Maybe it's not so Bad

    

Throughout our discussion and readings of different articles concerning the princess culture, I had agreed with the vast majority of the text being presented. I completely agree that the princess culture is affecting all girls, whether they be deemed weird for not embracing it, or whether they are becoming young narcissists because of the obsession. The more I reflect on the articles however, the more I start to think things are being taken too seriously.

            The main issue is not Disney or the princess movies themselves, but instead the parents who do not know how to raise a humble and non-narcissist child. Solely watching princess movies or playing with princess toys will not make a small girl feel like she is an actual princess and needs to be treated as one. When a parent spoils their child, giving them whatever they plead and relinquishing all control to the power, they are creating a small monster. Children with this foundation of an upbringing will undoubtedly feed off of the princess culture easily. The products and story lines will manifest into a spoiled and demanding child. This is not the fault of Disney. If a child simply sees the princess stories, engaging his or her imagination in a “new world,” while also having parents who raise the child to be caring, selfless and humble, the princess culture will not have much of an effect.

            In the article written by Laucius, she discusses the elements that define princess. She states one element as being that the girl believes she is someone special. I really disliked that she saw this in a negative light. As cheesy as it may sound, I really do think everyone is special. Coming from a religious standpoint, I believe everyone was hand-crafted in the image of God, and that is about as special as it gets. I believe children need to be taught that they are special in order to instill confidence at a young age. Being confident, not cocky, is important for a young girl. It can go so far as to prevent an abusive relationship. Or it can simply help a girl withstand a mean bully. Knowing you’re special is a beautiful gift that all girls should be taught. It’s highly different from thinking you’re better than everyone else.