of Henry I, Matilda succeeded to the English throne during a Civil War, where she overthrew England’s previous successor, King Stephen (who was her cousin). However, her reign as Queen didn’t last long. On her coronation day, she was never crowned. The reason was that the city of London rose up against Matilda and her followers. Luckily, one was hurt and everyone (Matilda and her followers) retreated back to Oxford. Her reign lasted a few months and because Matilda never effectively ruled politically and legally, she had been and still is excluded from the list of ruling monarchs in England.

Margaret Hughes (1630 – 1719)

Thought to be the first professional actress in England, Margaret Hughes started her career during the Restoration. Hughes’ first performance was recorded on 8 December 1660; the production was Shakespeare’s Othello, which was performed by Thomas Killigrew’s New King’s Company. Hughes played the role of Desdemona.

Hughes is also famous for her charms. She had many lovers, including Sir Charles Sedley (according to Samuel Pepys), Charles II and Prince Rupert, Duke of Cumberland. It’s also believed that Hughes had two illegitimate children: Arthur and Ruperta, who married Emanuel Scrope Howe.

Amelia Earhart (1897 – ? Reported Missing in 1937)

Amelia Earhart was an American aviation pioneer, author and the first female aviator to fly solo around the Atlantic Ocean.

Earhart decided to learn to fly after she rode a plane at an air show and hasn’t stopped since. However when embarking on a flight around the world, Earhart disappeared over the Pacific Ocean and was never again.

Aemilia (c. 300 – c. 363)

Born in the Roman Empire (now Moselle, France), Aemilia rejected of settling down and marriage so she could start a career as a Gallo-Roman physician. Aemilia practised medicine, and she wrote books on gynecology, and obstetrics and assisted her brother in his own studies.

So there we are – these were my top five women who changed history. Who are you favourites?

That’s all for tonight as I have to wake up really early tomorrow. I hope you all have good evening and don’t forget to celebrate the power of sisterhood. Power to the women!

Gigi Xxx

Women

Why?

Why take away a life

When she stood up for what was right?

Representing women

Who may one day be equal,

Why treat them unfairly,

When we see the hurt clearly?

Women are equal,

Women are fair and wise,

Cause they are God’s children

Through his and everybody’s eyes.

© 2015

How Can A Woman Be Brave?

A quote I have found, in honour of Women’s History Month. This quote made mew smile; I wish there was more positive quotes like this about women.

The Women Who Changed the World (Happy International Women’s Day)

March is a time to celebrate the end to winter, the beginning of spring, Mother’s Day, etc. But for us women, March is really special, as it is Women’s History Month. Not only that, today (8^th March) is also International Women’s Day. To celebrate, I thought I share my top five women who changed the world. I’ve been fascinated by women’s rights and the people who have or had the bravery to stand up for what they believe in; this is my tribute to them.

This list is my opinion, as there are so many women who have inspired the world. I don’t want any arguments here please, only respect; respect for them and all of the others too. Many thanks. 🙂

My Top Five

1. Anne Frank (1929 – 1945)

Anne was a victim of the Holocaust and died at the age of fifteen. Before the Second World War, her dream was to become an actress or writer. During the war, she was given a diary as a birthday present from her father and this diary went on to become on the world’s most read books about one of the accounts of the war.

2. Princess Diana of Wales (1961 – 1997)

Diana was a patron, president and member of many organisations and charities including Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, English National Ballet, National AIDS Trust and Centrepoint. She did a lot of fund-raising work and visited people all over the world, who were either visitors, members or leading campaigners. She even learned sign language, which I think is really cool.

3. Emmeline Pankhurst (1858 – 1928)

A political activist and leader of the Women’s Suffragette group, Emmeline Pankhurst, along with her daughters, Christabel and Sylvia (who deserve special mentions) fought for women’s rights and their right to vote in general elections. In the early 20^th century, the British Government made the rules of voting unfair so Emmeline decided to define the Government. She, along with many supporters took action; they locked themselves to railings and spend many days in prisons to drive attention. In the end, women did get the right to vote and since then, we have been many laws have been changed (and many change again) so the younger generation can vote in general and local elections.

4. Margaret Brown (“The Unsinkable Molly Brown) (1867 – 1932)

Margaret Brown is remembered as one of the remaining seven-hundred and five survivors of the famous Titanic Disaster. However as well as leading people to row in a lifeboat, Margaret was also an activist; she raised many issues including women’s rights, workers’ rights, children’s literacy and education. During World War I, she helped wounded soldiers, and worked with the American Committee in France; for this, she was awarded the French Légion d’Honneur and was an actress. What a life she led!

5. Rosa Parks (1913 – 2005)

Rosa was an African-American Civil Rights activist who caught the world’s attention by refusing to give up a seat on a bus to a white person. She believed that race discrimination shouldn’t allow blacks to be separated from whites. Because of her actions, she was arrested; as she was led away, Rosa asked, “Why do you push us around?” The officer replied, “The law is the law”.

She had suffered had times after her arrest, including losing her job but her actions. However this event (known as the Montgomery Bus Boycott) made a change in history, as changes to the law where made to desegregate laws for racial discrimination on buses – this lead to a change movement in US History, which led to blacks and whites working, living and socialising together.

So, who is your favourite woman who changed the world? Please comment in the section below; I would to hear from you.

Happy International Women’s Day and God bless. 🙂

Its What Inside That Counts

I found a picture on the Internet and I thought I would share it with you guys. Remember, people will appreciate for who you are and not what you are like; it’s finding the right people. 🙂   

Can A Woman Be Strong?

Can a woman be strong, 

Just like the modern man?

To those who she can’t,

I say that she certainly can! 

© 2015

WHAT MAKES A MODERN WOMAN?

Don’t be a damsel in distress and expect Prince Charming to sweep you off your feet!

Be independent

Come out of your comfort zone

Show men that you are not an object but an ordinary human being

Never give up on your dreams and ambitions

Have fun (but be safe)

What Is An Average Twenty-First Woman?

Who? What? Where? When? Why? These are the five questions we use to answer in our everyday lives. But when it comes to women, we all wonder about the history of women in turn of this century.

Who are we? What is our purpose? Where did we come from? When did we become modern women? Why did we become equal with men? It seems that today, modern women are appearing in many different places in the Western world, but not all over the globe. Why is this? What is stopping them?

For centuries, women have only been allowed to given one job application; a housewife. They were forbidden to be equal like men. Cause of this, they were treated poorly, some of the men were allowed to abuse their wives because they were allowed to. Sadly, this still goes on in third world countries and these women are powerless to stop it.

However in the Western world, it seems that the women there are doing more than just baking bread. According to British recent study, women are found to be childless when they reach the age of forty-five. Some of them would either plan to get married and have children later in life or decide to remain single and childless. This has become a growing trend because there are so many opportunities for women these days.

Although, most women are lucky to be in this position, it is sad to think of those who aren’t; in the last century, many women have fought for their freedom and rights, such as voting in elections. But, there have been those who are trying to make a difference and I take my hats off to them. Their bravery and courage have given women confidence in themselves, with hope and belief that all women, worldwide, will be free from slavery, abuse and rules (by those who defy women’s rights).

Women have a voice, a voice to be heard, so they can make history. I know I want to; I certainly want to my sister folk to stand up, for the equality of women everyone. I don’t care what anyone says, heck, I would prove them wrong by saying, “I am a sophisticated woman and I am darn proud of it!”

Like many shy women, I’m learning to come out of my shell and to prove this, I’ve written down five reasons points that’ll help me become a modern woman:

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Say “No”: If someone is going to be judgemental or doing something you don’t want them to do, just tell them. You have a right to be heard and say what you feel, but, be careful. Some words can hurt a person’s feelings; go with your gut instincts and know your right from wrong. Only do it when it’s appropriate and be calm. No one likes to end up in a fight. I know I wouldn’t.
2. Plan, Work Hard and Have Faith in Yourself: If you have a dream you want to come true, don’t fantasize over it in your mind. Just go ahead and make a start! I have a lot of plans in my mind and thinking of achieving them. All you have to do is plan, work and imagine yourself that you are already at the finish line. You’ll feel really good about it in the future.
3. Feel Comfortable With Yourself: Everyone is different; some may dress in jeans, some want to dye their hair and some want to take on different career paths. And it’s okay – no one is going to stop you, even when people tell you shouldn’t. Life’s too short to “fit in”; you can do that by simply being yourself.
4. Make Either a Bucket List or Targets for Yourself: When’s the last time you have planned to go on holiday or made a difference to the world? If not, why not? It’s never too late to write down the things you want to do, go or want you want to achieve. And once you’ve it, be proud. Who knows, you may get noticed and others may be inspired by you do. Please don’t do anything too crazy because you may regret it.
5. Be Happy With Yourself: Even when you are having a bad day, there is no reason to be sad about certain things. If you are feeling low, why not do something you love to pick you up again; dancing, listening to your favourite positive song, creative writing or treat yourself to a special treat. A friend of mine, once said that everyone has their own special bubble. She’s right; the bubble is your personal space and if someone tries to burst it, just walk away from them and the situation. They’re not worth it at the end of the day.

I’m afraid that’s all I have for this article, but I’ll finish this quote:

 

No matter who you are,

No matter what you did,

No matter where you’ve come from,

You can always become a better version of yourself.

~ Madonna

You can make a change and you can make it happen; all it takes is confidence, determination and belief in yourself. Power to the people, power to the women and power for women’s rights.

© 2015