I chose the Disney movie Brave because it focuses on social and cultural issues. Merida proves that women are strongly independent and powerful. She comes from a scottish family with three younger brothers, her mother the queen and her dad the king. Merida is a skilled archer who creates her own path in life. Throughout the movie she shows courage, confidence and intelligence. This movie is so inspirational to young female viewers since it shows that you can be yourself  while still being loved and respected for who you are. I have re-watched this movie many times because having a movie where a female isn’t downgraded or having to need a man to save the day is superior. The other Disney movies have the lead female depend on the love of a man and that’s  the problem with society, women don’t need a man to succeed. Yes we can have relationships while being individuals with goals of our own. Merida was so influential that she got her clan to change their tradition of arranging marriages for their children to letting their children choose when they are ready to get married. Women have to deal with various issues such as molding their bodies to comply with cultural standards, violence, shame, skin color and child marriage. Speaking on women’s social and cultural issues is important to me because I am a Latina woman who is starting a career so I know how difficult it can be. I need to stay informed and let others know what it’s like to be a woman in this world.  When it comes to jobs and education men get more privileges than women which isn’t fair. Sexism is another point shown in the movie. The main character learned archery while being feminine. Adults and children need to be educated. We have to teach kids that embracing who they are is perfect and powerful. No one can take who you are away from you. 

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