Essay On Princess Culture

Parents will always be concerned for their children. Worrying about scrapes and bullies and broken bones are a part of what makes a good parent, but fears change with the time. Instead of being run over by a horse and buggy, parents worry about children 's self-esteem. While a generation of feminists becomes parents, they worry about the media their children consume, most especially their daughters becoming obsessed with princesses, and the frills of prink inhibiting girls from becoming empowered members of society. Both "Cinderella and Princess Culture" by Peggy Orenstein and "The Princess Paradox" by James Poniewozik discuss parents ' concern for daughters ' infatuation with princess culture and the implications of princess culture for modern feminism; Poniewozik focuses on the steps modern movies take to promote ideals of women being feminine and strong, while Orenstein discusses older

Orenstein argues that feminism entails women casting aside traditional feminine things and standing with strength and independence. Older Disney movies depict a girl whose problems are solved by their one wish, a handsome prince. Orenstein describes the worry a parent feels with such archaic ideals being instilled in their daughters at such a young age, citing research showing that such influences being detrimental to a girl 's mental health. Orenstein believes that although there is no definitive proof that princesses are harmful to girls, the helpless stereotype they promote can lead to lower self-confidence. Poniewozik, although describing a similar concern, casts aside these woes and applauds the new princess movies providing strong female characters that can get that man, too. He points to modern princess movies with strong characters, where the heroines are focused on their goals and aspirations, and happen to find love on the way. Poniewozik argues that feminism is standing with strength and independence, but if they want to, with a man by her side and dressed in a ball