My daughter is of the age of princesses so asked to watch Cinderella this afternoon and promptly lost interest. A girl who flutters around her bedroom getting dressed by animals? Pfft. She likes her princesses kicking ass and taking names: Merida, Mulan, and yes, she prefers QUEEN Elsa because a queen is the leader and that’s what my girl wants to be.
My son, however, sat transfixed in his Spiderman costume watching the entire movie.
And because I’m also raising critical thinkers, my son and I always talk about what stories were about and what the lesson could be.
After watching Disney Cinderella, my son said, “That movie was about how it’s not fair to make one person do all the work in the house. It’s not fair. Other people should do some work too.”
BOOOOM! You’re WELCOME, society. Do you see the gift I give to you?!?
A few minutes later, he said, “Also, they talked a lot about dreams. People having wishes and dreams and having them come true.”
“What do you think Cinderella’s biggest wish or dream was?” I asked.
“Probably to not have to do all the cleaning anymore. She probably wanted to get away from her stepmother and have a better life.”
“And is marrying someone rich the only way to make that happen?”
“No way, ” he said. And we talked about hard work and problem-solving and not giving up when we really want something.
So. My work here is done.
…. for today, anyway.
Eda J Vor 