The Little Mermaid

Disney’s "The Little Mermaid" is a popular movie about Ariel, a curious young mermaid who dreams of living in the human world. But if we look closely, the movie shows traditional norms related to femininity. Ariel is brave and adventurous, but her story is mainly about winning Prince Eric’s love. She gives up her voice to Ursula, the sea witch, which means she loses her ability to speak for herself. This shows that the movie values Ariel more for her looks and charm than her thoughts, talents, or choices. The movie also shows heterosexual romance and female objectification. Scenes often focus on Ariel’s body and appearance, encouraging the audience to look at her as something to admire, which is what feminist theorist Laura Mulvey calls the male gaze. On the other hand, Prince Eric is active and powerful, while Ariel’s actions depend on him. The story suggests that women are supposed to be seen and desired by men rather than acting for themselves. Ariel’s sacrifices her own life to get the man she wants, and the movie treats this as a happy ending. This reflects a patriarchal narrative, where women are rewarded for being passive and silent. Even though the movie is fun and full of songs, it shows that women’s value is tied to male approval and that traditional gender roles are still very strong in popular stories.

Comments

  1. JD HunterFebruary 18, 2026 at 4:02 PM

    I'm baffled that when I was younger, I didn't realize these hidden messages, and I wonder why or if my parents ever noticed it, because I agree that the movie isn't solely a peaceful fairy tale, happy ever after. The movie is focused on Ariel doing everything she can to win the approval of the man of her dreams, and giving up her voice shows how women’s stories are often silenced. I was thinking about doing this too because it's crazy to think how almost all the princesses are subject to this

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