#pro paternal

My apologies for that puddle of pink sticky goo all over the floor. It's the remnants from my heart exploding after I heard her say this. In case you're wondering what's so phenominal about this particular quote- even if you aren't, I'm going to explain it, anyway.

So, we are unfortunately still stuck in an era where family friendly narratives constantly reiterate the unrealistically overblown philosophy of following one's heart. Disney is extremely guilty of this. The biggest problem with this school of thought besides the idealistic nature of it, the heart is a monumental deceiver. It operates on arbitrary hormone levels that fluctuate at the gentlest of breezes. While it's important to feel and be at one with our humanity, too many people let the heart make them absurdly unreasonable and stagnant.

What do you think keeps the cycle of abuse within families thriving? Why some people bypass seeking help and instead opt for suicide? The reasons go back to this quote from Jasmine. It's so much easier to face off against enemies and strangers than it is to stand up to one's own family and friends due to warped feelings of love, respect, and yes, approval seeking. Logic and common sense cannot and should not be sacrificed at the alter of hormones.

This short but bold line offers further insight into Naomi Scott's Jasmine as well. NO hate or disrespect intended towards the original Jasmine, who is good in her different way. But in Aladdin 2019, when Jasmine is frustrated and needs to vent, she confides in her own peers, Dalia and Aladdin respectively. When she does voice her concerns to the elders, she's calm and even-tempered. When her father does usher her away from the adult conversation, Jasmine is unhappy but compliant. Even when Jafar is rudely patronizing towards her, she avoids reacting to him. There's no storming off, impertinence, or declaration of disdain for her crown to be had with this girl. She's only upset because she wants to do more for her kingdom besides studying.

It isn't until Jafar presents a real threat to Agrabah that Jasmine can be silent no more. Even then, she keeps her cool and uses diplomacy over physical force. It had to be terrifying to go against very powerful grown men she's known since childhood, but in my my experience, sometimes it takes a child to be the voice of reason. It isn't easy, but seriously, someone has to do it.

Following one's heart without consulting one's head is a good way to get the former stabbed and the latter severed. A better philosophy? All it takes for evil to succeed is for good to do nothing.