Photo taken in the State Opera House, Prague
Standing the Test of Time
Tale as old as time. True as it can be.
Over many decades, our cultural interests and topics have brought us a breadth of media to look back on. Narratives in movies, books, songs, and more reflect our shared values and evolution across the span of our existence.
Over time, we inevitably outgrow certain themes that no longer capture our cultural awareness and maturity. This is why any encounter with a story that continues to relate to modern-day values is all the more remarkable.
Clearly, certain tales can stand the test of time, inspiring ideas that remain as true as they can really be.
Above the Rest
During the early days of my youth, Disney was quite the household name and phenomenon, as it still is today. The 90s, in particular, was a time when so many fairy tales entered our minds and imaginations for the very first time.
As one of them, I can’t deny how much I admired the range of beautiful princesses, the enchanting music, and the strong male heroes who saved the day. Of course, while many of these beloved Disney classics were written for the specific audience of their time, it is no secret that the influence of old traditional undertones and stereotyping of socially constructed roles were present in their making.
It’s not hard to look back on these iconic films and recognize subtle and not-so-subtle traces of the standardization of men and women through their expressions, choices, appearance, and overall identities.
Nevertheless, there was one particular movie that seemed to do the opposite with its female protagonist, which to me enabled it to stand out far above the rest — the highly regarded Beauty and the Beast.
Funny, Wild, and Free
In the 1991 version, Belle is introduced in a familiar way—admired for her beauty. Yet she’s also labeled “odd” by her neighbors, who find her curious nature unusual.
I could not have known the significance of these choices at the time, but as a child, I was undoubtedly moved by this vastly different display of femininity that was curiously intriguing to me at such a young age.
For she was different in that she not only exemplified beauty but showed intelligence in her love of reading, courage in her intentions to save her father, and bold ferociousness in standing up for herself and others out of moral duty.
She displayed no interest in what others thought about her or in finding a partner, and ultimately ended up saving the prince while choosing her new life out of her own free will.
Upon watching the latest version recently, I couldn’t help but think over these ideas and wonder just how much stories like this one played a role in my own growth and cultural identity.
Beauty or Beast?
In my experience, I could never use the words “girly” or “ladylike” to describe myself, even as a kid. Perhaps by traditional definitions of the feminine identity, one could attribute my qualities as womanly in plenty of ways.
However, when it came to my personality and behavior next to other kids, my vivacious energy and bold attitude could hardly be described as anything other than masculine.
I was a bit lanky and sporty, so much so that I liked to run faster than all of the boys, stand up to bullies on the playground, and climb anything and everything that I could get my hands on. As a child, I was a bit arrogant, loud, obnoxious, fiery, and defiant. I liked to burp out loud, entertain the crowd, and express my wild and silly, free self.
Perhaps I was more beast than beauty, even though I never outwardly dressed or presented myself as such. In retrospect, I can see that my stubbornness stemmed from my unwillingness to be treated differently from other boys, because I always saw myself as 100% equal to them and refused to be treated otherwise.
Consequently, there were plenty of times in which I suffered the stares of girls who were repulsed by my behavior as if I was breaking the rules of proper etiquette. Then shortly after, I would always come across one or two of them that would stare at me with amazement, their eyes illuminated as if they were silently asking, “Whoa. We’re allowed to do this?”
Taking the Lead
Pop culture has long shaped how we see ourselves. And as more women began to break through outdated portrayals, they helped broaden our understanding of what’s possible.
In many films, shows, books, and performances, these women presented bold, complex identities. And in doing so, they encouraged us to live more freely and fully.
In Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, she writes:
“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me. I am a free human being with an independent will.”
Over time, it is perhaps messages such as this, as well as the numerous efforts of women throughout the years, that enabled millions around the globe to wake up from the false subliminal messages that spread and conditioned our culture. To this day, I can still recall my inner fire being ignited and transfixed while observing the nuanced intricacies of female characters taking the lead in Xena: The Warrior Princess, Charmed, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Mary Poppins, Little Women, and countless others.
They struck me with their assertiveness, creativity, wit, humor, and tenacity. They were lively, unmuted, and daring to show the fullness of themselves; an arrogance of belonging that informed their willingness to rock the boat and steal the whole damn show.
It was absolutely mesmerizing.
Quiet Truth
Over time, I started noticing these same qualities in women around me. They weren’t famous, but their strength and spirit left lasting impressions.
Whether it was a bold family member speaking her truth or a classmate standing up for someone else, these everyday heroines shaped my view of courage.
They weren’t passive—they were protective. Not delicate but fierce. The kind of people you’d want on your side in any situation.
Because across species and societies, there’s a quiet truth: don’t underestimate a mother guarding what she loves.
One Moving Symphony
Today, we’ve made real strides toward embracing individuality and rejecting outdated labels. Though it’s ongoing, the movement toward inclusion and authenticity is gaining momentum.
This cultural shift invites us to honor not just how we differ, but how those differences create balance. We’re beginning to shed what no longer serves us and return to what’s essential.
We’re learning to lead with kindness and clarity. In Strength to Love, Martin Luther King Jr. wrote:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
Sometimes taking the lead just means stepping into the fullness of who we are and allowing others to do the same. In that space, we discover that each of us plays a vital part.
We’re not soloists—we’re members of a larger symphony. And together, every note matters.
Together, we bring to life our greatest and most complete expression; a vibrant melody consisting of layers upon layers of harmonic tones that can connect and exhilarate an entire room with one simple reminder— all is one.
Very well said. So stand up and throw your shoulders back and feel that you are good if not better than anyone else! God loves you and so do I.