Princess Culture

In class, we came to the conclusion that princesses were known for beauty, submissiveness, and consumerism for the most part. These aspects are promoted through products, media, celebrity culture, the attitudes of parents or other outsiders, and the internet. The characteristics that are enforced from these things are that the “princess” is ultra-feminine, special, and in charge. There are negative and positive impacts of the way we see “princesses” and especially how young girls see them.

            Some of the negative things that were discussed in class were that it made young girls narcissistic, indulge in overspending, and have a sense of entitlement. I would argue and add to that that another negative impact could be that some young girls would feel that they could not measure up to that of a princess or were not worthy of the characteristics that we view in princesses. The way they are portrayed in media could be used as role-model material to increase self-esteem in young girls, but could also equally lower their self-esteem due to high expectations of achievement. A young girl might think “I could never be that” as opposed to “I am that girl!” Just something to think about. Some positive impacts we discussed were that it provides a strong sense of self, empowerment, a fight for justice, or a view of standing up for herself. I agree with these things for the most part, but I think they all could be left up to interpretation.