Newspaper says Disney Princesses are not good role models!

[jonkatony]

Anne Lott has a point if a childs only role model is a disney princess it would be confusing, as would say a boys only role model being say Homer Simpson.

What child will go through its formative years ONLY influenced by a Disney character?

Its all about getting the right balance, this item to me is written to 'rattle cages' and not serious or written with an agenda.

 

[meeko_33785]

Welll, I will just say, that I always did think that beauty and the Beast was a little skewed of a representative of what a female should aspire to! LOL I mean, what a classic case of 'I can fix him'. The guy locks locks her up and screams at her, is not very nice to her family or any of the people around her....but gee----turns out she CAN change him with a little love... Sounds a bit like battered wife syndrom to me!


Anyway- I take it for what it's worth. My DD will love the trip!

Perhaps I missed something in the film, but I don't ever recall Belle trying to "fix" the Beast. I would argue that she didn't change him at all but instead he learned to sacrifice for her and learned to care for someone other than himself. As for Belle, when Beast was treating her badly, she stood her ground pretty well and at the first treat of violence, she left. She only returns to tend for the Beast after he is injured saving her and he begins to change. That's just my view on it though.

 

[salmoneous]

Like most things in life, the Disney princess send good messages and bad messages to girls. Lots of opportunity for parents to discuss with their kids what is good, and what's not so good.

I think it worth a few conversations about why so many of the princess need a prince to get where they want to be in life; why whatever doofus marries Jasmine gets to be Sultan, rather than Jasmine herself; etc.

 

[Piecey]

I didn't read through all of this so I apologize if someone already said it... and I don't have kids.. but I must say I'd rather my daughter look up to Cinderella based on her beauty.. than to look up to Princess Fiona because she can outbelch someone!!!

 

[ChrisnSteph]

I hate to say it, but the article had a few good points!

I don't think my dd has ever looked to the princesses as "role models". I'm so sick of seeing shirts with "I'm the Princess" or teenagers who act like they really are princesses, wearing those stupid tiaras on their heads and acting like spoiled brats.

The love for princesses was cute when my dd was younger, but she's grown out of that phase.

 

[KristinBelle]

I don't think cartoon characters should be held up as role models because it's not real. I don't think there is a happily ever after and a womens wedding day shouldn't be the happiest day of her life. But that's just me.

 

[Saffron]

Psssssst. People. They're cartoons. They really and truly aren't role models, nor were they ever meant to be. They are only animinated illustrations of storybook tales, nothing more. Gadzooks!

 

[Saffron]

I don't think cartoon characters should be held up as role models because it's not real. I don't think there is a happily ever after and a womens wedding day shouldn't be the happiest day of her life. But that's just me.

And me too!

 

[Mkrop]

I don't think cartoon characters should be held up as role models because it's not real. I don't think there is a happily ever after and a womens wedding day shouldn't be the happiest day of her life. But that's just me.

I agree with cartoons not being role models but why cant my wedding day be one of the happiest days of my life.

I have several now, birth of my sons,graduating college etc but my wedding day is still one of my happiest.

 

[KristinBelle]

I agree with cartoons not being role models but why cant my wedding day be one of the happiest days of my life.

I have several now, birth of my sons,graduating college etc but my wedding day is still one of my happiest.

I didn't say "one of the happiest" I said "the happiest day" meaning all the rest of the days of her life will pale in comparison.

 

[CEDmom]

Personally, while I'm fine with my DD dressing up as a Princess for Halloween I certainly wouldn't encourage her to see them as role models. The whole "I need a Prince to live happily ever after" is not something I see as positive.

I'd rather encourage my DD to choose real people as role models not made up one.

 

[Cool-Beans]

In the words of Jimmy Buffett, "Read dozens of books about heroes and crooks and I learned much from both of their styles."

Princess stories are just one small part of life. IMO, they're a nice part.

 

[smartestnumber5]

Actually, I do see irony. I find it ironic that someone who does actually fit the "feminist" stereotype (i.e. mullet. . .unattractive. . .butch looking) would say something disparaging about the Disney princesses, and how they create a negative stereotype. While all along, disregarding the fact that two of the Princesses (Cinderella and Belle) are actually very positive role models, while also maintaining some of the feminine qualities that these so called feminists seem to hate so much.

That is ironic, thank you.

I still don't understand what exactly the author's looks have to do with anything The whole "feminists are ugly" thing is really getting a bit old, don't you think? (Not to mention, I don't see anything butch about this woman. If you think she is, you really need to start spending more time with lesbians! Butch women do NOT where somewhat low cut women's blouses with big earrings and necklaces.)

I understand the point that there are aspects of some of the princesses which are good. That, for example, Belle saves her father. (Though as another poster pointed out, her story yells out battered woman syndrome to me too--and there's nothing positive about that.) I haven't seen Cinderella in awhile, but I can't say I remember anything all that role model worthy about her. I mean she's a nice person and she "makes the best of things" but personally I don't see that as very role model worthy--to smile and try to be happy while people are treating you like crap because you're helpless to do anything about it and hope someone comes and saves you.

I can totally agree that there are some good things about Disney princesses; I don't think the author meant to imply that the princesses have nothing good to be said about them. So I agree somewhat with your point that there are some good things about some princess characters. But WHAT does the author's appearance have to do with the point your making? If she had been conventionally attractive and in her early 20s with long hair, would that make you think differently of her point? And do I need to know what you look like in order to evaluate your point--i.e. if you have feminine looks and you are defending the princesses I guess I have to assume that you just hate non-femininity?

Besides, where did the author say anything about the femininity of the princesses' looks being an issue? In Shrek Fiona is still feminine looking despite being an oger--still has long hair, wears dresses, possibly makeup, long eyelashes--and the author is saying that she likes Fiona. So clearly long hair and dresses are not her complaint.

I don't agree with everything the author said, and I do agree slightly with your point. But I still don't understand how your bringing up the author's appearance is anything but a cheap shot and a logical fallacy (ad hominem--trying to argue against a position by attacking the person putting forth that position rather than actually explaining why the position is mistaken).

 

[meeskamouska]

Actually, I do see irony. I find it ironic that someone who does actually fit the "feminist" stereotype (i.e. mullet. . .unattractive. . .butch looking) would say something disparaging about the Disney princesses, and how they create a negative stereotype. While all along, disregarding the fact that two of the Princesses (Cinderella and Belle) are actually very positive role models, while also maintaining some of the feminine qualities that these so called feminists seem to hate so much.

That is ironic, thank you.

I am a feminist....I am none of the sterotypical things you describe above. I do not hate things that portray traditionally feminine characteristics. I happen to enjoy that I look different from men...that I wear make-up, dresses, dye my hair...etc... But, I do believe that the princesses lack a little in the great role model department. Do I prevent my child from wanting to wear a ball gown everyday or meet the beloved CInderella?? Absolutley not...but it is my job as her mother to inform her that these scenerios are not real. I add to the stories the characteristics that I deem important and downplay the ones that society deems important.

Maybe you should study the feminist ideal before you make blanket statements.

 

[Allison]

Actually, I do see irony. I find it ironic that someone who does actually fit the "feminist" stereotype (i.e. mullet. . .unattractive. . .butch looking) would say something disparaging about the Disney princesses, and how they create a negative stereotype.

How disappointing to see someone make a statement like this.

And by the way, I disagree with your assessment of her picture.

 

[Nancy]

Do you mean that my Prince is not going to come on a white steed and take me up to his castle in the clouds???

next you are going to tell me I need to put away my tiaras.

 

[djm99]

There is a such thing as the Victim-Princess Complex. The Victim-Princess Complex begins to resemble a dysfunctional habit in which the negative feelings of being a victim require ever-larger "fixes" for women to feel good about themselves. And those fixes come with a hefty price tag. Princesses "only find true happiness once they're married off with royal expense accounts," Healy laments.

These women are undoubtedly the most prosperous, pampered, and protected group in the history of the world. But they would still have you believe that women aren't getting a fair shake.

What is the truth of feminism? A fairytale come true, or a royal deception that appeals to the most primitive instincts of men and women alike?

http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/apologia/vpost?id=605249

 

[TDC Nala]

What is the truth of feminism? A fairytale come true, or a royal deception that appeals to the most primitive instincts of men and women alike?

http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/apologia/vpost?id=605249

I don't really care. If feminism means it's okay for me to live on my own, have a decent job and own property (all of which I do), then I'm all for that.

If it means that it's going to be assumed I have a problem with what anybody else chooses to do, therefore they are entitled to have a problem with what I chose to do, then

 

[TinkerBelle314]

I know this is an older post, but I just had to put my two sense in! While I was in college I had a Women's Lit. prof who was just the same. To me all of these "extreme" feminist are ridiculous, and who needs them, or cares what they think or say anyway? Those of us who are moms and have our own "little princesses" know where to draw the line and how to incorporate these ficticious charaters in our childrens lives. Make believe, pretending, and dress up have always been great in a childs development and growth. I dont know about you but when I was little I dreamt of being a princess someday. I, like everyone else, outgrew that dream and began living in reality around the age of 10! Besides, I cant believe she was comparing Disney Princesses to Fiona! For goodness sakes, I would rather my little girl dress up in a pretty dress than belch at the dinner table, or call a donkey by its real term. Anyway, I will get off my soap box now. Those kind of people who take life and childhood so serious drive me crazy. Just have fun and allow your kids to have fun!

And for the record, yes a womans wedding day CAN be the most happy day of her life. Not all women go on to have kids or graduate from college. They might be the exception, but there is nothing wrong if they view their big day as such!

 

[Nana Annie]

oops - already posted.