Disney movies really at fault?

Reflecting on our class and the discussion of the “Princess Culture,” I had to disagree with the standpoint of it being an awful thing for young girls. I understand the view the authors in the readings had along with classmate’s opinions, but I feel as though I must speak for the Princess side.

Growing up in the 1990’s was all the rage of the Disney movies for most of us. And with those Disney movies come the Prince and Princess. As someone stated in class, there is always something the characters must over come to reach their goal. For Disney, that is the message they are trying to portray; yes, the way they dress the princesses might be a bit provocative but that is not the main goal in these movies.

Thinking back to the age when I watched Disney, my main thought was not of how these Princesses are going to alter my thinking of who I am and how I should be catered to or think I am a Princess. Yes, at points I dressed up like a Princess, as many of you girls did, and acted like one, but the idea of eternal Princess didn’t last.

Peggy Orenstein points out “that until as late as age 7, children are convinced that external signs—clothing, hairstyle, favorite color, etc.—determines one’s sex.” And that, “a Cinderella dress is nothing less than an existential insurance policy.” So I ask myself, what does it matter then if I little girl wants to dress up as a Princess, that dress isn’t going to define who they are. Those girls on shows such as: Sweet 16 or Toddlers and Tiaras are the way they are because of their pampered parents.

From personal opinion, I believe every little girl should be told they’re a Princess. This makes her feel special, makes her feel strong and powerful. Dressing up like a Princess is pretend, and when they take it farther than pretend is when it needs to be addressed, starting with the parents. But when someone like Twenge suggested the only way to keep one from being a “Princess,” is to nix it beginning with baby clothes that say “Little Princess,” that’s going too far.

There is nothing wrong with little girls wearing pink, wearing tutu’s, being told they are a Princess or even wearing overalls. Little kids are little kids for a reason, to play, have fun and pretend. Most of you girls in this class if not all watched Disney movies as a kid, and probably most of you dressed up as a Princess and proclaimed you were one. Do you still wear that tiara and tutu and proclaim it? My guess, no… but every girl has a little Princess in them. And there’s nothing wrong with that.