“Sex and Violence in Fairy Tales” editorial by David Isaacs, Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health.
I found this article informative on how it explores traditional fairy tales that often contain certain elements of sexualand violent themes. Isaacs notes notes that nese narratives while seemingly innocent, can reflect fantasies related to sexuality , aggression, guilt and family dynamics. Stories highlighted included included ” Little Red Riding Hood” and “Bluebeard” have included descriptive child abuse and violece, predating modern awareness of these issues. Isaascs awareness and emphasive on the importance for the pediatricians amd caregivers is to recognize the significance that these underlying themes may influence childrens influence and their perceptions and emotional development.
Good and Bad beyond Belief: Teaching Gender Lessons through Fairy Tales and Feminist Theory” by Jerilyn Fisher and Ellen S. Silber
Fisher and and Silber analyze how classical fairy fairy tales like Cinderella, Snow White and Rapunzel convey gendered messages that reinforce patriarchal norms. They argue that these stories often depict young women in passive roles, awaiting to be rescued by male figures, while portraying female antaganoists. such as stephmothers and withces. as embodiments of evil. The author can influence children’s perceptions of gender roles and relationships. Even incoporating or advocating for feminist theory into the teaching of these theorys. The approach aims to foster critical thinking and promote discussions about gender, poer, and societal norms in educational settings.
I believe that Fairy Tales can convey a unrealistic ideal of what gender roles are and to be expected of. What feminism is and what heroicinism is. Over the centuries many times have change and womens right have change. Even princess books create a fantasy of one day a little girl finding her princess and growing up to be beautiful and being rescued. And in turn we have a counter coulture that encourgaes us to be independent strong cpable women. Fairy stales can be detrimental and also can be eduactional depending on the moral of the story.
One thought on “Week 11 Heather Hansen”
Hey Heather,
You make a great argument as to how fairy tales can be harmful for children. It does get frustrating when there have been many movements to advance awareness on women’s rights only to have these stories teach girls complacent behavior at a young age. It is rare to see the relatively new princesses who advocate for themselves, such as Moana and Meredith, be popularized like Snow White or Cinderella, where they waited to be “rescued by male figures,” as you put it. I was excited to see the new version of Snow White, where the narrative was changed to make Snow White realize she is the answer to her wish over who will save her. I was then disheartened to see how it tanked because people were unhappy to have the narrative changed. I even listened to an interview where a man expressed disapproval towards a society where we teach girls that they do not need men. It was obvious he missed the entire message of the movie. Thank you for your well-thought-out points of view. Your articles and arguments are strong!