I'm having a feminist crisis over Cinderella

Dochas

groovygrl:

Dochas:

526SadieSadie:

I don't like Barbie dolls and I don't like the domestic chore toys (toy vaccuums/washing machines) with the exception of play kitchens because generally, those are marketed to boys and girls - everyone I know with a child of either gender has a play kitchen.  I think its a good imagination toy.

Ugh.  How revolting is it that people still consider vacuums, shopping carts, strollers and baby dolls to be girls' toys?  My son has a baby doll.  He often sits it on the floor to play trains with him. lol.  And as soon as I find an apron that isn't pink with purple hearts he's getting one.  He's 2 and I expect baking to be messy work!

here ya go sorry not clicky

https://www.amazon.com/Mimi-Sardine-Coated-Organic-Cotton/dp/B000IMWT9A/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1350430267&sr=8-7&keywords=kids+apron

https://www.amazon.com/Mimi-Sardine-Coated-Organic-Sealife/dp/B0063AO06Q/ref=pd_bxgy_ba_img_y 

That is adorable!

semdkm

I understand your concerns.  As an adult who now comprehends how twisted the "wicked stepmother" theme is, it's not something I recommend pushing without thought onto our kids.  That said, I loved Cinderella and a number of the other Disney movies.  My daughter is your typical 5 year old who loves everything princess.  She also loves a number of the other things out there-like Doc McStuffins.  She's seen some of the princess movies (including Cinderella) and honestly, she makes me skip the "scary bad mommy" parts, but really enjoys the songs and dancing and talking mice, etc .  It makes her smile.  There is an element of magic involved, and I'm erring on the side of letting her enjoy that rather than not permit her to see it because she may, one day, hope to find "a prince."  I'm sure she'll learn not to depend on a man for her sole happiness, etc.  We, as parents, can do our jobs by teaching important values, self-reliance, beauty is on the inside, etc. while still letting our kids enjoy being kids (and I've yet to meet one little girl who doesn't enjoy the princess stuff--including my niece, despite my hippy sister doing everything in her power to teach her young child life is cruel and there's no prince to rescue you from it, yada yada....).  I should note, finally, too, that despite my daughter being exposed to all the princess stuff, she has told me regularly that she wants to be a "hospital doctor" and she does NOT want kids.  There's never any  mention of a prince   On the other hand, she flat out refuses to wear anything other than pretty dresses....hmmmm....

semdkm

Another thing--I know Beauty and the Beast can be a little scary but you've got to appreciate Belle as far as princesses go, right?  She falls in love with someone who isn't gorgeous because she sees his kind heart, she loves books and learning.  You can definitely use that movie as a character lesson and still allow your child to enjoy the fantasy end of it, no?  Same goes with Cinderella--she has a kind heart, and finds happiness as a result.  Mulan-strong female character, etc.

ras26

DD is only 1, but I already fear the princess invasion.  I say I hate them, but I really don't, individually.  I watched the movies as a kid and liked them.  I had Cinderella on record, and I'm pretty sure my first window shade was Snow White.  I guess it's more the combination princess marketing approach and the princess mindset that I hate; the toddlers and tiara's mindset.  I can't stand the rhinestone tees in toddler size that say things like "Daddy's Diva" or some more egregious ones that I can't remember.

***rant on:  What I dislike equally is FP's approach to making a pink alternative to EVERY toy.  You want to play with a tool set?  Here's a pink one!  Even a simple shape sorter, there is a pink version.  Why?  Why does there have to be a "normal" version with primary colors and then a pastel version.  Do girls really have to be lured into playing with large blocks by making them pink and purple? *** rant off

pc150805

I agree with those who say we are over thinking this. Prince and princesses still exists in real life and when DD is old enough to watch these movies, will talk about the difference between real princesses and movie princesses. Just like we will talk about real doctors, real lawyers, real girls, and real boys versus how they are shown in movies. Movies make a mess of reality no matter if they are cartoons or real people. I hope to teach my kids that at a young age. They are entertainment only and should not shape how we view reality because that could really screw up their expectations.

groovygrl

semdkm:

I.  I should note, finally, too, that despite my daughter being exposed to all the princess stuff, she has told me regularly that she wants to be a "hospital doctor" and she does NOT want kids.  There's never any  mention of a prince.

Lol my dd says she wants to be a mommy doctor, like doc mcstuffins' mom...but she sas she wants to be a mommy too "like you,mommy " which I find cute. I don't really think she views a princess as something to aspire to and I really don't think little girls get the rescued by a prince thing...

as for belle and the beast?..that abuse thing seems a little over analyzed... I mean, there is a spell on him, the viewer gets that, even a kid, and to me, it isn't that if she loves him enough he will change, since she doesnt know about the spell so it isnt about HER action causing the hoped for change as it could be in an abusive relationship where a woman might consciously think that she can change him by loving him "more"....it is if he can fundamentally change his own attitude and approach, show her he is really a good guy, he gets the reward of her love and his "normal"  life back. Isnt that what one would actually want from a person with a history of abusing-   reflection and acknowledgment of the behavior and issues at hand in order to make better choices for positive relationships? Maybe I am not remembering the story correctly.