I sign the usual petitions polar bears, wolves, pipelines, environmental things mostly and I am also passionate around women’s rights. My very public participation this year in V-Day and Vagina Monologues was outside my comfort zone.
I signed the petition last week put out by A Mighty Girl, to keep the Disney character Merida, from the movie Brave unprincesfied. To keep her from becoming a sexualized, made up, hair glossed, lips rouged, dress tightened, breasts more defined looking princess: more in line with all the other Disney princesses who have lost their innocence and some their
A Mighty Girl is a blog I read regularly. It has great information on books, characters, toys, music and clothing for young girls. It is in-line with what I value for my granddaughters.
My two-year old granddaughter Stella loves Merida and the movie Brave. My seven-year old granddaughter likes it as well but she is not easily influenced by television, movies etc. She doesn’t watch TV at home and all movies are family time with lots of discussion.
Stella’s second birthday last week had a “Brave” theme and Merida came to the party. There was fishing, archery, a bear, a castle and the boys had as much fun as the girls, after all it was a party for a two-year old. Her dad even dressed in a kilt!
I identified with Brave when I watched it. I loved her spunk as well as her faults. There were great teachable moments in the movie. It reminded me so much of the girl I once was. Tree climbing, bike riding, red hair flying in the wind tom boy. Fifty years later and thirty years of working in the prestige cosmetic industry I know a thing or two about marketing to women and selling you something that you don’t really need but that you hope will make you happy or change your life.
Girls (and boys) need good strong role models and parents as the primary educator are responsible for what their children learn. As a grandmother, and with my disposable income I know I can vote with my feet and refuse to buy those consumables that don’t empower my grandchildren to be smart, confident and courageous.
I think we might have won a battle, but maybe not the war.http://www.amightygirl.com/blog/?p=3443
If my granddaughter can always be this joyful, my work will be done!
Amazed With Mystery 