So, about a week ago, I posted a comment and eventually the link to the article about Disney not making "princess" movies for awhile because boys thought they were "icky" and girls are thinking they are too cool for school at an earlier and earlier age.
I was honestly shocked at how many responses I got back from people blaming Disney for the downfall of girls and shame on Disney and la la la la. To me, that was as ignorant as the parents who sued McDonald's because their child became obese when he ate McDonald's food. Everyone knows I am a HUGE Disney advocate. Any place that promotes just plain 'ol being happy, is a good place in my book. I adore going but I never understood how much joy and pleasure it would bring me until I started going with my son. The excitement and true childhood euphoria he brings is unbelievable.
I guess it took me a little aback that everyone was so quick to jump on the "hate on Disney" bandwagon. I am a big supporter of the Confidence Coalition. An organization that helps young girls regain self-confidence that leaves them "vulnerable to eating disorders, relational aggression, peer pressure and more." Look around, ladies. Disney isn't the issue....society is the issue and our need for E! News, pop culture, scandalous movies, Victoria's Secret magazines, etc. only contributes to what WE are feeding these girls. We are the parents who are letting our daughters, nieces, friends' children, cousins, neighbors either fall into a sad state of self-loathing or the ones who are doing the bullying.
According to statistics,
74% of girls say they are under pressure to please everyone;
31% of girls ages 13-17 admit to starving themselves or refusing to eat as a strategy to lose weight;
40% of girls ages 11-17 say they do not play sports because they do not feel skilled or competent;
Roughly 1/3 of high school girls report being sexually active;
60% of teen girls say they compare their bodies to those of fashion models.
As I am about to become the mother of a girl, one who WILL be picked on and made fun of because she will be different from her classmates, I know what my job is as a parent. My job is to do everything in my power to empower my daughter. Empower her to think big, love herself and accept one another without feeling the need to put down other girls. I want her to honor the talents the Lord blessed her with without shame. I know I can't change the world. I know I can't make everything sunshine and roses for my daughter, but I can teach her to hold her head high when others around her sink to low levels. I can teach my son to respect everyone around him and always hold women with the utmost dignity.
