Cinderella Ate My Daughter: By Peggy Orenstein

Extended Comments

I chose Kaela’s blog to be the center of my blog post.  I agree with all of her thoughts and opinions about this article.  Kaela stated “The author of Cinderella Ate My Daughter argues that gender specific toys like Barbie’s, American Dolls, Princesses, and domestic type toy teach young girls and boys the wrong views of the world”.   This is true; there are not many toys out in the retail industry that are not sexist or biased.  As Kaela stated and I agree with her, “These are fairytales we have and we can’t change it”.  Our society has accepted that “pink” is a girl’s color, girls can only dress like princesses, and boys are the only ones who should play with tools or cars.  If boys are not playing with masculine toys or items then they are torn of their masculinity and seen as feminine.  Another important statement Kaela makes is, “We shouldn’t take the imagination and fantasies away from children.  Watching and playing with these toys are okay as long as other options are available to your children”. 

I was obsessed with Disney movies as a child and I knew every song and most of the lines.  Sadly, that still holds true to this day.  As a child I hated Barbie dolls, I wanted no part of it.  I also disliked the color pink, blue has always been my favorite color and my old bedroom was painted that color.  Children see nothing of it because they do not see it in an adult’s point of view.  My cousin, who happens to be a guy, wanted a Barbie doll when he was a child and his parents said no, but they eventually they caved in.  I believe parents do not want to give their child certain toys because it will affect their sexuality.  If a child wants to dress up as a princess for Halloween or a teenage mutant ninja turtle, then let them regardless if they are a boy or girl.  I personally do not see a problem with it.  Honestly, what harm is going to come from it?  Kids have wild and vivid imaginations and they have different tastes.  We need to let children explore the world, including themselves to see what they truly adore and love.

I believe this article relates to Linda Christensen's article "Unlearning the Myths That Bind Us".  The media, toys, and society have a huge impact on children's lives.  "Our society's culture industry colonizes their minds and teaches them how to act, live, and dream" (126).  Boys should play with cars and girls should have pink items and wear makeup.  It teaches them how they should act in society. 

Here is a link that states: Are pink toys turning girls into passive princesses? 

I am not sure if anyone is familiar with the show “Toddlers and Tiaras”, but I found an interesting article online about The Five Biggest Controversies to Hit“Toddlers and Tiaras”.  I agree with what the article states as well.  
 

Comments/Questions:

How do you feel about the use of sexism through the toy industry?  Would you buy a child a toy that is not "ideal" for them based on their sexuality?  Were you allowed to watch Disney movies as a kid, why or why not?