I will start with Orestein’s statements on how Disney Princesses influence little girls. She explains even though she tried not to expose her daughter to this “ideology”, somehow it was almost impossible to avoid it because she will be taught by her school friends, or other girls of her age just by playing. But who doesn’t know about Snow White, Cinderella, Bella, ect?, it is part of our “culture” a secret education. Orenstein states that “Princess has not only become the fastest-growing brand the company has ever created, it is the largest franchise on the planet for girls ages two to six”. (Page 14). She points out how gender roles are portrait by these princess characters such as the need for girls to look pretty and focus on their appearance over their overall potential as human beings; meaning that girls expectations or ultimate goal of life is to be beautiful, feminine, passive and wait for the prince charming who is going to take care of her forever after. Julie mother of one of Daisy’s classmates was one among the moms that joined Orestein’s chat about princess culture she said “I want my daughter to have a strong identity as a girl, as a woman, as a female. And being pretty in our culture is very important” (page 19). Furthermore she stated that she had a son too and that he embraces him differently “encourage his intelligence” and on the other hand her daughter gets rewarded by telling her she is “pretty”. Orestein’s main point is gender role is such an important concept not just on Disney’s princesses but our overall “society” these include all media, merchandise (clothes, toys etc.). She just wants her daughter to be a unique individual and reach her potential not to do what it is expected from our society.
Brave: It was the first time seeing this movie and I loved it, you can see how Disney is trying to have a different approach of what “beautiful” means. Merida was not the stereotypical “princess” she was tomb shish, was an expert on archery. She didn’t want to be like her mother; she wants to be in charge of her own life and not follow their tradition of marrying one of her father’s allies’ sons. This movie does not focus on looks but rather the inner strength of a woman.
I really loved your last picture of the couple in different gender roles. My parents joke all the time because my step dad does most of the laundry, cooking, and cleaning in the house while my mom goes away on a lot of business trips and such. So I really pictured my parents completely trading those gender roles because for the most part, they kind of already have.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!!
Isn't it messed up how much society stresses "prettiness" and beauty? Even as an adult, I still can't believe it. I was waiting tables today at my job and I LITERALLY had a man (with his wife) say "Honey, You'd look a lot prettier if you smiled." I wanted to punch him right in the face. Great blog post though, love your photos.
ReplyDeleteGreat Post!
ReplyDeleteI also liked the pictures you chose. The 'gender-bent' little mermaid in particular. It makes me think how different that movie would be if Ariel had been a boy. How many critics would have attacked it for stripping 'Aaron' of his identity in order to attract someone.
I can also appreciate the quote from Orenstein about the focus of compliments for girls being focused on 'pretty' instead of 'smart.' I think this is so important, and really shows who we value in this society, and what needs to change.
Love this post!
ReplyDeleteI think just like Orenstein says about her daughter learning from other sources. I believe this is one of the worse educations ever. Mainly because everyone interprets and experience things differently, therefore the learning and the idea people take away from it is different. I think this is dangerous because then not only is someone imposing the main stream ideology onto you but also their own personal take on it, without realizing it.
Great Job!