Cinderella Ate My Daughter
Author: Peggy Orenstien
Peggy Orenstein argues that the current "princess phase" is anything but natural, hyper-feminine and highly commercial form. Orenstein takes us on a journey of the princess industrial complex. In the text the author described a toy fair, and explained how all the merchandise for the young girls came in only one color, pink. Orenstein asks the sales rep, "Is all this pink really necessary?" "Only if you want to make money" he replied. The toy fair was one of the many journeys Orenstein take us on in her determination to break the princess products threatening to overwhelm her young daughter.
At times during this chapter Orenstein confused me because she also argues with herself, questions her own assumptions, and as well has second thoughts. At times her uncertainty began to puzzle me. Orenstein finds a
psychology research showing that until as late as age 7, children are
convinced that clothing, hairstyle,
and choice of toys determine one’s sex. “It makes sense, then, that to
ensure you will stay the sex you were born you’d adhere rigidly to the
rules as you see them and hope for the best,” Orenstein. The author explains girls do not need to prove they are girls, and the princesses make them have to do this.
When Orenstein talks about the "princess phase" she brings up 'Bratz" dolls. The author explains how people view the "Bratz" dolls. They do not view them as " Princess-y, or Barbie-ish," this dolls are more about fashion, and girls with attitude. A way a princess should not act. “With their sultry expressions, thickly shadowed eyes and
collagen-puffed moues, Bratz were tailor-made for the girl itching to
distance herself from all things rose petal pink, Princess-y, or
Barbie-ish."
At the end of this if I could sum this whole story up I would say that Orenstein basically debated this issue with herself for parents to read. Simply showing how parents may think this is a "princess phase" and children grow out of it. However parents thoughts about whats best for their children will not change.
THINKING POINT: Who to blame? The Parents, The industry or both?
I also found this article about Princess movies teaching Bad Lessons, Check it out if you'd like.
I completely agree with you in the question of who is to blame. It is a serious question. How could anything be changed involving this if we don't know who is at fault. I also enjoy the picture and the video you included they take what the book was saying and give it a picture sense instead of just through words
ReplyDeleteI really liked your thinking point because it is hard to point fingers as to who it is to blame. Sad to see how young girls are influenced.
ReplyDeleteI like how you brought up the research study that showed how kids up until the age of 7 still think that how they dress or what they play with determines their sex or gender. It shouldn't matter what they play with or how they dress it's not going to make them any less of a boy or a girl. I used your blog post to do an extended comments for my blog. I completely agree with all your points.
ReplyDeletegood points, and you have me wondering who really is to blame for any of it.
ReplyDelete