As a huge Disney fan from a very young age I have always been irritated by the libfem/masculine hate for Disney princesses. It felt like covert misogyny to me. Sure, the 1930s-50s stories might not be ideal but by the 90s we had strong, intelligent female role models like Belle and from Tiana onwards the princesses have been kicking ass and taking names all over the place! Dismissing them for essentially being feminine seemed like more of a step back for women than embracing them. New research shows "children who engage the most with princess culture [at age 5] report more egalitarian attitudes about gender roles, lower adherence to hyper-masculine norms, and better body esteem five years later [at 10.]"

Disney princesses promote gender equality and self-esteem and help tackle toxic masculinity in the next generation. Let the kids wear the damn dresses and enjoy things! I will take a young child idolizing Moana or Ariel over random TikTokers any day.

https://www.psypost.org/2021/12/longitudinal-study-suggests-disney-princess-culture-has-a-positive-impact-on-young-childrens-gender-development-62267