Here's a reflection by Monique Fields of The Root on the upcoming The Princess and the Frog, featuring our first African American "princess." Expect my rejoinder later this week.
Enough with the Princesses!
by Monique FieldsThere was Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas and Mulan.
Tiana arrives this fall in the first Disney film featuring a black American princess.
Set in 1920s New Orleans, The Princess and the Frog tells the story of a young waitress and gifted chef who dreams of following her father’s lead and owning a restaurant. The trailer can be viewed online or on the big screen in the previews of Disney Pixar’s Up, which opened May 29.
Tiana’s creation has been lauded as a milestone. She is a first in a long succession of Disney princesses, which began more than 70 years ago. The toys she inspires will acknowledge the beauty of young black women as children of all colors identify with Tiana.
Still, as the mother of two young girls, I fear I will be doing damage control for years after the credits roll.
In a recent New York Times article, critics railed on whether or not Tiana conquers racial stereotypes. Forget about all that. The problem is with the princess mentality.
The princess mentality is pervasive in our society. Everything from baby bibs to bicycles is scrawled with the P-word. A mother has to shop long and hard to find clothing that isn’t glittery or pierced with rhinestones. Just when you think you’ve defeated the princess marketing monster, someone else shows up on your doorstep with the cutest thing ever.
I’m not the wicked stepmother when it comes to princesses. I just want a dash of reality thrown into my daughter’s entertainment from time to time.
Unlike princesses, my daughters, 4 and 2, will be disappointed. They will want something my husband and I can’t afford, or they will miss the mark for some achievement. There will be no magic wand to go poof and make their dreams come true.
While I’d like for them to run away with a prince and live happily ever after, they had better get college degrees first. All princesses need to have their own money.
Read Further.
2 comments:
Hmmm...
I think kids should let their imaginations fly.....especially if they don't read and write yet.
I am listening to Disney princess music at this very moment and you know that I am 18 years of age? There are a lot more to princesses than magic and impossible creations. I was raised on Disney. The morals and values taught in each and every one of those movies inspired me and in fact are with me yet today. You see to me those movies taught me to more than bumming my poor parents for something they too couldn't afford. Actually, to my recollection, I have never asked for much. I learned very quickly the respect for others, their opinions and ideas. I have a respect for all arts and dreams. I love, I enjoy and socialize all in a lady like manner.
So now that you have a different point of view set out before you I do hope you think. And I am not telling you to abandon your post, you are a mother with concerns. But if they are so persistent to behave like princesses tell them what I've told you. To be a princess is not about the bows and glitter, it actually has virtually nothing to do with it, But it is how you behave and present yourself. Kindness and compassion are two key values. Teach them these things and your girls will grow to be true princesses.
(By the way I believe you can look some things up on wiki how if you have more questions on exactly how to execute the process of becoming a real princess.)
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