I love fairy tales. From a young age I have devoured books of fairy tales. I still read a lot of modern retellings and adaptations of them. That said, I am no fan of Disney's versions. Even as a young girl, I was just not a Disney fan. The big boobed, soft voiced, sweet and kind female character is always the same. They are not real women. They also tend to be the only women in the film, besides evil and ugly women villains. I could go on, but I won't.
Now as a mother, I have a daughter who adores all things Ariel. Disney's version of The Little Mermaid became a part of our lives from the moment my purple loving daughter saw her first picture of a mermaid dressed in sparkly purple. I don't make an huge issue about it.
The blatant sexuality and commercialism of Ariel, and all Disney princesses, makes me very uncomfortable. Is she a movie character for young girls or creepy middle aged men? I read in a book once where they compared her arched back poses in Disney's movie to Victoria's Secret adds. You have to admit, it is the identical pose. The plot of the actual fairy tale is not very empowering to women either. The Little Mermaid actually gives her voice and life away to try to make a man love her.
So, we are driving a few days ago and my kids are listening to a CD of fairy tales. This version of The Little Mermaid is relatively mild but the heroine does die at the end of the story because the prince marries someone else. As we were listening Sophie says, "I think Ariel is dumb." I didn't think I'd heard her right and I asked her what she meant. She said, "Ariel made the wrong choice." You have to remember, Sophie is only 4 so I again asked what she meant. She explained, "Ariel gave away her voice. I think Prince Eric would like her just the way she is."
I told Sophie that I agreed with her and let her finish listening to the story. Inside I was turning cartwheels of joy. I just pray she can keep doing at 14 what she has begun at 4.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Fall Beach
I haven't posted for almost a month! Wow, I really have been swamped/lazy/watching Dancing with the Stars. One of the fun things about fall here in North Carolina is that it gets cool very slowly. We actually went to the beach last weekend! We went last year at this time and it was in the 80's. This time mid 70's and rainy some days, but still a blast.
For the first time I have traveled with all my kiddos and actually had more fun then work. Hallelujah!!!!!! (Imagine me singing this at the top of my lungs, arms outstretched.) This could have to do with me totally not wanting to go the day before. Our plan was to take our trailer and camp. When push came to shove and I had to actually begin packing food, clothing, bedding, toys, dishes, etc. for 6 people I called Jason at work and told him I just didn't want to go. So we used some Hilton points we had been saving and stayed in a posh hotel right on the beach. For 3 days I did not cook, wash a dish or sweep a floor. It was AMAZING!
Luke and Noah wouldn't look up at me, they were having too much fun!
Sophie hamming it up. She is such a character when she wants to be! Notice the crooked glasses. Keeping those frames adjusted is the bane of my existence! The employees at the glasses store greet Sophie by name when we go in every other day.
My kids slept decently in the hotel so no one was exhausted and we all had a great time. The Atlantic is so much warmer then the Pacific ocean. Even with temps in the 70's and a little rain, it was fine to play at the beach. We didn't swim as much as usual, but still had tons of fun.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I completely miss Utah in the fall. I love watching the mountain leaves turn. I love the way the air smells and feels. I love the crisp mornings. I love the snow and how it makes the mountains look. Being able to drive a few hours to the beach in October is nice, but mountains are still in my blood and I miss them.
This is Jason's firetruck, Dessa kept it all these years. It is super fun to see my kids play with it.
For the first time I have traveled with all my kiddos and actually had more fun then work. Hallelujah!!!!!! (Imagine me singing this at the top of my lungs, arms outstretched.) This could have to do with me totally not wanting to go the day before. Our plan was to take our trailer and camp. When push came to shove and I had to actually begin packing food, clothing, bedding, toys, dishes, etc. for 6 people I called Jason at work and told him I just didn't want to go. So we used some Hilton points we had been saving and stayed in a posh hotel right on the beach. For 3 days I did not cook, wash a dish or sweep a floor. It was AMAZING!
Sweet Gracie (Monster Grace sometime rears her head, but not often any more.) Jason and Noah are in the background.
My kids slept decently in the hotel so no one was exhausted and we all had a great time. The Atlantic is so much warmer then the Pacific ocean. Even with temps in the 70's and a little rain, it was fine to play at the beach. We didn't swim as much as usual, but still had tons of fun.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I completely miss Utah in the fall. I love watching the mountain leaves turn. I love the way the air smells and feels. I love the crisp mornings. I love the snow and how it makes the mountains look. Being able to drive a few hours to the beach in October is nice, but mountains are still in my blood and I miss them.
Sam came to visit!
This is Jason's firetruck, Dessa kept it all these years. It is super fun to see my kids play with it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)