So, my 3 yo is totally into princesses, Barbie, Bratz Kids, Strawberry Shortcake, and all those other girlie things. Her latest dvd obsession is Cinderella 3 and this has me thinking.
Now, I'm not one of these totally diehard feminists but I'm pretty self sufficient and dh used to get upset because in the beginning, I didn't make him feel extra special or needed. I frankly told him that I was happy with life and myself and that I didn't *need* him to be complete--he was the icing on the cake. Granted, now that I've got 3 kids, a mortgage, 2 dogs, and all that other stuff I do *need* him in my life--not only do I need him but I want him and he enriches my life immensely. So, not to be too sappy, I have found my prince and I'm pretty darn happy with him.
But, what are all these Disney Princess movies (oh, and Barbie as the Island Princess) teaching my dd? That she needs a prince to rescue her and make her complete? and not only that she needs a prince to rescue her but even if he does love her, if she's not a princess, she is not worthy of him? or maybe he's got some type of spell on him and actually believes that some other chick is his true love and can't recognize that she's the one because the shoe doesn't fit. . .
Sigh, I'm not gonna take the princesses away from her because I know it's a phase she's going through but where are the strong female role models for little girls?
Hey Kathy! Just remember, that to her, the princess theme is probably all about feeling pretty (dancing, dresses ...). I don't think she'd be unduly affected by this at this age. I'd be more worried if that's what they were showing teenagers as "The Life to have".
ReplyDeleteThere are not too many strong & positive female role models out there ...