myHK: Marry a Prince and his Magic Lips
Yo Walt Disney! STOP pushing marriage on my toddler!!
As a father of a precious little girl, I do have fears when it comes to my daughter growing up too quickly. I’m already preparing myself mentally for all of these female stages that come along, that I know pretty much nothing about. Like bras and tampons and stuff like that! I don’t have a sister, and I’ve grown up in a bit of a man’s world, so this world is already a bit daunting to me.
So, when my daughter picks out her reading books before bedtime, and I’m reading my 4 year old text about kissing and finding true love, I have a tough time not showing that deer-in-the-headlights look.
Am I missing the plot of these stories? Let’s take a closer look!
Snow White– She eats a poisonous apple, and of course the only thing that can save her is a kiss from a prince. He kisses her, saves her and they instantly get married. No dating or meeting the parents?!
Cinderella- This is a girl who cleans all day and dreams about getting married. She meets a prince and falls in love instantly, just after a few dances… (Actually I know a similar story…) She goes on to get married, obviously! Because there were clearly no other options!! Like dating or just casual sex!! It’s always marriage!!
The Little Mermaid– This Ariel sees some hot guy with legs and automatically decides to abandon her family and tail to chase after this guy. They get married and everything works out perfectly!
And the list goes on and on!
What do you think of Walt Disney’s marriage pushing ways? Do you have similar concerns? I’m not losing sleep over it, but I am starting to bury these Disney books at the back of her shelf…
Hope you all have a great week!
Mr.J
Sponsored by Jar Design.
Specializing in apartment and shop renovations in Hong Kong. Check out their work at http://www.jardesign.hk
The Guest Room 
Disney is evil! Even the classic movies don’t age well in the modern light, as far as story-telling if not the animation quality.
However, Pixar is consistently quite great. Entertaining stories, smart, positive messages. They must make children’s books from Pixar movies right?
Agreed Ray!
The Pixar movies are much better and these classics are well outdated.
Now that I’m a father to a little lady, I’ve got to be much more aware of the many negative influences on women all around us.
Life was much easier when I was just pounding beers and eating Taco Bell back in college.
Cheers and thanks for commenting!
MrJ
It is the one thing that always vexed me, living in the states that is, this whole cult of girls wanting to be Disney princesses. You see, being French by birth we learn about our own history and that involves many miserable princesses, who became sad and lonely queens. I never understood this whole wanting to be a princess thing at all, let alone trying to explain to my American peers the reality of being a princess; recent history, Princess Diana…not a happy princess and no fairy tale ending. I think it would be more sage to teach girls and young women the real stories of courageous and heroic girls and women in history, not some made up poppycock. Plus! The fairy tales these Disney stories were based on, well, they never ened with a kiss and marrying a prince, nor was there a happy ending. So I agree with you entirely, enough with these Disney travesties.
Thanks Brielle!
I think children need both fairy tale like stories that encourage creativity and imagination, as well as factual inspirational stories about strong characters who have accomplished incredible acts.
I definitely don’t think children need to be thinking about marriage and kissing!;)
I’m assuming my daughter is very similar to most children her age in that she enjoys pretty much whatever story I read to her, whether I read the text on the book or make up my own.
The problem is that books/movies like Frozen are done so well with accompanying music that is so addictive for kids, and their parents. There’s no competition really…
I will throw out a recommendation of my favourite children’s book at the moment- Iggy Peck Architect. Check it out if you get a chance.
Cheers Brielle!
MrJ
I will definitely look at the Iggy Peck book, nice to see something beyond the ” Someday my prince will come” genre. One thing I have to say about Frozen though, besides the catchy songs of course, the prince showed up and he was a creep. It was the sisterly bond that was the true magic.
I hope that these stories will start offering more than the final outcome of a prince. Maybe if more little girls read the original fairy tales,that the Disney ones are based on, they would not all be so eager to become a Fairy princess”.
All the best to you and yours
Cheers
Brielle