Disney Week (extented) Part IV-The Princess Paradox

If you're a regular visitor here @ Reign, you know that this blog was created as a gathering place for Mamas to share, discuss and dissect the issues that effect our pre-teen and teenage daughters. You also know that there are a few key things that get my normally comfy panties in a big ol' bunch. They include:


1. Sexually explicit/misogynistic songs playing on the radio at 4 the afternoon.


2. Frighteningly inappropriate television programs playing at 4 in the afternoon (i.e. anything that features Flava Flav in the shower with 2 naked women...dry heave)


3. Music videos, television shows and advertisements that portray women as unthinking objects for the enjoyment of men.

4. Toys that teach little girls that their power and confidence comes from how they look.

5. Advertising that makes girls and women feel like the way they look is not good enough, sexy enough or "hot" enough unless they have the right clothes, make-up, perfume, lotion, shoes, or shampoo.


So knowing those things about me, it should be no surprise that during my wonderful weekend at the 2nd Disney Mom Blogger Mixer, I was especially interested in their view of the princess aspect. C'mon...you know them; Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Ariel, Jasmine, Mulan and, in a pinch, Pocohantas. I don't have a personal problem with the princesses per say. Every girl deserves to feel like a princess at one time or another, I suppose. What I have an issue with is the scarcity of other types of female role models coming out of Disney.

And to be fair, it's not only princesses, recently there is also a crop of female pop stars (Hannah Montana, High School Musical, The Cheetah Girls, and Camp Rock) that have come out of Disney as well. So what's a girl to do if she is not the pretty princess/look-at-me pop star type? What about the girls who don't have a passion for fashion, or a desire to sing and dance? Aren't there more ways for girls to be empowered other than putting themselves on display or being royalty?

How about through outlets like science, technology, art, and sports? Funny thing is; these are disciplines that are actually quite prominent in the WDW parks. There are several attractions that are designed to get kids thinking while having a ball. So the thought is there, but again, it's not something that the company is pushing to the public. But why not? How cool would it be to have a Girl Power weekend at Disney World where the girls get to explore the earth, "swim" the oceans, and the learn about the vast expanse of space? Or imagine a game show where kids go on a scavenger hunt through the parks to find the answers to trivia questions and win big prizes?

Sigh... one day perhaps. And after an incredible weekend of chatting, brainstorming and hanging out with Disney PR and marketing cast members, I do feel like all of our concerns were heard. That's an incredibly important first step, and one that I'm so honored to have been a part of.

A huge thanks to all of the Disney cast members who made our weekend so special: Sarah (yes, that is her with golden "S" on her chest for "Super Woman"!), Laura (who knows absolutely everything there is to know about Disney!), also Michelle, Annette, Cybil, Maria, Angel, Diego and many others. I may not remember all of your names but I certainly remember the role you played in this incredible weekend. It is one I will never EVER forget!