Generally fairy tales reflect a traditional set of shared cultural norms. This includes portraying traditional gender roles. The princesses in fairytales are typically seen as damsels in distress. Women are considered weak, even in the most powerful character roles you see their insecurities. They are overly concerned about their appearances, they often cry, and even feel ashamed. Female characters in princess movies are told they need a man in their life. The women in these roles are also submissive.

    With main characters admiring more egalitarian roles young audiences will be influenced positively, especially young girls. Young girls will grow up knowing and believing that they can be more than just damsels in distress. The will grow up knowing that they can be inventors like Emma Watson in Beauty in the Beast, join the military like Mulan without hiding their gender, strong like Merida in Brave, and even the hero like Repunzel in tangled.

    The princess that has impacted me most positively Tiana in Princess in the Frog. Although Tiana got her prince in the end, she did not need him. She wanted to open a restaurant, and she worked hard and long. As a result, she her dream came true. I admire hard working, determined people because that is what I witnessed growing up. Tiana reminded me of the values my parents instilled in me.