The Disney princesses have been reimagined as just about everything at this point, from breastfeeding moms to Clueless characters to hot dogs (no, really), but their latest incarnation is by far our favorite: Women's rights activists! Artist Amanda Allen Niday has created a series of illustrations starring Belle, Mulan, and the rest as sign-wielding protesters using lines from their own movies as feminist slogans — and the resulting images are exactly what you (and your kids) need to see right now!
"These steadfast, kindhearted, boldly dreaming women were my idols as a kid, and I continue to be inspired and influenced by them in my adulthood," Niday told CafeMom. "When I set out to make this series, that admiration was definitely on my mind."
Indeed, that admiration certainly comes through! These fierce and feminist princesses are setting a much-needed example for all ages, in a fun and familiar way that really resonates — and they just might inspire you to make a few signs of your own!
Fiercest of Them All
"I wanted these women to be recast as the heroines I need as an adult, just like I needed them as a kid," said Niday. "Seeing them fight for goodness and their own truth, just like they do in their own narratives."
We're betting this new Snow White is all about closing the wage gap!
She Had a Dream
From finding glass slippers to shattering glass ceilings, this modern-day Cinderella would no doubt be passionate about issues like the welfare of children and families and raising the minimum wage.
Eyes Wide Open
Sleeping Beauty isn't letting anyone pull the wool over her eyes these days. (And when she does go to sleep, she doesn't need some guy to wake her up — that's what alarms are for!)
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On Her Own Two Feet
"I was lucky enough to grow up right when Disney was returning to feature-length animated films," said Niday.
"So I was a mermaid all summer, running through hidden pine trails and pulling up the corners on every carpet to make it fly."
Ariel definitely inspired countless fantasies of becoming a professional mermaid — with a voice that refuses to be silenced!
More Than Just a Beauty
Seeing as Bell was already one of the more progressive Disney heroines, an updated version of her would almost certainly be an advocate for education — and animal rights, naturally.
Ready for a Whole New World
"If I could choose what young girls take away from this series, it would be that you can be strong in real life too, not just when you're crossing oceans and fighting bears," said Niday.
"It's not a fantasy to be a brave, fierce, and beautiful princess in real life."
We love Jasmine's hijab!
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Mother Earth
Pocahontas knows the earth is not a "dead thing you can claim," and would undoubtedly be fighting for the environment (as well as protesting against the Dakota Access Pipeline!).
Warrior Princess
Another particularly progressive Disney princess, Mulan wasn't afraid to fight for what she believed in … whether those battlefields were real or metaphorical.
Breaking Ground
You can bet the first-ever African-American Disney princess would be out on the front lines, speaking out against racism, sexism, and xenophobia. And with a work ethic like hers, Tiana would really make a difference!
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