Unless you live under a rock, you know that in the last week Kate Middleton made every little girl's fairy tale dream come true...she married Prince William. It is the first time in over 300 years a commoner married the heir to the British throne. The world watched as she gracefully stepped out of her car and into a life of royalty. She will live a life all little girls dream about. If I were being totally honest, I must admit I watched the wedding with interest.
I love a wedding. I enjoy the romance and the dress. I enjoy being swept away by two people starting a new life completely in love. I can't help but wonder from where this part of my personality comes. My parents are probably two of the least nosiest people I know. They could care less about the royals and wouldn't watch A Wedding Story on TLC if you paid them. I wondered just long enough before it caught my attention-my two year old mesmerized by her 57th viewing of Disney's Tangled. There she was, my little Rhu being indoctrinated by a seemingly harmless movie. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks!!! This is where it starts. All the fairy tale movies and stories we force down our children's throats.
I was particularly struck by the moment in the movie where Rapunzel saves Flynn. Sorry if you have not seen the movie and I spoiled the ending, but come on-it's Disney. What did you expect to happen? In this particular scene we, the audience, is led to believe that true love is enough to save Flynn from certain death. The true love Rapunzel has in her heart can overcome the stab through the heart Flynn just suffered. Come on really? A tear drop from your true love will make gaping hole through vital organs just magically heal...oh come on!!
But, that's not even the part that made my right eyebrow jump up in amazement. It was the part where Rapunzel realizes Flynn is saved and he says a suave line like, "Did I ever tell you I have a thing for brunettes?" Then they embraces in the hug/sit on his lap move followed by a romantic kiss. It was the exact moment I saw my two year old try to reenact that scene that I realized we have a problem. My poor baby only 26 months on this earth and she has been brainwashed to believe that's how life works. What are we setting her up for-a life time of unrealistic fanatical expectations?
Take Sleeping Beauty for example. What woman thinks it's a good life plan to move in with seven messy short men and be their maid? I've known some desperate single women, but is this really the best plan to trap a man?? Being a maid? And speaking of maids, do we really think Prince William would have married Kate Middleton if she was forced to clean up after Pippa on a regular basis like Cinderella?
What are we reading our children? The classics?? No wonder we are a society of dysfunctional individuals. We've been told since we were born that if we put on funny outfits like glass slippers or dresses made by mice and go dance around our Prince Charming will come. Yea...maybe to see us at the strip club, but definitely not to sweep us off our feet and bring us to live in a palace happily ever after.
Fairy tales and fantasy are what we pump our kids full of when they are young then look at them like they are crazy when they are in their mid-20's and still waiting for their Prince Charming. Maybe it's not such a bad thing to believe in the possibility of a dream. After all, without dreams, what do we have? Without fantasy, childhood is very boring. Some of the best times spent with my girls are when we are playing dress up and dreaming. So, congratulations Kate Middleton and all the girls who find their Prince Charmings. Someday I hope my girls will find themselves living happily ever after...just not too soon. I better not find them behind any couches kissing boys when they are in grade school!!
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