A while back, a Facebook friend of mine posted, "Everyone should have this many tutus in their laundry," along with a picture of a stack of pretty, colorful tutus. Having three girls myself, I thought, "I couldn't agree more." However, I am also "one of those moms" who won't let her kids watch X or wear Y or read Z. I feel like I am forever grappling with little decisions about what I should and shouldn't expose my girls to, all the while trying not to ever let any of it become a big deal. Because everyone knows that fastest way to get your kid to want to do something is to make a big deal about it, right? It's tough to be a mom sometimes, which is why when Peggy Orenstein's book Cinderella Ate My Daughter came out, I was so interested to read it;Â not only for what she had to say about my favorite subject -- kids' TV and movies -- but also for ! personal reasons, to see what she had to say about society's messages to girls in general.
Orenstein does bring up some stern points about those Disney princess movies. About Snow White: "Her sole virtue, as far as I can tell, is tidiness." And good old Belle (the lover of books!), her story "shows that the right woman can turn a beast into a prince." But her worst disdain seems to be for Ariel, who "gives up her voice to get a guy." Now, I've thought about these underlying messages myself, but I think I figured that the films have other good messages as well, and my girls get positive messages about their girlhood and inner worth all the time from their family and other influences we purposely put to them. So, if they really love the princess movies, I'm okay with that for now. Still, I loved reading a different point of view and rethinking my own assumptions on these seemingly totally benign works of entertainment.
From there (on the entertainment side of the coin), Orenstein discusses the move from Disney cartoon princesses to Disney pop princesses in a chapter I totally see eye-to-eye with her on. She discusses the early sexualization of young stars, specifically pointing out Miley Cyrus and others, and the impact that can have on their adoring fans. She also discusses Bella Swan of the hugely popular Twilight movies and what the underlying messages to girls are there (i.e. I would die for a guy who is obviously too good for me, and do anything to be with him even though he might end up killing me!).
All in all, I really enjoyed reading the book. I don't agree with everything in it, or with some if the implications of what Peggy Orenstein says in some cases, but I still felt it was a thought-provoking read and highly informative. To find out more about the book, read my full review of Cinderella Ate My Daughter. Also check out what our guide to child parenting, Katherine Lee says in her review of the book. If you get the chance to read the book, please leave your thoughts using the "comments" link below.
(Photo credit: Harper Collins)
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