Brenda Chapman blasts the Merida makeover.

[redqueen]

Last edited Mon May 13, 2013, 01:19 PM - Edit history (1)

From Pigtail Pals and Ballcap Buddies facebook feed.

I want to continue talking about the reaction of Academy Award winning director Brenda Chapman to Disney sexualizing Merida, a character inspired by her own daughter.

I hope this is one of those situations that gives people that Click! moment, when they can say "Now I see it, and I see it everywhere." Because frankly, how can you not see this?

"I think it's atrocious what they have done to Merida. When little girls say they like it because it's more sparkly, that's all fine and good but, subconsciously, they are soaking in the sexy 'come hither' look and the skinny aspect of the new version. It's horrible! Merida was created to break that mold — to give young girls a better, stronger role model, a more attainable role model, something of substance, not just a pretty face that waits around for romance." --Academy Award winning director Brenda Chapman

http://www.marinij.com/millvalley/ci_23224741/brave-creator-blasts-disney-blatant-sexism-princess-makeover

Here's a link to the petition to ask them not to sexify Merida.

http://www.change.org/petitions/disney-say-no-to-the-merida-makeover-keep-our-hero-brave

[MadrasT]

1. Saw this earlier today in a different Facebook feed and I was all

about it. Thanks for sharing here.

[redqueen]

2. I bet it was on A Mighty Girl's feed too...

It's my pleasure to share it here

[ismnotwasm]

3. I signed the petition yesterday

Because, really? They HAVE to go there?

[redqueen]

4. :)

http://rebeccahains.wordpress.com/2013/05/13/disney-faces-backlash/

[JTFrog]

5. "Parents score as Disney pulls sexy new Merida"

After getting bombarded with hundreds of thousands of complaints, the media company ditches the thinner-waisted version from its princess site.

http://money.msn.com/now/post.aspx?post=712c3a67-edbe-4031-b4ab-70bc64a7acfc

In this case, Disney (DIS -1.77%) has listened to the more than 210,000 petitioners who complained about the sexy makeover given to the fiery-haired Merida, heroine of "Brave." The media giant on Wednesday restored the original, more realistic version (pictured, left) to its official princess Website, although it hasn't yet released a statement about whether it will keep the original depiction for the long term.

~~~~~~

For Disney, Merida's reception is more than skin deep. The princess line -- which includes Snow White, Cinderella and more modern heroines such as Tiana from "The Princess and the Frog" -- is a $4 billion franchise, helping to sell movies, books, and paraphernalia such as pajamas and tiaras.

Still, not everyone is convinced that Disney will stay loyal to the original Merida. The character's creator, Brenda Chapman, told the San Jose Mercury News that she's waiting for final word from Disney.

"I will stay dubious until they give an official statement about changing the image to match the original version of Merida," she said. Chapman had earlier given a stinging rebuke about the makeover, calling it a "blatantly sexist marketing move based on money."

Let's hope they keep listening.

[redqueen]

6. Excellent.

When they pulled the images from their site the other day, I thought our chances were good.

Then I heard this issue discussed on the radio and they were so dismissive and laughed at the idea that a petition could change anything.

Obviously it did it seems to be having more and more of an effect lately so I really wish those who seem to think they're contributing anything helpful by being discouraging about efforts to change things like this would STFU already.