Don't misunderstand me, I don't think there is anything really wrong with a love of the Disney princesses, I don't necessarily believe that there is an underlying between them and my daughter not feeling empowered, unlike the author of this book. However, she does make some valid points. Where on earth do the girls get it, it is like they are born with this gene, except the gene in Danica did not come from me, maybe it came from my sister, she was the Barbie lover and the Disney movie fanatic.
It was interesting to find out that it wasn't until the year 2000 that the Disney princesses were actually marketed separate from their films release. And, I find some pride in the fact that Danica tends to be pulled more toward the more obscure Disney films (if that makes sense), Mulan, Alladin, and Snow White, yes they are the princesses that are considered to be less popular. Also, I must point out that you must pay attention next time when you see all the princesses featured together, they are never looking at one another, making eye contact. Why? Roy Disney considered it heresy to lump together the princesses from a different story, therefore they all stare off into different directions when featured together. Creepy if you ask me.
I guess I am still learning a lot about the Disney fixation by our young girls, but I don't think it is just Disney or just princesses. Ms. Orenstein explores a bit of the American Doll craze as well. American Doll, that one really gets me so I don't think I am even going to go there. I guess what I don't really understand is how quickly it all takes hold of a little girl, or boy in some situations, and I am just not sure it is healthy and I am especially not sure in how to handle it.
For example, I was in the shower the other morning and heard Danica in my bathroom drawers. I asked her what she was doing and she replied "putting on my makeup," to which I replied, you are beautiful you don't need makeup. She continued to "apply" eye shadow and pull back the shower curtain to show me the finished product. I continued to tell her that she didn't need makeup, she was naturally beautiful. How does this happen? I am not a terribly made up person and if I don't have to, I don't put on makeup or spend too much time on my hair. I am not convinced this all comes from society, but I am not convinced it is genetic either.
Princesses, Barbies, and American Dolls are a comfort, uncomplicated and stable in what can be a very complicated being for young girls---they are fun and in my opinion, at least at this point they aren't going to shape my daughters self esteem....I hope they aren't shaping her self worth, confidence and image.
I am still very confused on how such young girls get so obsessed at such an early age.
