Week 11 Discussion Board

I think fairy tales are bad for children because they promote unrealistic gender roles, prioritize beauty over character, and discourage independence and self-confidence for young girls.” From early childhood, girls are read fairy tales about princesses who achieve vast riches simply because their beauty makes them special.” – “Experts Say Fairy Tales Not So Happy Ever After” by Liz Grauerholtz in Purdue News. This quote by Grauerholz sticks out to me because often in fairy tales, the plot would revolve around the main female character that ends up being successful because she was simply pretty. It can promote a narrow idea about gender roles and stereotypes on pretty privilege to children. Second quote,” Beautiful girls are never ignored; they may be oppressed at first by wicked figures, as the jealous Queen persecutes Snow-White, but ultimately they are chosen for reward.”- “Some Day My Prince Will Come” by Marcia Lieberman, suggests that traditional fairy tales often reinforce the stereotype that beauty guarantees attention, value, and a happy ending, no matter what challenges the protagonist faces. Although these stories may seem harmless, they have deeper meanings that can negatively affect children’s understanding of self-worth, fairness, and success in life.