Cinderella, Snow white, beauty and the Beast – all of these stories are familiar to us and our children from childhood. We listened to them, we read them ourselves, we watched cartoons and movies.
Now a number of American scholars and writers suggests that many such tales are outdated. Moreover, they bear children to such destructive ideas like sexism, racism, misogyny, and so on.
On the question of what do Snow white, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, in addition to porcelain skin and shiny hair, for The Independent, said Dr. Victoria Sonmi, lectures in gender studies at the University of California.
«All of them rescued from suffering, or eternal sleep men. I believe that it is equally offensive to both men and women. Especially, of course, for women (or rather girls), who will find that it is only natural to live in a passive waiting.»
Marriage – the highest award
We live in a world where civilized countries have decided not to marry or to marry early. Increasingly couples seek to marry, being already at the age of thirty (or at least over 25), and some prefer not to remain free from the bonds of marriage.
With such new traditions required for tales condition: «they got married and lived happily ever after» seems almost medieval.
By the way, say Professor of literature, it’s not just old fairy tales, but modern, like «Shrek» or «Star dust», which is still over a Grand wedding.
According to Victoria, Sonmi, fairy tales actually meant that unmarried or unmarried man is a failure who has no place in society.
After all, in fairy tales no mention of professional, financial or social success of the characters.
«Love is considered as a concept that only happens in marriage, not as a philosophical concept,» explains Dr. Sonmi.
The lack of racial diversity and external
Most of the disney princesses is a slender, white-skinned girl. Of course, there are exceptions: Mulan, Pocahontas, Jasmine, Moana, but traditionally white in fairy tales is incomparably greater.
And it’s not just about race, say the writers.
Standards of appearance, as claimed by the princesses, can be detrimental to young girls, putting them in thoughts about what beauty and happiness is possible only under condition of thinness.
If in the tales there is a plump female character, it’s probably negative character (as, for example, Ursula from «the little Mermaid») or the image of «mother» (Mrs. Potts from «beauty and the beast»).
Scientists draw attention to the fact that women often appear in fairy tales in the manner of servants. So, the only way for Belle to save her father is to serve the Beast. Cinderella years is engaged exclusively in housework, and Snow white cooks and cleans for seven men, of the dwarves.
To Rewrite «Cinderella»
As told to USA.ONE Professor at the University of Arizona, an expert on feminism Devon Loser, the British writer Janet Winterson this year set up an experiment, visiting a primary school and inviting the students to rewrite «Cinderella».
The experiment involved, of course, both boys and girls. The story ended this way: «Cinderella with the Prince decide they will not marry. They remain friends and become world famous researchers».
How to be parents
But is it all scary and what to do now parents forget about the fairy tales about princesses?
«My parents, fortunately, are now a very wide choice in terms of what books to read to children,» says USA.ONE Professor is a Loser.
«Yes, of course, fairy tales like «Sleeping beauty» simply limiting children.
But keep in mind that this is old and all your favorite history that will forever become part of popular culture, so that to discard them is not worth it.
Many of the stories now sovremennitsa authors adapt to the new realities. I would recommend to read to children and the old and new versions of fairy tales, discussing their differences.
That’s the thing to discuss texts with children, especially those who are older. This will be the most reasonable choice.»
