In an era where media has an unprecedented influence on us and our children, it’s not uncommon for film narratives to inadvertently become a vehicle for values that the average parent wouldn’t rush to endorse. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the nuances of materialism in princess movies, and how movie enthusiasts and parents can work to ensure that the narrative values they’re passing on are the ones they truly want to instill in the next generation.
Understanding Materialistic Princess Spoilers
From Cinderella’s iconic glass slipper to Ariel’s ‘gadgets and gizmos a-plenty,’ traditional princess stories often emphasize the attainment of material wealth or objects as a central theme. When children grow up with these movies, they can glean the message that acquiring stuff equates to happiness or success. This kind of narrative not only affects their perception of their self-worth but also influences their consumer behavior in the future.
The Impact on Children
The concern with materialistic princess storylines lies in its impact on children’s behavior and values. Research has shown that exposure to media that emphasizes materialism can lead to decreased well-being, and increased anxiety and depression in young people. While it’s not as simple as ‘watching a movie will make you materialistic,’ the seeds for these values can certainly be sown through passive consumption of media.
Examples from Popular Movies
Think about Pixar’s ‘Brave,’ where Princess Merida’s defiance of tradition seems to set her on a path to material gain. Materialism is subtly touched upon in this narrative as well, where the ‘freedom’ and ‘self-expression’ pushed forth might lead an impressionable mind to view consumption as a means to an end.
Strategies for Parents and Movie Enthusiasts
The key to mitigating the potential negative impact of materialism in children’s media is to be proactive and engaged in your kids’ viewing habits. Here are some effective strategies:
Prioritize Character Traits Over Material Possessions
Engage your children in post-movie discussions that shift the focus from the ‘what’ to the ‘why’ and ‘how.’ Ask them about the qualities they admire in their favorite characters. Are they kind, brave, intelligent, loyal? By foregrounding these aspects, you can off-set the emphasis on stuff, and help children recognize deeper themes in storytelling.
Encourage Critical Thinking While Watching
Rather than simply absorbing the story, encourage kids to think about the messages they’re receiving. Ask questions like, “Do you think Cinderella’s shoes are the only reason the prince liked her?” Prompt them to consider how the story would change if certain elements were different. This kind of critical analysis fosters a more discerning attitude towards media.
Limit Exposure to Consumer-Driven Content
It’s important to curate the media consumption of young children to include a balanced diet of narratives.
Engaging with Disney Fans
For those enthusiastic about Disney and other princess-themed media, there are ways to engage with the content and community while also influencing the narrative.
Fostering Discussions on Alternative Themes
Join online forums or groups where you can discuss the media you love. If a narrative seems to be pushing too much focus on materialism, bring it up in conversation.
Promoting Positive Values and Diversity in Storytelling
Support and share movies and stories that complement or offer counterbalances to the typical materialistic princess tale.
Conclusion
Media consumption is an active part of our lives, and has a corresponding impact on how we understand and engage with the world.
