Yes, I’m talking about Disney Princesses again.
Actually, I must have become desensitised to their presence in this house. Because, let’s face it, their invasion is almost complete. I see flashes of swirly skirts and tiaras everywhere: whether it be on bed linen, clocks, books, clothes, or backpacks. I am beginning to believe that lurid pink is a legitimate base for interior design and paint. I can’t help but smile when Keira puts on one of her crowns and dress-up dresses and prances all over the house. I used to be that girl, too. I can’t deny it any longer.
Take a look at this though:
“Where’s Ariel?”
Ariel from The Little Mermaid was indeed absent when she normally makes the fifth princess.
“Perhaps it’s an example of aquatic discrimination,” I said. “The purely land-based princesses are marginalising the mermaid for social reasons unknown to us.”
Keira looks at me blankly.
I tried again, without the sarcasm. “She was sick the day they took this photo”.
Keira looks satisfied with this answer. Then she comes out with,
“Jasmine rides a carpet.”
“Yes she does.”
“Cinderella dances.”
“Yes.”
“What does Sleeping Beauty do?”
Good question. “Uh – sleeps?”
Right. I mean, what else does she do when you think about it? Prick her finger, I guess.
“What does Belle do?”
Another good question. “She looks after the Beast.”
Get out of there Belle!! Don’t sell yourself to domestic slavery to a Beast and a couple of talking candlesticks! You’re better off back with your dad, at least it’s honest work!**
Have I said lately why I love living with a near preschooler? She’s getting sharp. I like how she’s somehow figured out that us adults have primary occupations of our time, like “work” or something to “do” in her words. And I like how she doesn’t know gender distinctions or stereotypes that may bog down her imagination. I shall have to come up with some pretty creative answers if I’m to keep that alive, don’t you think? Because if these Princesses ever stepped out of cartoon land into the real world, they’d need a darn good resume writer to pad out their credentials.
**Note I haven’t watched Beauty and the Beast for over fifteen years. I assume the elderly gent was her father?