Today on abcnews.com I came across this article.
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Health/story? ... 469&page=1
What do all of you think?
I think that there is nothing wrong with the Disney Princesses except that maybe they are over-publicized a bit. I don't think that they will have a negative impact on today's children though, because as the children grow older they'll pick up on the important lessons each princess teaches. Besides, every generation is impacted by things in pop culture. Are these people expecting that to change?
Are the Disney Princesses Bad for our Children?
-
singerguy04
- Collector's Edition
- Posts: 2591
- Joined: Wed Feb 09, 2005 4:40 pm
- Location: The Land of Lincoln
-
MutantEnemy
- Special Edition
- Posts: 617
- Joined: Mon Oct 27, 2003 4:46 pm
- Location: West Palm Beach, FL
- Contact:
-
Disney Duster
- Ultimate Collector's Edition
- Posts: 14116
- Joined: Fri Jun 17, 2005 6:02 am
- Gender: Male
- Location: America
What's Wrong With Disney Princess
I am so glad you posted this, as I was thinking of posting about the princess issue sooner or later.
I can see what could be wrong with the princesses. First of all, they are all pretty skinny. Snow White and Cinderella are the least anorexic-looking, but that was due mostly to the fact that during the times their movies came out, the general public preferred women with meat on their bones. Today, it's thin, thin, thin, and the rest of the princesses seem to reflect that. Though Belle may be a little meatier than Aurora, Ariel, or Jasmine.
Aside from that, it's true that men do wake up the princesses, and save them from an unhappy life or a giant hour glass (Aladdin). Snow White and Cinderella's princes didn't do much, in fact, Cinderella helped herself out somewhat and all the Prince had to do was throw out a search party for her. But Prince Phillip did more than Aurora by slaying a dragon, the Beast did more than Belle by defeating the wolves, and Aladdin did way more than Jasmine did by defeating Jafar.
Ariel is a toss up. She single-handedly stopped a shark from eating her best friend, and Eric jabbed Ursula with a ship. I dunno.
Prince Phillip was helped by women, and actually those fairies did do more than him and were the real heroes, but they aren't exactly what we look for in role models. They kind of messed up their plan to keep Aurora safe. Also, Belle did try to fight the wolves, she just didn't succeed as the Beast did. Jasmine did use her girlish appeal to distract Jafar from Aladdin, but that it was sending the message that Aladdin was the main hero.
Alo, in my favorite princess' defense, Cinderella did more than the prince by being much kinder than him (he was so rude at the ball to the other ladies) and saving her friends by freeing them from traps, giving them clothes, and feeding them. The problem there is she did things that are domestic, and we want girls to think they can do things that are more adventurous, outdoorsy, and intellectually based.
But the message could be that men are supposed to do more helpful or useful things than women, and that would not be a good message for girls.
UPDATE:
Snow White makes the dwarfs meals and altogether betters their lives.
Cinderella rescues the mice from cages and Lucifer.
Aurora...didn't get any chance to do anything, but that's just because of an evil spell. She did provide a good moral that you should not stay with strangers in the woods alone, make them come to your cottage!
Ariel saves Flounder and Eric from possible death, by being eaten by shark or drowning.
Belle sacrifices herself for her father.
Jasmine marries Aladdin and rescues him from poverty.
So what I feel we need is not to change the stories, but have just as many princess stories about them doing more for themselves and doing bigger things in general.
One way might be this: I know that lots of people are against sequels and stories about the characters outside of their films, but maybe some Enchanted Tales that show the princesses slaying some dragons or coming up with smart plans to help their kingdom's economy would be good. I can see lots of room in Aurora's tale about ruling the kingdom for lessons about how to make the world a better one, that would be good to teach girls who maybe want to "rule" in government one day!
I can see what could be wrong with the princesses. First of all, they are all pretty skinny. Snow White and Cinderella are the least anorexic-looking, but that was due mostly to the fact that during the times their movies came out, the general public preferred women with meat on their bones. Today, it's thin, thin, thin, and the rest of the princesses seem to reflect that. Though Belle may be a little meatier than Aurora, Ariel, or Jasmine.
Aside from that, it's true that men do wake up the princesses, and save them from an unhappy life or a giant hour glass (Aladdin). Snow White and Cinderella's princes didn't do much, in fact, Cinderella helped herself out somewhat and all the Prince had to do was throw out a search party for her. But Prince Phillip did more than Aurora by slaying a dragon, the Beast did more than Belle by defeating the wolves, and Aladdin did way more than Jasmine did by defeating Jafar.
Ariel is a toss up. She single-handedly stopped a shark from eating her best friend, and Eric jabbed Ursula with a ship. I dunno.
Prince Phillip was helped by women, and actually those fairies did do more than him and were the real heroes, but they aren't exactly what we look for in role models. They kind of messed up their plan to keep Aurora safe. Also, Belle did try to fight the wolves, she just didn't succeed as the Beast did. Jasmine did use her girlish appeal to distract Jafar from Aladdin, but that it was sending the message that Aladdin was the main hero.
Alo, in my favorite princess' defense, Cinderella did more than the prince by being much kinder than him (he was so rude at the ball to the other ladies) and saving her friends by freeing them from traps, giving them clothes, and feeding them. The problem there is she did things that are domestic, and we want girls to think they can do things that are more adventurous, outdoorsy, and intellectually based.
But the message could be that men are supposed to do more helpful or useful things than women, and that would not be a good message for girls.
UPDATE:
Snow White makes the dwarfs meals and altogether betters their lives.
Cinderella rescues the mice from cages and Lucifer.
Aurora...didn't get any chance to do anything, but that's just because of an evil spell. She did provide a good moral that you should not stay with strangers in the woods alone, make them come to your cottage!
Ariel saves Flounder and Eric from possible death, by being eaten by shark or drowning.
Belle sacrifices herself for her father.
Jasmine marries Aladdin and rescues him from poverty.
So what I feel we need is not to change the stories, but have just as many princess stories about them doing more for themselves and doing bigger things in general.
One way might be this: I know that lots of people are against sequels and stories about the characters outside of their films, but maybe some Enchanted Tales that show the princesses slaying some dragons or coming up with smart plans to help their kingdom's economy would be good. I can see lots of room in Aurora's tale about ruling the kingdom for lessons about how to make the world a better one, that would be good to teach girls who maybe want to "rule" in government one day!
Last edited by Disney Duster on Sat Apr 28, 2007 9:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
It's debatable. I don't think the princesses (and Tinkerbell) were a bad influence at all on young girls until the recent merchandising boom over the last few years. A lot of the merchandise depicts princesses as TOO perfect, you know? Cinderella and Snow White are skinnier, their cheeks are rosier, their eyes have more sparkle, and they're almost always donning their prettiest gown. That's not really relatable.
The princesses shouldn't get much of the blame, though. If anything, maybe Disney's merchandising department could make them look more accurate and real. And also, you have to remember that it's just a phase. I loved being a princess and dressing up when I was a little kid, but now I'm a tomboy and I don't even wear make-up. I can think for myself.
The princesses shouldn't get much of the blame, though. If anything, maybe Disney's merchandising department could make them look more accurate and real. And also, you have to remember that it's just a phase. I loved being a princess and dressing up when I was a little kid, but now I'm a tomboy and I don't even wear make-up. I can think for myself.
Anyone who seriously thinks that the princess line is damaging to young girls must have completely forgotten the wretched franchise known as Bratz. THAT line is extremely dangerous for girls because it's promoting sex appeal and shallow goods. The woman interviewed in the article says that the princess line is unrealistic and gives girls fantasy when they need reality. Well, Bratz is startingly realistic in how it portrays fashion and style. Teens and women in their 20s and even 30s do dress like that (not all, mind you), and the line is encouraging girls 11 and under to do the same and act like little sluts. Do you really want that kind of worldly realism thrown at your daughter at such a tender age? It's disgusting, and people who don't wish to promote fantasy must've led very humdrum childhoods. Fantasy stimulates your mind and encourages you to think and create. Children aren't given nearly enough credit for the way they think. They're more capable of separating fantasy and reality than many adults do. Take away imagination, and you've taken away the essence of being young. Kids who aren't encouraged to dream up things and pretend grow up to be the sort of stuffy people that'll go to Disney World and analyze every attraction from a technical point of view instead of just simply enjoying and immersing themselves in it. Life needs to be enjoyed as a gift rather than taken as some sort of job or civil duty.
As for the argument that the princess line promotes the damsel-in-distress motif, people who claim that must not have seen the films in question. Each princess promotes a certain character trait that draws little girls to each particular one. Cinderella promotes optimism despite what may go on around you, Ariel promotes taking charge to accomplish your goals, Belle promotes intelligence and book smarts, and Jasmine promotes the idea of going out to experience and explore new things. Only Snow White and Aurora could be considered stereotypical princesses in that the focus for them is being damsels in distress that are acknowledged for their beauty. Still, I don't think girls who consider either of those two their favorite princesses grow up to be doormats. My little cousin's a big Aurora fan, but personality-wise, she has more in common with Jasmine. She's feisty and not afraid to speak her mind, so Aurora obviously has not caused any damage on her (and she doesn't even care for Jasmine that much). Disney Duster's idea of creating new stories in which these and the other princesses take charge and become more active is a great idea. The original stories are fine the way they are and shouldn't be altered to fit a modern mindset, otherwise every other story and film known to mankind would need to be revised and remade to suit a new generation (though that's happening at an alarming rate with film remakes).
Brownie also makes a good point about the merchandising department. I've noticed lately that when groups of princesses are portrayed together, their individual characteristics have diminished and they all essentially have the same face and body type. It's like Disney's slowly trying to morph them all in some sort of bland group with no uniqueness. Disney needs to do what I did in the second paragraph of this monstrous post and promote the specific qualities of each princess instead of just throwing them out there. Their clipart artists also need to be shown model sheets so that they can more accurately draw each character. Snow White and Cinderella now almost have the same type of waistline as Aurora does, which is frightening.
As for the argument that the princess line promotes the damsel-in-distress motif, people who claim that must not have seen the films in question. Each princess promotes a certain character trait that draws little girls to each particular one. Cinderella promotes optimism despite what may go on around you, Ariel promotes taking charge to accomplish your goals, Belle promotes intelligence and book smarts, and Jasmine promotes the idea of going out to experience and explore new things. Only Snow White and Aurora could be considered stereotypical princesses in that the focus for them is being damsels in distress that are acknowledged for their beauty. Still, I don't think girls who consider either of those two their favorite princesses grow up to be doormats. My little cousin's a big Aurora fan, but personality-wise, she has more in common with Jasmine. She's feisty and not afraid to speak her mind, so Aurora obviously has not caused any damage on her (and she doesn't even care for Jasmine that much). Disney Duster's idea of creating new stories in which these and the other princesses take charge and become more active is a great idea. The original stories are fine the way they are and shouldn't be altered to fit a modern mindset, otherwise every other story and film known to mankind would need to be revised and remade to suit a new generation (though that's happening at an alarming rate with film remakes).
Brownie also makes a good point about the merchandising department. I've noticed lately that when groups of princesses are portrayed together, their individual characteristics have diminished and they all essentially have the same face and body type. It's like Disney's slowly trying to morph them all in some sort of bland group with no uniqueness. Disney needs to do what I did in the second paragraph of this monstrous post and promote the specific qualities of each princess instead of just throwing them out there. Their clipart artists also need to be shown model sheets so that they can more accurately draw each character. Snow White and Cinderella now almost have the same type of waistline as Aurora does, which is frightening.
-
blackcauldron85
- Ultimate Collector's Edition
- Posts: 16705
- Joined: Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:54 am
- Gender: Female
- Contact:
There's nothing wrong with the Princess collection. The princesses are good people, who are caring and loving, and who go on adventures. All girls should be treated as princesses. Disneykid made some excellent points. If the parents and children have seen the movies first, then there's no problem. There are worse things to look up to (Bratz is a big example).
-
SpringHeelJack
- Platinum Edition
- Posts: 3673
- Joined: Fri Nov 10, 2006 3:20 pm
- Location: Boston, MA
- Contact:
We have this long-running disdain for the Bratz dolls at the Toys "R" Us where I work. We found out quite by accident one day while stocking new ones that they don't wear underwear...quite a scandal. But I agree, there's some aspects about the Princesses that are a bit outdated (I never got the appeal of Cinderella, myself), but there's plenty of good aspects, too.
And while we mention Bratz, I also can't help but think having your little girl's birthday party at Club Libby Loo gives them the best role models, either, especially when little six-year-olds come out looking like drag queens. My friends and I call the little kids there "prostitots".
And while we mention Bratz, I also can't help but think having your little girl's birthday party at Club Libby Loo gives them the best role models, either, especially when little six-year-olds come out looking like drag queens. My friends and I call the little kids there "prostitots".
"Ta ta ta taaaa! Look at me... I'm a snowman! I'm gonna go stand on someone's lawn if I don't get something to do around here pretty soon!"
-
Ariel'sprince
- Platinum Edition
- Posts: 3244
- Joined: Mon Jan 29, 2007 6:07 am
- Location: beyond the meadows of joy and the valley of contentment
- Contact:
Re: Are the Disney Princesses Bad for our Children?
oh,i hate that articale,it's so stupit.
the princesses are herosand they're teaching people (not only little girl) that they need to follow their dreams,i have a lot in common with Ariel actually (and she's my faovrite disney princess and disney character and disney hero) (and yes,a lot of guys has a lot in common with her).
this articale is stupit and like disneykid said-she need to see some bratz,it's just teribble.
the princesses are herosand they're teaching people (not only little girl) that they need to follow their dreams,i have a lot in common with Ariel actually (and she's my faovrite disney princess and disney character and disney hero) (and yes,a lot of guys has a lot in common with her).
this articale is stupit and like disneykid said-she need to see some bratz,it's just teribble.
Last edited by Ariel'sprince on Fri Jun 20, 2008 3:38 am, edited 1 time in total.
-
Ariel'sprince
- Platinum Edition
- Posts: 3244
- Joined: Mon Jan 29, 2007 6:07 am
- Location: beyond the meadows of joy and the valley of contentment
- Contact:
Re: Are the Disney Princesses Bad for our Children?
oh,i ment "what worng with cinderella" articale which is really stupit,anyway this arcticale is stupit,too.Ariel'sprince wrote:oh,i hate that articale,it's so stupit.
the princesses are heros (execpt jasmine but in the series and in the sequels she's a hero) and they're teaching people (not only little girl) that they need to follow their dreams,i have a lot in common with Ariel actually (and she's my faovrite disney princess and disney character and disney hero) (and yes,a lot of guys has a lot in common with her).
this articale is stupit and like disneykid said-she need to see some bratz,it's just teribble.
-
PixarFan2006
- Signature Collection
- Posts: 6166
- Joined: Fri Jun 16, 2006 8:44 am
- Location: Michigan
-
Ariel'sprince
- Platinum Edition
- Posts: 3244
- Joined: Mon Jan 29, 2007 6:07 am
- Location: beyond the meadows of joy and the valley of contentment
- Contact:
-
UmbrellaFish
- Signature Collection
- Posts: 5762
- Joined: Sun Jan 28, 2007 3:09 pm
- Gender: Male (He/Him)
It just breaks my heart when people act like they need to completly erase history to make it right for a generation. Cinderella may be optomistic, but people, would you rather have your kid turn out to be someone who can always find the bad in something? Do you!? Come on! I'm okay with twisting tales, but changing the mood. No. If it wasn't for Disney and the Princessess, I would be brain-dead. I would have no personality like the one I have now. And yes, Bratz are, well, brats. My younger cousin loves them, sometimes it gets on my nerves.
-
PeterPanfan
- Diamond Edition
- Posts: 4553
- Joined: Thu Apr 19, 2007 1:43 pm
- Location: USA
- Contact:
-
SpringHeelJack
- Platinum Edition
- Posts: 3673
- Joined: Fri Nov 10, 2006 3:20 pm
- Location: Boston, MA
- Contact:
Sometimes Tinkerbell is nice, but most of the time she's mean (and even deadly!). However, she is known for having curves, so that's a positive influence on girls than some other icons.PeterPanfan wrote:I wouldn't say they're a "bad" influence.
I see a lot of Tinkerbell products that are questionable. Nowadays people think of Tinkerbell as some bad influence. Stores like Hot Topic have a Tinkerbell doll wearing all this black and pink and things like that. *shudders*
-
UmbrellaFish
- Signature Collection
- Posts: 5762
- Joined: Sun Jan 28, 2007 3:09 pm
- Gender: Male (He/Him)
Yeah, the orginal Tinker Bell from the movie and book are not good role models, but, I think, that as Disney began to use Tink as a friendly figure (opening scenes to shows and DVDs and the new Tinker Bell movie, books, and other merchandise) she's now friendly role-model. Heck, some kids today haven't even seen the orginal Peter Pan movie to know Tink hasn't always been nice.
-
blackcauldron85
- Ultimate Collector's Edition
- Posts: 16705
- Joined: Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:54 am
- Gender: Female
- Contact:
Yeah, that's just you. I think Dora's great. She's very smart and she likes to go on adventures. And she has a map. Good for her!