The Merida Controversy - Why Did Disney Need To Sex Her Up To Become A Princess?

The thumbnail photo at the top of this page is the Disney Store version of the Brave Merida doll. I own that doll.  I am a doll collector so I'm curious and watching closely to see if there will be a doll version of the new and more glamorous Merida look. 

There are already a lot of Merida dolls on the market made by various toy manufacturers, as well as party goods, costumes, room decor, etc. Doll molds are incredibly expensive so which companies are going to change their merchandise?  My bet is that if they change the look there will not only be a social backlash but they will lose sales as well. 

The Disney Merida website had a photo of the before and after Merida images right after the coronation of Merida but it has been taken down.  I find that interesting.   You can see a photo of the old vs new Princess Merida graphic that will be on the doll packaging here.  That link also takes you to the petition to keep Merida Brave on the change.org website. 

Brenda Chapman, the writer and co-director of the movie Brave isn't happy with the new look. She based the character after her own daughter so she not only has a professional interest in Merida, but a personal one as well. She does not want Merida to become a Babe, and she signed the Change.org petition that has gone viral.

Merida's character in the film is smart, strong willed, and confident.  She's an expert archer and loves to go riding on her horse Angus.  Her athletic skill easily matches that of any suitable husband.  She and her mother, Queen Elinor, are at opposite ends of the scale when it comes to Merida's royal obligation to marry a prince.  This is one of the primary reasons many moms, little girls, and fans love her.  She is struggling with her relationship with her mother, and she doesn't need a man to complete herself.  She is a Modern Medieval girl.