Childhood Stories We Grew Up With That Perpetuate Stereotypes
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Childhood Stories We Grew Up With That Perpetuate Stereotypes

We can't live happily ever after in these conditions.

152
Childhood Stories We Grew Up With That Perpetuate Stereotypes
Pexels

Once upon a time, I was a child -- naïve to the harsh realities of the world and unaware that the books I read were teaching and perpetuating stereotypes during these formative years of my life.

Looking back, I am not overcome with nostalgia but with disgust.

Everything in this room is edible. Even I am edible. But that would be called cannibalism. It is looked down upon in most societies.” But what should really be looked down upon in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the depiction of the white male explorer as a savior, in this case, Willy Wonka, taking people, Oompa Loompas, away from their native lands to work for him in a factory. This white savior complex extends beyond just this story and has been integrated into academia. Such internalization of the white savior perpetuates notions of white supremacy.

As Goldilocks finally found the porridge and bed that was just right for her, I found out just how wrong this story is for children and any audience. Unbeknownst to me, I was learning about white privilege, racism, and gentrification. Long story short- Goldilocks, a young white female, broke into the home of three brown bears, destroyed their property, received no repercussions for her actions, and was still frightened by them. Clearly, there are underlying themes of racism and privilege in this tale.

In the world of fairytales -- Ariel is more than the little mermaid, she is a little problematic because she suggests that women need to change themselves to appease males. Cinderella needed Prince Charming to take her from rags to riches. Snow White, the fairest in all the land, is apparently only capable of cooking and cleaning. Rapunzel, the damsel in distress, needed a prince to rescue her. Obviously, these stories have misogynistic implications and devalue women.

Contributing to the misogyny and underlying racism of childhood stories, throughout my childhood, classic superheroes were Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Captain America, Thor, etc. So does being "super" mean being a white male? The lack of ethnic and female representation in these superhero stories takes a toll on children because they feel they can’t relate to these supposed role models and are left wondering if they are out of the norm.

Acknowledging that childhood stories which once brought us enjoyment have actually been perpetuating stereotypes all along is important to how we make and tell stories. Creating new stories that are more inclusive, diverse, and give children positive role models is the first step towards reaching happily ever after.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58970
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38066
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959569
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

195992
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments