9 Classic Kids Films That Taught Us All Terrible Lessons

7. The Little Mermaid

28 The Little Mermaid 3D The Little Mermaid is a cute movie, but it's kind of the most anti-feminist Disney film ever made. Ariel signs a deal with the devil, abandoning her voice, possibly forever, to attract a man. The implication being that her thoughts and opinions are worthless; she's much better off just keeping her mouth shut and peering up at Prince Eric with big doe eyes, anyway. Ariel gives up her means of communication, her way to connect with the world, for a pair of legs and lady parts. I'm willing to accept the fact that part of her decision to leave the ocean is made because of her obsession with the human world, so it's not all just about the man, but at the same time, she sacrifices far too much of her sense of self for me to be entirely comfortably with this film.
Contributor
Contributor

Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.