“Disney’s Snow White Controversy: Gender Politics, Feminism, and the Erosion of Classic Stories”

The debate over Disney’s remake of Snow White has ignited heated arguments, particularly after Rachel Ziegler, the actress playing the iconic princess, criticized the original love story. What seemed like a straightforward conversation about modernizing a classic quickly turned into a battle of ideologies, as Ziegler’s comments on Prince Charming caused backlash from fans and critics alike.

The New Snow White: A Feminist Reboot?

Ziegler, in a candid interview, referred to the original 1937 Disney film as “creepy”, specifically noting that Prince Charming’s actions could be considered “stalking”. According to Ziegler, the new film would take a different approach to the love story, downplaying the romantic elements in favor of focusing on the princess’s independence and empowerment.

This led to immediate backlash. Critics argue that Disney has taken it too far by inserting unnecessary feminism into a beloved fairy tale. Tommy Lahren, a prominent conservative voice, jumped into the fray, arguing that while women’s empowerment is important, it shouldn’t come at the cost of destroying classic stories.

Lahren claims Disney could’ve created a new movie centered around strong female characters without altering the essence of Snow White. Instead, she believes Disney has hijacked a childhood classic, turning it into another woke narrative. “If you want to make more woke films that tank at the box office, that’s your choice, but don’t mess with a classic,” she said.

A Complicated Feminist Narrative: The Issue of Identity and Storytelling

The core argument here is not just about whether the love story is outdated—it’s about what feminism in modern films should look like. Many feel that Ziegler’s take on Prince Charming and her dismissal of the traditional narrative are part of a broader trend in entertainment where legacy stories are reworked to reflect today’s political climate.

Ian, another guest, added that Disney has always tried to stay progressive, citing the introduction of heroic female characters like Ariel and Belle in previous decades. He argued that while many may criticize these new woke initiatives, change is inevitable, especially when films are targeting younger generations.

But Tommy wasn’t sold on that idea. “There’s a way to modernize things, but you don’t have to destroy the concept just to appeal to the current audience,” she explained. Destroying a classic story like Snow White simply for the sake of inclusivity feels disingenuous to her. Instead of reinventing the wheel, she suggests Disney should create new, original stories that embrace modern ideals without “ruining” the originals.

The Crossroads of Feminism and Cultural Shifts in Hollywood

The real dilemma lies in the tension between cultural shifts and legacy media. When a film series, like James Bond, faces calls to gender-flip the character of Bond or incorporate strong female leads, it raises important questions about how to preserve iconic characters while still reflecting modern sensibilities.

Lahren pointed out that a strong female character doesn’t have to disempower men in the process. “It’s about balance,” she said. Men can still be strong and assertive without belittling women, and women can be empowered without attacking or diminishing the men around them. Balance is the key, but that seems to be something that’s increasingly hard to find in today’s polarized society.

The Male-Female Dynamic: The Changing Role of Masculinity

In a related conversation, some panelists discussed the changing role of masculinity, with one guest mentioning the rise of Andrew Tate and his influence on young men. Tate, a controversial figure known for his misogynistic views, has gained significant traction with his message about dominance and success. While many criticize his messages, his appeal lies in the fact that young men are craving a role model that embraces masculinity in a world that increasingly punishes it.

The question that keeps coming up is where men fit in today’s world. Are they expected to be sensitive, in touch with their emotions, or should they embrace traditional masculine virtues—strength, resilience, and leadership? It seems we’ve created a world where both extremes are fighting for dominance, and as a result, young men are left feeling more confused than ever.

The Bottom Line: Is This Change for the Better?

The larger question for Disney and other entertainment studios is this: Are we moving forward in the right direction? Are strong female characters and gender equality worth destroying classic stories that shaped generations of audiences? Is progress worth compromising the essence of these films?

Caroline Levit, in an interview on Fox, suggested that American politics often undermines truth by changing narratives for political gain. This idea resonates with the backlash to the way politics has increasingly infiltrated Hollywood, even in the world of children’s movies.

While change is inevitable, it’s also crucial to ask: how do we honor the old while embracing the new? And how can we create inclusive, empowering stories without disrespecting the past?

That’s the angle.