Elsa and Anna from Frozen and Frozen 2 are NOT good leaders!
If you are like me, you probably have a nostalgic relationship with Disney, especially Disney animated feature films. In high school, prided myself on being able to sing at least one song from every full length animated feature films and this was before YouTube. (Also, weird party trick, I know.) So, of course I was one of the first to get Disney+. I was so happy to be able to share with my kiddos the amazing movies and shows from my childhood, while also, watching new movies with them. Oh, the joy on their faces watch the same movie for the 37th time in a row…
I digress. So we have watched Frozen and Frozen 2 at least 132 times during quarantine and I have some thoughts. Mostly that Elsa and Anna are horrible leaders. I mean, they are some of the absolute, worst leaders to ever rule Arendelle and that includes their conniving grandfather, which is another post entirely.
Now, how could I say that about two of the most popular Disney princesses, so popular that they are not even part of the Disney princess lineup. Also, a different post for a different day. Let me explain myself.
1. Both Elsa and Anna abandon their kingdom to completely unqualified, non-Arendellean citizens.
If you recall from the first movie, Elsa runs away on her Coronation day and Anna chases after her. Now, it has been 3 years since the previous king and queen have passed, so who was governing Arendelle prior to Elsa running off. It really doesn’t matter because Anna leaves Hans in charge in her absence. Hans is a citizen of the Southern Isles. He isn’t even a citizen of Arendelle. Also, Anna just me this dude and now he is in charge of the government?
Elsa does the same thing in Frozen 2. When the elements chase everyone out of the city, Elsa consults with the Trolls, who lets be honest are pretty useless plot devices, and leaves them in charge. Do the people of Arendelle even know who Grandpabby is? How do we know that the people will even listen to the trolls? And wasn’t there anyone else to put in charge?
2. Elsa and Anna are self centered.
Being a leader, means that you think about the people you are leading before you. There was absolutely no thinking about the people. The girls did not even consult with their people before deciding to leave their responsibilities. The two women are only focused on their relationship. And it is important for the two sisters to have a healthy relationship, but they also have a relationship their people. Their people are relying on them to handle important decisions, enforce laws, support governance and they are not at all concerned about others outside of themselves. By the end of Frozen 2, Elsa has completely abdicated her throne and Anna, the new queen is more concerned with game night and celebrations than actually ruling.
3. Elsa and Anna need therapy.
Now, this is not a dig against folks who go to therapy. I, myself, have benefited from therapy. I, also, believe that all leaders should have therapy. In my completely, nonprofessional opinion, Elsa and Anna have abandonment issues that manifest as Elsa having internal and external acceptance issues and Anna having codependency. Their upbringing has a lot to do with their issues as well as the loss of their parents. Their underlying pain and unresolved issues serve as motivators to their lack of leadership ability.
We didn’t see much of their father, King Agnarr’s leadership nor did we see much of how their mother, Queen Iduna’s leadership style. We do know that Queen Iduna did not tell the girl’s about her background or share much of her culture. Upon finding out that they, Elsa and Anna, are also Northuldra. This realization and the realization that *SPOILERS* their grandfather was a colonizer and murderer were complete glossed over, but as an child of a multi-ethnic heritage will tell you, there is a reckoning that happens when you realize that you are different and the world sees you different.
I may be over thinking these movies, but when you have seen them as many times as I have, you tend to have questions. I love the movies! I love the songs and truth be told, I probably enjoy them more than the kids. I would love to know what you think. Am I wrong? Am I overthinking a delightful children’s movie? Let me know on my Facebook page.
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are my own. I love Disney!
