The Stereotypes Of Belle In Disney Films

Belle is the stunningly beautiful farm girl. She has brown eyes and medium length light brown hair. These two simple features, in fact, have a greater impact. Most of the heroine in Disney movies have the almost the same key physical features which forms a negative impression on young girls. They are considered beautiful because of their big blue eyes and long blonde hair. This lead the viewers to believe only those with the particular description is beautiful and not the others. It affects the self-esteem and self- confidence of a young viewer. Belle’s physical appearance, on the other hand, breaks down the wall of the particular stereotype. Her physical appearance is appealing despite having common features as many women. It

She stands for what she believes in and never let others get her down. For instance, she rejected Gaston’s proposal. “I might be a farm girl but I’m not simple and I’m never going to marry you, Gaston. I’m sorry!” (Belle, page 13). In other incidents, she rejected Beast’s demand for dinner.
She also confidently speaks back to the wounded Beast. Hence, it can be concluded that Belle is a strong and well-rounded character. Her strong characteristics are influenced by complicity masculinity. As discussed earlier, Maurice belongs to complicity masculinity. Belle was educated by a father who is respectful, kind and loving towards her. She was given the freedom to do what she loves doing except for traveling as Maurice was afraid of her safety. Besides that, Belle also portrayed some traits of hegemonic masculinity. She is physically strong. Belle fought a pack of wolves on her own. She wrestled the gun from Gaston to save Beast. She also snapped the crossbow arrow into two pieces. She ran over the crumbling bridge to rescue Beast. She destroyed the "damsel in distress" trope through her actions. All these acts prove that Belle too has some traits of hegemonic masculinity although her upbring is influenced by complicity