When I look at a classic animated movie, or something made for a similar audience, and I see the characters intended to represent the hopes and dreams of young girls, I see me at that age.
Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Part of your World. The dreamer, dreaming of wonderful, far-off worlds.
That's me. That's literally what I do now. In my histories. Part of your World. The only difference between me then and me now is that I now Am part of that world. I am that world's bard.
Belle from Beauty and the Beast. With a dreamy, far-off look, her nose stuck in a book.
That's me. Again, the only change is that now I have realized those dreams.
When I read Jane Eyre as a teenager, I identified so strongly with Jane.
That was me. Only now I know the great world beyond, I have had adventures. I'm not just anticipating it anymore.
Those are universal values. But I also identify especially strongly with the kind of hopes and dreams that young girls often have. The ones cherished by feminist stories of strong young girls.
Romantic dreams. Dreams of being sophistocated. Dreams of proving myself as a misfit and an underdog. A thousand things that I could never put into words.
That's me. The only difference is that I am no longer anticipating it anymore. I'm living it. I am no longer dreaming of being part of that world. I am that world's bard, and through me it will live again.
I am Ariel, at the end of the movie, part of that world.
That is me.
Thought you might like to know!
God loves you!
Sincerely,
David S. Annderson