How Hard Are we Really Trying?

  After hearing today's lecture and listening to everyone's opinions, I can't help but think the root of the problem in regards to princesses and superheroes lies at home. No matter how much branding we are exposed to, or what messages Disney may (or may not be) attempting to get across, ultimately parents have the capability to be the most influential aspect early on in their child's life. It is in the home where parents can teach their children values and truth, setting them up for the road ahead. If parents would make an effort to talk with their children, to explain the difference between a fairy tale and reality, rather than using the television as a babysitter, I believe some of these issues we see later in life could be avoided. One of the big things we discussed in class today was that children simply do not have the capability to process fiction from fact on their own. This causes a significant problem when we disagree with the messages fairy tales portray. To avoid this, parents can discuss what should be valued in a significant other, or in a relationship. This post isn't meant to bash on parents by any means. I've never had a child, and I am sure I have no clue how difficult it is for some parents to spend time with their children, all while trying to juggle the other aspects of life. I just think that children often look up to their parents, so parents, at least early in life, can be a much greater influence to children than branding, movies, etc., if only they try.