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| ARIEL AND ERIC |
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ARIEL’S SACRIFICE
A TALE OF LOVE & LOSS |
The Little Mermaid’s Dilemma: Balancing Sacrifice and Self - A Global Perspective
Just as Ariel's story has endured across generations, so too does this conflict persist—continuously evolving, yet ever relevant in the complex world we live in. The complete article on The Little Mermaid’s Dilemma: Balancing Sacrifice and Self is divided in following sections:
Section 1: The Power of Desire and Sacrifice
Section 2: Reclaiming Your Voice: Rediscovering Authenticity
Section 3: Striking the Balance
Section 4: Conclusion: The Little Mermaid’s Legacy, A Legacy of Sacrifice with Purpose.
Before moving to the section 4, we will discuss "The Struggle Between Sacrifice and Identity", from a psychological perspective. This will make, The Little Mermaid’s legacy of Sacrifice with Purpose more lucid and clear.
The Struggle Between Sacrifice and Identity
As Ariel's story unfolds, she begins to realize the price of her sacrifice. Her fable invites us to re-think about: our lives, the sacrifices we make and re-evaluate the prices we pay for certain dreams. One must ask if a sacrifice is worth it. Losing an integral part of ourselves ultimately leads to regret. In The Devil Wears Prada, Andy Sachs is not different. She lands her dream job at the most prestigious fashion magazine but learns that it will make her sacrifice everything that is precious to her, from values to friendships, and even the relationship she had with her partner. In a nutshell, Andy's problem is a perfect illustration of Ariel's:
how much of yourself do you lose in order to attain success or reach a dream?
The key is finding a balance that doesn’t sacrifice your core values or sense of self.
“Behind the glamour and perfectly colored hair, the overarching lesson of The Devil Wears Prada, is a pretty powerful one: no matter how hard it is to get something or how many people wished they had it, you are well within your rights to leave a job that isn't working for you.
Real Life Examples
In real life many individuals experience this tension when they chase their passions at the expense of other important aspects of their identity. The story of Marissa Mayer is another example. Marissa Mayer is a prominent figure in the tech world, best known for her role as the former CEO of Yahoo and as an early employee at Google. As she became the CEO of Yahoo, maintaining an incredibly demanding work schedule. She achieved career success.
But the toll it took on her personal life and well-being led to questions about whether the sacrifice was truly worth it.
Despite her success, Mayer faced numerous sacrifices, particularly in balancing her demanding career with her personal life. Mayer was known for her near-obsessive attention to detail, leading to her being both admired and critiqued for her rigorous work ethic. “Mayer resigned as CEO of Yahoo in 2017, following Yahoo's disclosure of security breaches. She is now the cofounder and CEO of Sunshine, which uses AI to automate everyday tasks”.
Legacy and Reflection
Marissa Mayer's career serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale. She exemplifies the delicate balance between pursuing professional goals while maintaining personal integrity. She tackled well this dilemma faced by many leaders, particularly women in tech.
Her story highlights the sacrifices made in the pursuit of success. Her approach shows the importance of mindful awareness of the costs of any sacrifices. We can preserve personal well-being and happiness also in this process by practicing mindfulness.
Mayer’s leadership strategy continues to be a role model for young women aspiring to lead in tech and business. Her career exemplifies how vision, sacrifice, and desire can intersect, creating a powerful narrative of ambition, transformation, and the ongoing struggle to reconcile one’s professional identity with personal fulfillment.
Key Takeaway
Sacrificing is often required for growth, but it is never at the expense of what makes you, your genuine self.
The Struggle Between Sacrifice and Identity: Insights Through Psychological Theories
The tension between sacrifice and identity is a deeply complex and often painful experience for many individuals. Sacrifice—whether it is for love, career, family, or social expectations—can sometimes require us to compromise parts of ourselves. But our long term growth and well-being must never be compromised.
- Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory: Identity vs. Role Confusion
Erik Erikson, one of the most influential psychologists in the study of human development, proposed a model of psychosocial stages through which individuals progress as they mature.
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| Erikson’s Psychosocial stages |
One of the key stages relevant to the struggle between sacrifice and identity is the fifth stage, "Identity vs. Role Confusion," typically occurring during adolescence. In this stage, individuals explore different roles and identities, experimenting with who they are and what they stand for.
It is a crucial period for self-definition and understanding one's core beliefs. When individuals are forced to make sacrifices—whether for family, career, or relationships—during the process of identity formation, they may experience role confusion. This is especially true if these sacrifices conflict with their authentic self.
For instance, a person may suppress certain aspects of their personality to conform to the expectations of others (e.g., in a romantic relationship or family setting), leading to a sense of disorientation or lack of clarity about who they are. Sacrificing too much of one’s authentic self during this stage can stunt healthy identity development, potentially leading to an adult who struggles with their sense of self.
2.James Marcia’s Identity Statuses
Psychologist James Marcia refined and extended Erickson's Theory. James introduced the concept of identity statuses—distinct categories that describe the state of an individual’s identity formation. Marcia identified Four Identity Statuses based on following Two Criteria:
Exploration:
The process of trying out different roles and beliefs.
Commitment:
Making decisions based on one’s exploration.
Four Identity Statuses
- Identity Diffusion
This is characterized by a lack of commitment and exploration. Individuals in this status may not have fully addressed the struggle between sacrifice and identity, leading to confusion and aimlessness.
2. Identity Foreclosure
Individuals in this status have made commitments without fully exploring alternatives. Often, these commitments come from external pressures (e.g., family or societal expectations).
Here, sacrifice may involve giving up personal desires or values to please others, leading to a premature, unexamined commitment to roles that do not reflect their authentic identity.
3.Moratorium
This status involves active exploration, where individuals are trying out different roles and values, but have not yet committed to one.
The struggle between sacrifice and identity is felt intensely during this period, as individuals must figure out which parts of themselves they are willing to sacrifice and which they will hold onto.
4. Identity Achievement
In this status, individuals have explored different roles and values and made commitments that reflect their true selves. The individual has navigated the tension between sacrifice and identity, finding a balance between staying true to their core and adapting to the demands of life.
Relevance
In the context of sacrifice, individuals in identity foreclosure may struggle with a sense of inauthenticity because they have sacrificed too much of their own desires to conform to external pressures. Meanwhile, those in moratorium may be struggling with the tension between sacrifice and authenticity, unsure which roles are worth committing to.
3. Self-Determination Theory (SDT)
Self-determination theory (SDT) is a macro theory of human motivation and personality that concerns people's innate growth tendencies and innate psychological needs. Self-Determination Theory was developed by Deci and Ryan focusing on motivation and human development.
It posits that people have three innate psychological needs:
1. Autonomy:
The need to feel in control of one’s actions.
2. Competence:
The need to feel effective and skilled.
3. Relatedness:
The need to feel connected to others
Relevance
The struggle between sacrifice and identity can be understood in terms of autonomy. Sacrificing too much of oneself to meet external expectations—whether from society, family, or relationships—can undermine one’s sense of autonomy. This, in turn, can cause a person to feel less connected to their true self, eroding their identity. When sacrifices are made without a sense of choice or alignment with personal values, the psychological need for autonomy is thwarted, leading to feelings of frustration, resentment, or alienation. Moreover, if individuals sacrifice their authenticity to gain approval or affection from others, they may compromise their sense of relatedness. Authentic relationships are built on genuine connection, but sacrificing who you truly are to please others can result in superficial or unsatisfying connections, which can further erode one’s sense of self.
Our sense of self-worth and self-esteem drives us and motivates us to sacrifice our free time investing it in creative pursuits. Competence creates a sense of happiness, meaning and value in our lives.
Doing something skillfully makes us feel good. We feel the sacrifices made to gain that competence or to execute it are nothing before the prize -that feeling of finding a purpose and creating meaning in our lives.
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| FOSTERING ART AND CREATIVITY |
We mostly make sacrifices for a genuine sense of belonging and relatedness. We are generally ready to sacrifice what is surplus, and not very significant. But where we feel a strong emotional bond and we care for other people our sense of relatedness and empathy compels us to sacrifice our time, energy and whatever is the crucial need. These little sacrifices are a part of our lives and they make up a valued asset for us being surrounded by the genuine people.
4. Cognitive Dissonance Theory
Cognitive dissonance theory, proposed by Leon Festinger, suggests that individuals experience psychological discomfort when they hold conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or behaviours.
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| Cognitive Dissonance Theory |
When it comes to the struggle between sacrifice and identity, cognitive dissonance can occur when people make sacrifices that contradict their core beliefs or values. For instance, an individual may sacrifice their own happiness or self-expression to fulfill external expectations, which creates dissonance between their actions and their authentic self.
The discomfort caused by cognitive dissonance motivates individuals to either change their beliefs or behaviors to resolve the conflict, or justify the sacrifice to reduce discomfort.
However, repeated sacrifices that conflict with one’s values can lead to long-term dissatisfaction, emotional burnout, or identity confusion, as individuals may struggle to justify or rationalize their choices over time.
Relevance
Sometimes we try to over emphasize the worth of efforts and sacrifices we had to make for some fiassco to avoid dissonance. We usually value most highly those goals or items which have required considerable effort to achieve. This method of reducing dissonance is known as “effort justification.”
5. Object Relations Theory
Object Relations Theory emerged from rich tapestry of psychoanalytic theories and it acts as a revolutionary approach to understanding human psychology.
It is a bit like finding a new pair of glasses that suddenly brings the blurry world into sharp focus. The theory posits that our earliest relationships, particularly with our primary caregivers, form the blueprint for all future relationships and shape our very sense of self."
[Melanie Klein, often considered the mother of Object Relations Theory, laid the foundation with her work on infant psychology. Donald Winnicott, with his concept of the “good enough mother,” added vibrant hues to the tapestry. And let’s not forget the contributions of Margaret Mahler, Ronald Fairbairn, and Otto Kernberg, each weaving their insights into the rich fabric of the theory.]
A key concept in this theory is the internalized image of important figures (objects), which can influence how a person navigates the tension between sacrifice and identity.
Relevance
According to this theory, early caregiving experiences—particularly the degree of nurturance, support, or neglect—can shape one’s ability to sacrifice parts of themselves for others without losing a sense of self. If individuals grow up in environments where they are taught to sacrifice their needs to meet the demands of caregivers (e.g., neglecting their own emotional needs to care for others), they may struggle with balancing their identity as adults.
This can lead to challenges in setting boundaries, asserting personal needs, or navigating relationships without feeling like they have to sacrifice their authenticity. In adulthood, individuals with a history of over-sacrificing themselves for others may have difficulty asserting their own desires or needs, leading to a weakened sense of identity. They might find themselves constantly giving to others but struggling to maintain a clear sense of who they are.
6. The Role of Sacrifice in "Identity Integration"
One of the most important aspects of balancing sacrifice and identity is the process of identity integration—a concept often explored in humanistic psychology (e.g., Carl Rogers).
In this context, identity integration involves incorporating all aspects of the self into a cohesive whole. The struggle between sacrifice and identity becomes a matter of deciding what aspects of oneself are non-negotiable and which can be adapted to fit the demands of the external world.
When individuals are able to integrate their sacrifices into their overall sense of self—i.e., when they can sacrifice something without losing touch with their core identity—they experience a healthier form of psychological growth.
In this sense, sacrifice doesn’t have to be at odds with identity but can be part of the process of refining or reshaping the self in meaningful ways.
Summing Up: Navigating Sacrifice and Identity
The psychological theories discussed above shed light on how individuals navigate the complex relationship between sacrifice and identity. From Erikson’s stages of development to the need for autonomy in Self-Determination Theory, the core idea is that sacrifice should not come at the expense of one’s authenticity. Struggling with sacrifice and identity is an inevitable part of life, but understanding these psychological frameworks can help individuals better navigate this tension—making sacrifices with greater awareness, ensuring they align with personal values, and fostering a more integrated, authentic sense of self.
SECTION 4: The Little Mermaid’s Legacy: Sacrifice with Purpose
Ariel’s dilemma teaches us a profound lesson about the cost of pursuing our dreams. While sacrifice is often necessary for growth, it’s essential to maintain a sense of self and ensure that what we give up doesn’t erase the core of who we are. Just like Ariel, we can learn to navigate the balance between sacrifice and self, finding fulfilment in our goals while respecting our authenticity.
The true magic lies not in the sacrifices we make, but in how we stay true to ourselves along the way.
Key Takeaway
The journey toward achieving our dreams requires sacrifices, but the real challenge is ensuring those sacrifices don’t overshadow the essence of who we are. Stay authentic to yourself, and balance your desires with your core values.
The Little Mermaid’s Legacy: Sacrifice with Purpose
The story of The Little Mermaid—particularly the character of Ariel—offers profound lessons about sacrifice, desire, and the pursuit of one's purpose.
In the tale, Ariel sacrifices her voice to gain a human form, driven by the longing to be part of the human world and to pursue love. However, her sacrifice, although painful and significant, is ultimately with a purpose—she seeks to fulfill her dreams and find her place in a world that feels more aligned with her true desires. Disney spares her and gives us a happy ending.
Ariel's story encapsulates the universal theme of sacrificing something valuable for a higher goal or a more authentic self. But it’s important to recognize that such sacrifices should not be made lightly.
The idea of “sacrifice with purpose” implies that sacrifices should be intentional, and their purpose should align with personal growth, self-discovery, or a greater good.
• The Power of Sacrifice for Personal Growth
In The Little Mermaid, Ariel's conditional sacrifice of her voice can be seen as a metaphor for personal transformation—sometimes, we must let go of something familiar or comfortable to pursue a deeper, more meaningful goal.
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| CONNECT CREATE MEANING |
However, her story also highlights the importance of ensuring that the sacrifice serves a purpose. Ariel’s eventual triumph symbolizes that meaningful sacrifices are often followed by greater rewards: personal empowerment, self-discovery, and the fulfilment of one's dreams.
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| ARIEL |
MALA- The Little Mermaid
Mala, is ruler of the Chaine Sea. She is known for her fearlessness. She’s very connected to her home and cares for it by protecting coral reefs. She hates the pollution shipwrecks cause to the ocean. This has given her an unfavorable view of humans.
She’s well-regarded among her peers as a strong leader.
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ARIEL’S SISTER MALA
IndiraAriel’s sister Indira from Disney’s live action The Little Mermaid. Indira is ruler of the Brinedive Sea. She leads with integrity and generosity. She stays in-the-know on what’s happening in her kingdom and is excellent at debate.
Ariel's sisters are portrayed as powerful female characters. We cannot help linking them apart from the protagonist.
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• Sacrifice with Purpose: Lessons in Self-Discovery
Sacrifices made with purpose, can be powerful catalysts for change. They allow us to stretch beyond our comfort zones and create space for new opportunities.
But like Ariel, the key is understanding what you're sacrificing and why. Purposeful sacrifice involves careful reflection on whether the thing you're giving up will lead to growth or fulfillment, and whether the cost is worth the ultimate reward.
• Celebrity Examples: Sacrifice with Purpose
Several celebrities have made sacrifices throughout their careers that resonate with the themes in The Little Mermaid—sacrificing something to pursue their dreams, find their authentic selves, or achieve a greater purpose. These sacrifices often come with emotional or personal challenges but also lead to powerful transformations. Here are a few examples:
• Oprah Winfrey: Giving Up a “Traditional” Career Path to Create Her Own Legacy
Oprah Winfrey is a prime example of someone who made a significant sacrifice to follow her true purpose. Early in her career, Oprah faced numerous setbacks and challenges, including being fired from her job as a television news anchor because she was “too emotional.”
Rather than giving up, Oprah sacrificed the traditional career path that many expected her to follow in favor of creating something completely new. She took risks by pivoting into talk shows, eventually creating The Oprah Winfrey Show, a platform that resonated deeply with audiences and allowed Oprah to explore the personal and emotional stories of others. By sacrificing the security of traditional journalism for a more vulnerable and personal form of broadcasting, Oprah found her purpose in helping others and transforming the media landscape.
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| The Oprah Winfrey Show |
Her sacrifice—stepping away from a conventional career in favour of an untested path—was ultimately purposeful, as it led to her becoming a global icon of empowerment, personal growth, and philanthropy.
Relevance
Like Ariel, Oprah’s journey demonstrates that the purpose of a sacrifice should align with your deepest passions and vision.
• Beyonce: Embracing Vulnerability for Artistic Freedom
Beyoncé’ Singing Style makes us ask. ‘How is Beyoncé so good at singing?’ Well, Beyoncé Singing Style is a perfect blend of techniques, emotional depth and versatility! That’s what makes Beyoncé’ singing voice remarkable and her, one of the most celebrated singers of our time.
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| Beyonce |
Beyoncé's career shifted after forming her own management company Parkwood Entertainment, creating monocultural events through acclaimed concept albums.
She explored personal and political themes on Beyoncé (2013) and Lemonade (2016), which are credited with popularizing the surprise album and visual album.
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| A VOICE that Moves |
Throughout her career, she has made significant sacrifices in terms of her personal life, speaking up about her personal life, and freedom in exchange for the opportunity to share her artistry with the world.
From the early days of Destiny’s Child to her solo career, Beyonce has focused on creating music that speaks to her values, personal struggles, and empowerment.
Her 2016 album Lemonade, for example, was a deep, personal exploration of her marriage, identity, and the struggles that came with fame. Releasing such a vulnerable album meant exposing parts of her life that many celebrities keep hidden.
Beyonce’s decision to do so was purposeful: she used her platform to speak out about issues of loyalty, empowerment, race, and personal strength, encouraging millions to embrace their own authenticity.
Relevance
Beyonce’s enthusiasm for creativity and a genuine artistic expression gives the message of empowerment. Her message aligns with Ariel’s journey of giving up something for a higher purpose. Beyonce reclaimed her voice, became vulnerable, created meaningful art, and shared her story connecting with people and creating a positive change.
• The Cost of Sacrifice: Reflection on Purpose
Like The Little Mermaid, the examples of these celebrities show that sacrifice is not always easy and often involves a great deal of emotional or physical cost. However, each of these individuals was driven by a larger purpose that motivated their decisions and gave them the strength to carry on despite the challenges.
When considering any personal sacrifice—whether it’s in a career, relationship, or personal goal—it’s important to reflect on the following:
• What is the purpose behind the sacrifice? Understanding the underlying motivation and whether the end result is worth the cost.
• What are the potential outcomes? Will the sacrifice contribute to personal growth, social change, or empowerment?
• How will it affect your well-being? Ensure that the sacrifice doesn’t undermine your happiness or mental health.
Conclusion: Finding Purpose in Sacrifice
The legacy of The Little Mermaid is a reminder that sacrifice, when made with purpose, can lead to profound growth and meaningful change. Whether it’s Ariel sacrificing her voice for love and identity, or real-life celebrities sacrificing privacy or safety to pursue their passions, the theme is clear: sacrifice, though challenging, can be a powerful tool for transformation and empowerment.
By making sacrifices aligned with a greater purpose, we not only grow personally but can also leave a lasting legacy that impacts the world around us.
Closing Thought
As you pursue your own dreams, remember Ariel’s journey and the lessons it holds. You may face difficult decisions and sacrifices along the way, but never forget that your authenticity is the true treasure.
Like Ariel, you can reclaim your voice, reconnect with your purpose, and achieve the dreams that truly resonate with your deepest self.
Conclusion: Embracing the Journey of Sacrifice and Self-Discovery
As we reflect on The Little Mermaid’s Dilemma, it becomes clear that Ariel’s journey is not just about choosing between sacrifice and self—it’s about understanding the profound interplay between the two.
Her story speaks to the universal struggle we all face: the tension between pursuing our desires and holding onto our authentic selves. It’s a reminder that every sacrifice made, whether small or large, has the power to shape our identity and determine the course of our lives.
Yet, it is crucial to remember that sacrifice does not have to mean losing ourselves in the process. Instead, it can be an opportunity for growth, for refining our vision, and for deepening our connection with our true purpose.
The challenge lies in knowing when to stand firm in who we are and when to let go of what no longer serves us, always striving for a balance that honours both our dreams and our integrity.
Across the globe, individuals face similar dilemmas—choosing between personal fulfilment and the greater good, striving to maintain authenticity amidst societal pressures, and navigating the path of self-discovery.
And just like Ariel, each of us has the capacity to rise above the struggles, to find strength in our vulnerability, and to transform our sacrifices into powerful steps toward becoming our truest selves.
So, let us draw inspiration from The Little Mermaid’s courage, and remember that the pursuit of our desires is not a journey of losing ourselves, but of embracing the process of becoming more fully who we are meant to be.
The balance between sacrifice and self is not a destination, but a dynamic journey—one that, when navigated with intention, can lead to deeper fulfilment, personal empowerment, and a life rich with purpose.
References:
https://www.simplypsychology.org/erik-erikson.html
https://www.simplypsychology.org/cognitive-dissonance.html
https://learning-theories.com/identity-status-theory-marcia.html
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-determination_theory
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-object-relations-theory-2671995
https://neurolaunch.com/object-relations-theory-psychology/
https://www.oprah.com/app/the-oprah-winfrey-show.html
https://musicmaster.in/blog/decoding-beyonces-singing-voice-from-destiny-child-to-queen-bey/
https://popculturewonders.com/ariels-sisters-live-action/
https://screenrant.com/attina-little-mermaid-ariel-sisters/
Recommended Reading:
https://theeverygirl.com/rewatching-the-devil-wears-prada
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