Disney Princess Dynamics

These past two classes have made me think a lot about what it really means to be a girl, specifically in America. During our first class, we broadened our view and looked into the underprivileged areas of our world. Listening to the horrible personal experiences of girls as young as 8 I immediately thought back to what I was doing at the age of 8. As one can imagine as a white girl in America I was not worried about my safety or home life. Rather, I was probably watching Disney princess movies, like most children. I bring this point up, to notice my privilege, a privilege that is handed to us as American citizens. Even though there are a lot of issues within our government and society, most people, including myself don't think about the privilege behind being a white woman. We addressed these issues that are pressing in our society in tonight's class. Where we analyzed Disney princess movies and the evolution of women throughout those movies. Diving into the issues and gender norms embedded in those movies, also made me reflect on my childhood. Was I impacted by those movies? Do you think movies can impact kids? If so, how much? Movies often seem far fetched and clearly nonrealistic, but for children, everything really does seem possible. With this mindset, children are very vulnerable so showing movies that degrade women could possibly impact them. I personally don't remember watching these movies as a child and I certainly don't think it impacted my childhood. However, I agree with the argument that it is not okay for kids to watch women fantasias over men as if they are all they need in life. These past two classes have made me wonder how my childhood and the society I grew up in shaped my life as a woman. Was I influenced by the Disney franchise? Did I actually believe in the message Disney princesses were providing? These are questions that I will never know the answer to, but it is interesting to reflect on how these external factors shaped my upbringing.