Cinderella Princess Culture Analysis

Research Based Analysis Cinderella-like tales has become a staple of the Disney movie lineup. That may explain the overwhelming popularity of these themes. The influences of these innocuous movies has a profound effect on people. Yet Disney admits there is very little marketing strategy behind their products. However, Feminist and author, Peggy Orenstein demonstrates that companies like Disney stereotype and market to little girls. The idea that a “Princess Culture” has corrupted the Cinderella fairytale is used by marketing to increase consumerism, regardless of its effects on girls. Conceivably, one reason for the increasing popularity of Cinderella-like tales comes from false expectations of the viewers. Jean Twenge Ph. D., a psychologist

Due to demand and popularity Disney and other large toy companies like Mattel, have begun marketing their popular female characters with a “Princess” moniker (Orenstein 327). Orenstein says “the genius of ‘Princess’ is that its meaning is so broadly constructed that it actually has no meaning” (328). Orenstein is referring to the ethnicity and royal lineage of Disney’s princess lineup. However, if the name “Cinderella” was used instead Orenstein would surely agree it has meaning. How then, if “Cinderella” is substituted for “Princess,” it now has meaning? Cullen indicates the audience for “Cinderella” is middleclass, urban and socializes (322). In today’s world it would be the little girl’s “American Dream” with the little pink house, white picket fence, perfect spouse and money in the bank. Although Orenstein says princess has no meaning she would surely agree that marketing everything from “Barbie dolls” to “home décor” in mall outlets, “in the suburbs,” is aimed at middleclass, urban girls, focusing on socializing (327). Marketing of these movies aims at a group of young girls whose families are, or are moving towards, middle-class. Additionally companies like Disney have already flooded the market with princess products ready to cash in on any consumers. It has meaning, to make a

The idea that wanting to be all that is “Princess” can lead to false expectations, equates to what Orenstein says is a “preoccupation with body and beauty” and what Twenge said will lead to narcissism and entitlement (327). Think of girls who suffer from anorexia in an effort to be what they see up on the billboards. However, it is always easier to find blame with outside sources like Disney than to focus within, although, there are extenuating circumstances to every example. If mom finds that her little girl needs the “Cinderella” accessories to fix low self-worth problems, then the problem probably stems from issues within her peer group or her home life. If this is so, how can a person decide which is a cause and which is an effect? Someone or something is creating the