Are fairy tales bad for children?
Fabled stories before bed or watching animated adaptations like Cinderella growing up can be connected to the fact that fairytales are a commodity in a child’s life. However, many believe that fairytales can be harmful to children because they create a false reality, unrealistic expectations, and possibly gender stereotypes.
Most fairy tale movies have happy endings, unlike the direction of the original Brothers Grimm tales. Movies like Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and Sleeping Beauty were based on these German stories but were changed to have a joyful ending. Since Disney continues giving all their movies happy endings and resolutions, some people think it can set up the false narrative that everything has a good ending, which they say will prove to be bad for children.
“I think fairytales are great for children. The stories, not including the gruesome ones, can help a kid become more imaginative and creative. It can also make them view the world more positively,” said Deerfield Beach High School freshman Nina Vega.
Despite initial thought, fairytales can help a child develop in many ways. Fairytales open the door to a world of imagination for them to explore. Most fairy tales take place in various locations and cultures; this gives children a chance to view these places in a positive light.
“Not all fairytales are the best, especially some movie adaptations. Some of them make the villains uglier than the protagonists and it could damage the way a child thinks,” said DBHS sophomore Amanda Namor. “Also, some people may take fairytales as; women are weak and helpless, and men are heroes. It all depends on the fairytale, but some are better than others.”
A good chunk of famous fairytales includes princes and princesses, which follow the typical “damsel in distress” trope, classical and well-loved by many. However, modern society will sometimes paint this as a harmful stereotype. Since most of these stories follow this plot line, it can be taken as encouraging the idea that women are helpless and need men to save them. A good number of newly produced mythical movies focus on the opposite narrative of independence and individuality for this reason.
Fairytales are treasured by many who grew up with them. It is important to remember they are fiction, and children shouldn’t confuse it with reality. On a more positive note, these stories should be read to children to help them see the world in a good light and learn good lessons.
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