Ok, so she isn't exactly a
Disney Princess. Even in the Animated movie she never actually becomes a princess.
But this doesn't stop Disney from including her in their princess pantheon and
peddling her princess products. The
actual tale of Mu-Lan seems much cooler than the processed high fructose corn
syrup fairy tale we were told. She is a kick-ass chick with a can-do attitude
and she doesn't seem to want anybody to "put a ring on it". You go
girl!
1) Mu-Lan didn't slink off
to war, she donned her father's armor after proving herself the better warrior.
In the story of Mu-Lan she announces that she will replace her conscripted
father, who was ill, in the war. Her father refuses, so ultra cool and
confident Mu-Lan challenges him to a sparing match with swords to decide the
matter. Mu-Lan won and rode off to war having proven herself capable.
2) Mulan was never
"outed". There was no dramatic moment of Mu-Lan's lady bits (vagina,
breasts, awesomeness, etc.) being discovered. The fact that she went years without being exposed isn't so
far fetched. There are numerous
examples in history of women warriors being disguised as men and going undiscovered
for long periods of time. There are probably even more instances that we don't
even know about because the disguise was so successful. With short hair, a
suite of armor, and a can-do attitude Mu-Lan's true sex stayed undiscovered for
the full tens years she was in the military. She continuously fought on the
front lines during this time, impressing her general so much that he offered
Mu-Lan his daughter's hand in marriage. Mu-Lan respectfully declined the offer.
3) Mu-Lan's story doesn't
involve her throwing off her armor and throwing herself into the arms of a
man. She really just looked forward to throwing "off the link-iron
clothing" and returning home. Sorry Disney, no fairytale ending. No kiss enveloped by crescendoing
music. No pretty dresses for this
Mu-Lan. The animated movie of Mu-Lan should have ended with a triumphant yet
war weary Mu-Lan comfortably reclining before her family shrine, with a
contented and knowing smile on her face.
And they all lived happily
ever after?
Sources: Women Warriors: A
History
. Written by David E.
Jones
Recommended links:
Contributing writer: Rainbow S. Coan
No comments:
Post a Comment