Commentaries | Jun 01,2019
Oct 20 , 2024
By Eden Sahle
My 10-month-old daughter who has not been exposed to screens, has developed a keen interest in books and bedtime stories. Gifts from family members, both local and abroad, have filled her little bookshelf. However, as I began reading these tales to her, I found myself alarmed by the images and messages they conveyed.
Classic fairy tales are usually violent, while their adaptations promote troubling values like jealousy and revenge. What should be wholesome and entertaining stories end up instilling fear rather than delivering meaningful lessons.
I grew up reading fairy tales like Rapunzel, Snow White, and The Prideful Cat. The excitement of a bad situation turning good thanks to a heroic figure is still vivid in my memory. Yet, alongside the excitement, I also recall the terror and confusion these stories caused. Birds pecking out the eyes of Cinderella’s stepsisters or the malice of evil witches—these haunting images have stuck with me.
Now, as a mother, I find these narratives even more disturbing. Fairy tales revolve around a helpless girl trapped in frightening circumstances, waiting to be saved by a handsome prince. This recurring theme sends a damaging message to young girls that their purpose is to find a prince, live in a palace, and find happiness only through marriage, while enemies are punished.
Childhood psychologists warn that these stories can warp a child’s self-image, shaping unrealistic expectations of life. Research has found that children exposed to fairy tales may struggle with body image issues and develop skewed views of relationships. The emphasis on beauty and slimness, common in many tales, compounds the problem. Rarely do we see strong, smart princesses celebrated for anything beyond their looks or romantic pursuits.
The frightening imagery is another issue. Some parents I know note that their children suffer from nightmares after being exposed to these tales. Even my daughter is uneasy about some of the illustrations in books like Rapunzel and The Little Mermaid. As a result, I have set aside these stories in favour of children's spiritual books, which offer positive messages and uplifting visuals.
Moreover, fairy tales paint older women as evil stepmothers or witches, subtly instilling a fear of ageing and reinforcing negative stereotypes about elderly women. The lack of good parental figures only adds to the distorted view children may develop.
Yes, we live in a complex world, and children will eventually learn that life is filled with difficulties. However, exposing them to portrayals that suggest magical fixes—whether through fairy godmothers or enchanted frogs—offers the wrong lesson. Instead, children should be taught resilience and problem-solving in a way that is encouraging, not terrifying.
Educational content in children’s stories can spark their imagination without harmful side effects. Thoughtfully crafted tales can prepare children for the real world while nurturing their creativity. Stories filled with moral lessons about kindness, hard work, and perseverance can lay a strong foundation for how children pass through life. Even when a story depicts dark moments, it should accentuate solutions that teach patience and perseverance.
In today’s world, where children face so much uncertainty, the stories we share with them should inspire strength, empathy, and wisdom. Exposing them to life’s complexities through well-crafted narratives is essential, but it must be done with care, ensuring that their learning experience is rooted in hope and empowerment—not fear.
PUBLISHED ON
Oct 20,2024 [ VOL
25 , NO
1277]
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