What is my relationship to Disney and animated children's culture? 

Wow! This is a tough one in some ways. hmm....   I see all the biases and all the prejudices, and some of them I even kinda knew were there, but I grew up loving Disney.  I got swept away with all the other children wanting to be the princess, and anticipating the wonderful prince... yep!  I did see how the longing for the prince and such as a downfall many many years ago, though... My friends and I would talk about how we were conditioned to think it was only a matter of time before he would come in one form or another.  It wasn't until many years, and many harlequin romance novels later that I would conclude that I .. "I" actually was becoming the "man" or person who I was seeking all along!  We would laugh about it, my friends and I.  It had to be laughed at eventually, but we did feel pretty stupid for having bought into all of that hogwash.

On the flip side, the idea of racism and social status inequity.... that had gone right over my head.  As a child, this didn't really come into play for me.  I went to a small Catholic school.  It was so long ago.... there were only white kids in my class... I think in the entire school maybe.  There really was very little diversity within the town I grew up in, and it was all we knew really.

Disney was a weekly show for us back in the day.  I think it was Walt Disney World ... Sunday nights we would watch for an hour.  Always fond memories.  I loved Donald and Daisy Duck.  I think maybe because my dad would always do the Donald Duck voice!  I would beg him to do it again and again!  I loved it!  Although I see how there was some negative impact on me and the culture I grew up in as far as aiding in creating a negative self image, I still look back on it with fond memories with my family.  I can't say that I watched it and suddenly felt ugly or not thin enough, etc.... not consciously, anyway.  Christensen's observations are completely spot on, and I can see it clear as day now that it was pointed out, but I never really dug deep enough to think about it when I was a kid, and it wasn't looked at through the lens I am seeing it through now.  I guess those who were feeling it were the ones who felt they weren't portrayed, and rightfully so.  It's actually quite fascinating how much we are controlled across the board.  Kinda sickening, even though my ignorance to it left me in bliss.

How does Frozen meet or challenge my memories of princess culture?  (pause to view movie with my daughter for joint opinions on the matter).... will be back shortly
So after revisiting Frozen with my youngest daughter, she tells me her favorite character/princess is Ana because she is kind and forgiving.  She says that although it seems like it's more about Elsa..and she is popular, she prefers Ana.  We both completely cracked up with the Olaf scenes!  We were hysterically laughing.... great time watching together...AGAIN!  I have to say, I really enjoyed watching both these movies again.  I seldom have much time to sit and watch t.v. or movies EVER.  I enjoyed the analysis, and found the whole lesson very engaging and thought provoking! 

Both of my girls didn't/don't seem to have body image issues related to living up to the princess image.  They seem fine with themselves with regard to appearance.  I will mention to them if they are eating too much in the way of junk food or sweets, and they tell me it's really about who you are on the inside that matters.  Hmm....  food for thought there.  I, myself, was very body conscious, so maybe they will be better off than I.