http://chickspeak.com/blog/2010/03/30/childrens-books-with-a-healthy-dose-of-chick-power/Children’s Books with a Healthy Dose of Chick Power
March 30, 2010 by Jasmin Charters
Do you remember when you were six and you cared for nothing else in the world but running through the sprinkler for hours, and then finishing it off with a lime popsicle?
Back then boys were gross, your energy was at full-blast 24/7, and your hero could be anyone from your mom, to Sailor Moon, to that lady you saw on TV go up into space.
Of course, back then also meant that going to bed would never, ever, ever happen unless your parents read Angelina Ballerina to you four times in a row. That was the time when speaking French just like Madeline, and dressing up just like Miss Piggy were your only concerns in life. Those were the days.
As we get older, we start reading the classics. Mary Lennox, Anne Shirley, Elizabeth Bennett, Jo March, these girls had an incredible understanding of the time in which they lived, and a blatant disregard for what that time expected of them. They were individuals with minds of their own.
But these days, things have changed. In a time when Bella Swan’s unlikely dilemma takes center stage, and Hollywood starlet autobiographies make the New York Times bestseller list, it’s easy to see why we lose touch with those initial female role models we all aspired to be.
So let’s get back to basics, back to when Arthur was always on TV, and The Berenstain Bears were hugely popular. Today we’re focusing on the books that were headed by strong female protagonists, the little girls of storybook land who infused in us a little dose of girl power, and a keen sense of self. Were we aware that these were the kinds of girls that would help shape us into the women we are today?
Before you get lost in responsibility, commitments, relationships, papers, and deadlines again, take a deep breath and pick up your favorite children’s book from when you were a kid. Cindy Lou Who, Matilda and Princess Smartypantswant to remind you of something.
Check out this list of children’s book super-girls:
Princess Bubble, A Modern Day Fairy Tale for All Ages by Susan Johnston and Kimberly Web
The message in Princess Bubble is timeless, relevant, and true because she, our princess and our hero, reminds us that “we are special, ‘As Is! Prince or no prince.’” As authors Johnston and Web convey to their readers, “our value is not determined by our dress size, age, or marital status.
The book’s unique message of hope speaks to school-aged children claiming their own identity, to college graduates struggling for direction, and to divorcees mapping out an unexpected “plan B” for their future.” Princess Bubble reminds us that breaking convention, learning about different cultures, and about ourselves in the process, is a good thing. After all, you’re the author of your own happy ending, prince, or no prince.
Eloise by Kay Thompson
Eloise is a free spirit, something we should all aspire to be. After all, isn’t that what being a kid is all about? As Kay Thompson so brilliantly put it, “Henry James would want to study her. Queen Victoria would recognize her as an Equal. The New York Jets would want to have her on their side. Lewis Carroll would love her (once he got over the initial shock).” The girl has inner resources, and a mind of her own. She is curious, and loves to explore. She loves everything about life, and it’s admirable. As adults, we lose that side of ourselves and Eloise helps us find it again.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Sure Charlotte is a spider, but she’s the loveliest spider I have ever met. She’s compassionate, and non-judgmental, while Fern, who also helps save Wilbur from an untimely end, is a courageous young girl with a heart of gold. Charlotte’s Web is still read by children in schools all over North America, praised for its sensitively, intelligence and ability to inspire. Charlotte reminds us to be kindhearted, and considerate. When Wilbur judges Charlotte for the way she eats (by capturing and snaring flies), he becomes scared of her. Charlotte helps us to remember that we must try not to judge anyone by his or her appearance, or by what they do, or in Charlotte’s case, how they eat. First impressions are almost always wrong. Meanwhile, Fern reminds us to be a friend to all, including the pigs and spiders of the world.
The Paperbag Princess by Robert Munsch
The Paperbag Princess was born from a simple question conversationally asked by Munsch’s wife Ann: “How come you always have the prince save the princess? Why can’t the princess save the prince?” The rest, you might say, is history. So, the moral of this story is this: bite the bullet and take the bull by the horns. Do as the Paperbag Princess did and do what’s unexpected of you,because you’re a girl. I dare you!
Olivia by Ian Falconer
Olivia is a pig with an overabundance of energy, and like any little girl, she puts it to creative use. In each of Olivia’s books, she embarks on some kind of adventure, whether that’s taming lions, becoming an amateur detective, starting a band, or building a skyscraper out of sand. She’s always getting into mischief, and she does it in style. Olivia reminds us to do what makes us happy, even if it means trying on a few hats before we find what it is we’re looking for.
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
In an article by Tiina Meri, Pippi Longstocking is heralded as a “Swedish rebel and a feminist role model” for kids all around the world. Pippi is a strong, level-headed girl with a knack for story-telling and a penchant for swimming. She has faith in her own abilities, and is incredibly intelligent, despite the adults around her who beg to differ. Pippi is not concerned with how she looks, and dresses the way she likes.
And instead of giving into an advertisement asking “Do you suffer from freckles?”, Pippi scoffs the idea that she suffers from anything, and embraces her freckles proclaiming “I like them!” Pippi that reminds us to be who we are, no matter what anyone says, that sharing and respect are of the utmost importance, and that having fun is just as vital in life than playing by the rules.
Hey Chick’s, who would you add to the list?
For more information, check out the Amelia Bloomer Project for a bibliography of books for young readers with a feminist message.
Showing posts with label Disney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Disney. Show all posts
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
The Monday after I graduated from college I began a career as a flight attendant traveling the world and having a wonderful time. My college friends began to marry off and I made new friends who also married off. So, I made more friends who mostly married off as well. By this point, I had been in 17 weddings and maid of honor in six of those. I went to visit a friend and was playing Barbie with her daughter when I was informed by this 6 year old that Barbie could not be happy without a prince. I said, "Of course she could! I was happy! I loved my family and had seen the world." But, this little princess told be it could not be done and she had all the fairy tales to prove her case. All princesses only ended up happy when they found their prince!
On my flight home, I thought about this conversation and decided fairy tales must change! I was not anti-prince. Just anti-damsel in distress. I wanted girls to marry because they found the love of their life after they loved their life. Because I knew even a prince could not make a miserable person happy. True happiness comes from within and from helping others.
So, I wrote a book Princess Bubble and published it with a friend. We cashed in our savings and decided it was worth the expense to empower girls and remind them they are a princess with or without a prince. Word got out about our message and we appeared on The Today Show and CNN.
But right in the middle of spreading the meaning of "Happily Ever After" my world crashed and my father suddenly died. We were thick as thieves and I was holding back tears of pain while making TV appearances about how to be happy. I still believe my message but missed my sweet daddy.
Meanwhile, my mother told me she had someone to fix me up with. A State Senator,Bill Hamrick, who had been at Auburn the same time I was and who was also in his 40's and single. I did not think much about this but thought it was worth meeting him. Bill's mother was also working on Bill encouraging him to call me and he had even less interest in meeting someone his mother suggested. But, one night he had a dream and remembered a girl he had seen in college who smiled at him and he did not have the never to approach. The next day, Bill clicked on the link to my CNN appearance to see who this girl was his mother wanted him to meet and saw I was the girl from his dream the night before.
We met, fell in love and were married 6 months later. Our wedding day, I shed a few tears and looked up at the sky begging God for a sign from my daddy. Shortly after we said our vows a double rainbow appeared across the sky and I know it was God and my father smiling down on us!
First, I found happily ever after. Then I found a prince to share it with!
On my flight home, I thought about this conversation and decided fairy tales must change! I was not anti-prince. Just anti-damsel in distress. I wanted girls to marry because they found the love of their life after they loved their life. Because I knew even a prince could not make a miserable person happy. True happiness comes from within and from helping others.
So, I wrote a book Princess Bubble and published it with a friend. We cashed in our savings and decided it was worth the expense to empower girls and remind them they are a princess with or without a prince. Word got out about our message and we appeared on The Today Show and CNN.
But right in the middle of spreading the meaning of "Happily Ever After" my world crashed and my father suddenly died. We were thick as thieves and I was holding back tears of pain while making TV appearances about how to be happy. I still believe my message but missed my sweet daddy.
Meanwhile, my mother told me she had someone to fix me up with. A State Senator,Bill Hamrick, who had been at Auburn the same time I was and who was also in his 40's and single. I did not think much about this but thought it was worth meeting him. Bill's mother was also working on Bill encouraging him to call me and he had even less interest in meeting someone his mother suggested. But, one night he had a dream and remembered a girl he had seen in college who smiled at him and he did not have the never to approach. The next day, Bill clicked on the link to my CNN appearance to see who this girl was his mother wanted him to meet and saw I was the girl from his dream the night before.
We met, fell in love and were married 6 months later. Our wedding day, I shed a few tears and looked up at the sky begging God for a sign from my daddy. Shortly after we said our vows a double rainbow appeared across the sky and I know it was God and my father smiling down on us!
First, I found happily ever after. Then I found a prince to share it with!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Princess Bubble
As a mother of a six-year-old girl, I find myself in a constant battle (already!) with the “idealized” female. In fact, I think the indoctrination of young girls begins at birth, but it hits hardest between the ages of 3-7 when they are literally immersed in the “princess culture”. So, when I saw the book Princess Bubble by Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb, it was as if the clouds parted and shaft of light broke through.
Princess Bubble, according to the author’s website is a character who is “a well-employed, globe-trotting, good-friend, good-date, helpful-neighbor princess who is confused by the traditional fairy tale message that implies she must find her “prince” before she can live ‘happily ever after.’”
Can you say EUREKA?!
I had a chance to speak with Susan Johnston on the phone about her book and she told me her story. Recently engaged for the first time in her 40’s, Johnston has lived an exciting and fulfilling life as a single woman. She found herself becoming increasingly disappointed in the conversations she was having with young girls, who consistently told her that they wanted to be princesses–and that it was a requirement to find a prince to be happy.
Johnston talked to her friend Susan Webb (who has four young nieces) about the idea of creating a character that is both a princess and a multi-dimensional woman. The two developed the character of Princess Bubble who Johnston describes as “a better version of me.”
“She wants to help others and make a difference in the world. Being a princess is not just sitting on a throne and having a crown. Princess Diana is remembered more for helping than being waited on.”
Does this mean that Princess Bubble is a raging anti-man, anti-lipstick-wearing, cold-hearted bitch? Not at all. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be pretty and glamorous,” Johnston said. “And marriage is wonderful. But marriage can’t BE the dream. Marriage is a way to SHARE your dream with someone special.”
Young girls need to feel confident to explore new things; gain education and experience; travel and see the world. They need to be whole and complete themselves before they decide to commit to a lifelong relationship. Being a woman (and every woman is a princess) means asking questions like:
Do you feel like a victim? (Every other fairy tale princess is a victim of some sort.)
Are you waiting to be rescued?
Do you have to be rescued to have the fairy tale?
What makes you truly happy?
Retail therapy makes everyone happy for an instant. But what makes you happy long after
Princess Bubble also incorporates an element of faith, something overlooked in almost every princess story. While written from a Christian perspective, little girls from all religions can benefit from the example of this charming young woman who bases her choices on her beliefs, not on the desperate need to be loved and accepted.
Johnston and Webb financed the publishing of this book on their own because it contains a message that they really believe in. If you’d like to help a young girl discover more about womanhood than being rescued and looking pretty, buy her a copy of Princess Bubble and help support this wonderful creative endeavor.
Princess Bubble is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local retailers around the country.
http://bunnyglitter.com/?p=471
As a mother of a six-year-old girl, I find myself in a constant battle (already!) with the “idealized” female. In fact, I think the indoctrination of young girls begins at birth, but it hits hardest between the ages of 3-7 when they are literally immersed in the “princess culture”. So, when I saw the book Princess Bubble by Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb, it was as if the clouds parted and shaft of light broke through.
Princess Bubble, according to the author’s website is a character who is “a well-employed, globe-trotting, good-friend, good-date, helpful-neighbor princess who is confused by the traditional fairy tale message that implies she must find her “prince” before she can live ‘happily ever after.’”
Can you say EUREKA?!
I had a chance to speak with Susan Johnston on the phone about her book and she told me her story. Recently engaged for the first time in her 40’s, Johnston has lived an exciting and fulfilling life as a single woman. She found herself becoming increasingly disappointed in the conversations she was having with young girls, who consistently told her that they wanted to be princesses–and that it was a requirement to find a prince to be happy.
Johnston talked to her friend Susan Webb (who has four young nieces) about the idea of creating a character that is both a princess and a multi-dimensional woman. The two developed the character of Princess Bubble who Johnston describes as “a better version of me.”
“She wants to help others and make a difference in the world. Being a princess is not just sitting on a throne and having a crown. Princess Diana is remembered more for helping than being waited on.”
Does this mean that Princess Bubble is a raging anti-man, anti-lipstick-wearing, cold-hearted bitch? Not at all. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be pretty and glamorous,” Johnston said. “And marriage is wonderful. But marriage can’t BE the dream. Marriage is a way to SHARE your dream with someone special.”
Young girls need to feel confident to explore new things; gain education and experience; travel and see the world. They need to be whole and complete themselves before they decide to commit to a lifelong relationship. Being a woman (and every woman is a princess) means asking questions like:
Do you feel like a victim? (Every other fairy tale princess is a victim of some sort.)
Are you waiting to be rescued?
Do you have to be rescued to have the fairy tale?
What makes you truly happy?
Retail therapy makes everyone happy for an instant. But what makes you happy long after
Princess Bubble also incorporates an element of faith, something overlooked in almost every princess story. While written from a Christian perspective, little girls from all religions can benefit from the example of this charming young woman who bases her choices on her beliefs, not on the desperate need to be loved and accepted.
Johnston and Webb financed the publishing of this book on their own because it contains a message that they really believe in. If you’d like to help a young girl discover more about womanhood than being rescued and looking pretty, buy her a copy of Princess Bubble and help support this wonderful creative endeavor.
Princess Bubble is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local retailers around the country.
http://bunnyglitter.com/?p=471
Thursday, January 22, 2009
In Her Heels with Princess Bubble Author, Susan Johnston
http://www.shetakesontheworld.com/
We've all read them: Fairy tales that end with a princess finding Prince Charming and living *sigh* happily ever after. Or so we've been told. Move over damsel-in-distress; there's a new princess in town! Her name is Princess Bubble and she's an independent, intelligent, globe trotting princess that doesn't need Prince Charming to live her life. Creators Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb are changing the way girls think of happily ever after.
Susan, I love this book and I love what you ladies are doing. How did you meet each other?
Although Kim and I were both Delta flight attendants, we actually met through an old boyfriend. So, we joke and say that did not work out but I kept Kim.
What sparked the idea for Princess Bubble?
After being in 17 weddings and exhausted from hearing "Why aren't you married?" I was playing Barbie with a friend's daughter and was told that Barbie could not live "happily ever after" without a prince. I questioned this little princess, telling her I was single and happy and had traveled the world, had wonderful friends and family...And she informed me this was not possible for Barbie or any of the Disney princesses because it had been clearly documented -No Prince equals no chance of "happily ever after."
I thought about this and wondered what we were teaching our girls. Wasn't happiness to be shared and not made the responsibility of another human to fulfill? I wrote an email to friends with a rough draft of Princess Bubble asking what they thought. Isn't it time for a new fairy tale? Kim quickly responded, "Yes! Let's make it happen." So, we published Princess Bubble together. Tell us more about the Princess Bubble character? From an excerpt I read that she took a job with Royal Heir Line to travel. It sounds like Princess Bubble is based on your own lives. Is that a correct assumption?
Princess Bubble is a better version of us. She is educated, well traveled, wants to make a difference, owns her own castle and had also been a bridesmaid and is told in the story that she will wear the bridesmaid dress again.
Recently, my life took an unexpected turn I NEVER expected for myself and I met a prince. This relationship has made me even more passionate about the message of Princess Bubble because we both feel so strongly about being happy first and then as secure happy people you are able to encourage each other to fulfill their dreams and be a better person. Not expect the other person to be the dream.
Kim is very happy single and has a fabulous life traveling, dating and has mastered Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. We are both very close to our nieces and nephews.
What is your vision for Princess Bubble and your company?
We would love for Princess Bubble to travel the world and learn about languages, cultures and the education of travel. But, we self-published Princess Bubble and are not in the financial position to finance her travels just yet. But, that is our dream.
If there are any publishers or investors reading, take a look at Princess Bubble! What is the message you want to get across to women and girls?
Kim and I believe it is far better to be single and wish you were married than married and wish you were single. Our passion is for girls/women to recognize their value and worth. We believe true happiness comes from loving God, helping others and liking who you are already. There are so many girls compromising themselves, starving themselves and in abusive dating relationships-all seeking the attention of some guy. We want these girls to know they are a special princess and feel secure in their own skin. What is a day like in your heels? Kim still works for Delta and she tutors Spanish. She has her Masters in Romantic Languages. I left Delta in 2006 and took a job with a builder. I was recently laid off. So, I am looking for a job and we both are promoting Princess Bubble hoping to empower girls and reach people with this message we are so passionate about. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me today. Happily ever after!
http://www.shetakesontheworld.com/
We've all read them: Fairy tales that end with a princess finding Prince Charming and living *sigh* happily ever after. Or so we've been told. Move over damsel-in-distress; there's a new princess in town! Her name is Princess Bubble and she's an independent, intelligent, globe trotting princess that doesn't need Prince Charming to live her life. Creators Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb are changing the way girls think of happily ever after.
Susan, I love this book and I love what you ladies are doing. How did you meet each other?
Although Kim and I were both Delta flight attendants, we actually met through an old boyfriend. So, we joke and say that did not work out but I kept Kim.
What sparked the idea for Princess Bubble?
After being in 17 weddings and exhausted from hearing "Why aren't you married?" I was playing Barbie with a friend's daughter and was told that Barbie could not live "happily ever after" without a prince. I questioned this little princess, telling her I was single and happy and had traveled the world, had wonderful friends and family...And she informed me this was not possible for Barbie or any of the Disney princesses because it had been clearly documented -No Prince equals no chance of "happily ever after."
I thought about this and wondered what we were teaching our girls. Wasn't happiness to be shared and not made the responsibility of another human to fulfill? I wrote an email to friends with a rough draft of Princess Bubble asking what they thought. Isn't it time for a new fairy tale? Kim quickly responded, "Yes! Let's make it happen." So, we published Princess Bubble together. Tell us more about the Princess Bubble character? From an excerpt I read that she took a job with Royal Heir Line to travel. It sounds like Princess Bubble is based on your own lives. Is that a correct assumption?
Princess Bubble is a better version of us. She is educated, well traveled, wants to make a difference, owns her own castle and had also been a bridesmaid and is told in the story that she will wear the bridesmaid dress again.
Recently, my life took an unexpected turn I NEVER expected for myself and I met a prince. This relationship has made me even more passionate about the message of Princess Bubble because we both feel so strongly about being happy first and then as secure happy people you are able to encourage each other to fulfill their dreams and be a better person. Not expect the other person to be the dream.
Kim is very happy single and has a fabulous life traveling, dating and has mastered Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. We are both very close to our nieces and nephews.
What is your vision for Princess Bubble and your company?
We would love for Princess Bubble to travel the world and learn about languages, cultures and the education of travel. But, we self-published Princess Bubble and are not in the financial position to finance her travels just yet. But, that is our dream.
If there are any publishers or investors reading, take a look at Princess Bubble! What is the message you want to get across to women and girls?
Kim and I believe it is far better to be single and wish you were married than married and wish you were single. Our passion is for girls/women to recognize their value and worth. We believe true happiness comes from loving God, helping others and liking who you are already. There are so many girls compromising themselves, starving themselves and in abusive dating relationships-all seeking the attention of some guy. We want these girls to know they are a special princess and feel secure in their own skin. What is a day like in your heels? Kim still works for Delta and she tutors Spanish. She has her Masters in Romantic Languages. I left Delta in 2006 and took a job with a builder. I was recently laid off. So, I am looking for a job and we both are promoting Princess Bubble hoping to empower girls and reach people with this message we are so passionate about. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me today. Happily ever after!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
On the Second Day of Christmas: Pop the Princess Bubble
http://jeannesager.blogspot.com/2008/12/on-second-day-of-christmas-pop-princess.html
My mother refuses to buy my daughter anything that celebrates the Disney princesses. Tinkerbell gets a bye, but she's convinced the princesses are bringing down the strength of girls in the states. I'm not quite as anti-princess, I've got to admit. But I'm not crazy about anything that would make my daughter think she needs a guy to get ahead. So balancing the normal princess crazed pre-schooler desires with my ideals is anything but easy.
I've tried to lessen the blow with frequent readings of Princess Bubble, the kids book from Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb (with illustrations by Maria Tonelli) that follows the traditional fairy tale path . . . until it doesn't.
Princess Bubble goes to college, graduates, buys her own palace, even takes a job (albeit as a airlines stewardess, but come on guys, do you remember any of your fairy tale faves ever lifting her fanny?). When all her friends (princesses sparkle and the like) start marrying off and telling her it's time (what is it with all those smug marrieds?), she decideds she's just too darn happy being her.
If that's not the fairy tale ending you want for your daughters - making their own choices - what is? Thanks to Susan Johnston, it's one you can bring home this Christmas for your little princess!
She's offered up a copy of Princess Bubble, autographed to your child, as part of Inside Out's 13 Days of Giveaways! To enter, leave a comment with the reason you think your daughter/niece/granddaughter/whoever needs a copy. Get extra entries by grabbing my badge and/or blogging about this contest and all 13 Days of Giveaways (remember to leave the link in comments as well).
http://jeannesager.blogspot.com/2008/12/on-second-day-of-christmas-pop-princess.html
My mother refuses to buy my daughter anything that celebrates the Disney princesses. Tinkerbell gets a bye, but she's convinced the princesses are bringing down the strength of girls in the states. I'm not quite as anti-princess, I've got to admit. But I'm not crazy about anything that would make my daughter think she needs a guy to get ahead. So balancing the normal princess crazed pre-schooler desires with my ideals is anything but easy.
I've tried to lessen the blow with frequent readings of Princess Bubble, the kids book from Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb (with illustrations by Maria Tonelli) that follows the traditional fairy tale path . . . until it doesn't.
Princess Bubble goes to college, graduates, buys her own palace, even takes a job (albeit as a airlines stewardess, but come on guys, do you remember any of your fairy tale faves ever lifting her fanny?). When all her friends (princesses sparkle and the like) start marrying off and telling her it's time (what is it with all those smug marrieds?), she decideds she's just too darn happy being her.
If that's not the fairy tale ending you want for your daughters - making their own choices - what is? Thanks to Susan Johnston, it's one you can bring home this Christmas for your little princess!
She's offered up a copy of Princess Bubble, autographed to your child, as part of Inside Out's 13 Days of Giveaways! To enter, leave a comment with the reason you think your daughter/niece/granddaughter/whoever needs a copy. Get extra entries by grabbing my badge and/or blogging about this contest and all 13 Days of Giveaways (remember to leave the link in comments as well).
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
This funny video is cruder than Princess Bubble; but shares a similar message. Don't wait on a prince or expect a prince to bring "Happily Ever After" find it from within.
We at Princess Bubble are passionate about empowering and inspiring these targeted girls.
Happily Ever After!
www.PrincessBubble.com
We at Princess Bubble are passionate about empowering and inspiring these targeted girls.
Happily Ever After!
www.PrincessBubble.com
Friday, August 29, 2008
Princess Bubble Doesn’t Need Prince Charming to Live Happily Ever After
There’s a new fairy tale princess in town: Princess Bubble.
Before you roll your eyes, however, I should note that Princess Bubble is different from other princesses: she ain’t no damsel in distress, and she don’t need to be rescued.
Authors Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb have co-written a fairytale whose heroine teaches little girls they don’t need Prince Charming to live happily ever after. Like her creators, Princess Bubble is single, has a college degree and owns her own home. She works as a flight attendant, meeting friends as she travels all over the globe.
I haven’t read this fairy tale yet, but I have to say, if I were the parent of a little girl, this would be a must-have bedtime read. With so much of literature marketed to little girls focusing on the traditional princess archetype (I’m looking at YOU, Disney’s Princess Collection), with all the wicked stepmothers and witches from whom she must be rescued, Princess Bubble is a stand-out example to impressionable girls that happily ever after comes from being self-fulfilled and independent, not from a fairy godmother or handsome prince.
"We are not anti-prince. We are anti-damsel in distress," said Johnston in her interview with CNN. She references her own situation as a single woman as exemplary that, prince or no prince, as long as she is comfortable with herself and seeks to be a loving and kind person, a single princess can live happily ever after, after all.
There’s a new fairy tale princess in town: Princess Bubble.
Before you roll your eyes, however, I should note that Princess Bubble is different from other princesses: she ain’t no damsel in distress, and she don’t need to be rescued.
Authors Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb have co-written a fairytale whose heroine teaches little girls they don’t need Prince Charming to live happily ever after. Like her creators, Princess Bubble is single, has a college degree and owns her own home. She works as a flight attendant, meeting friends as she travels all over the globe.
I haven’t read this fairy tale yet, but I have to say, if I were the parent of a little girl, this would be a must-have bedtime read. With so much of literature marketed to little girls focusing on the traditional princess archetype (I’m looking at YOU, Disney’s Princess Collection), with all the wicked stepmothers and witches from whom she must be rescued, Princess Bubble is a stand-out example to impressionable girls that happily ever after comes from being self-fulfilled and independent, not from a fairy godmother or handsome prince.
"We are not anti-prince. We are anti-damsel in distress," said Johnston in her interview with CNN. She references her own situation as a single woman as exemplary that, prince or no prince, as long as she is comfortable with herself and seeks to be a loving and kind person, a single princess can live happily ever after, after all.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Cinderella, others arrested in Disneyland labor protest
Just for the record-Princess Bubble has never been arrested or involved in any trouble with the law. www.PrincessBubble.com
ANAHEIM, California (AP) -- Cinderella, Snow White, Tinkerbell and other fictional fixtures of modern-day childhood were handcuffed, frisked and loaded into police vans Thursday at the culmination of a labor protest that brought a touch of reality to the Happiest Place on Earth.
"Tinkerbell" and other Disney characters were handcuffed Thursday in a protest outside the gates of Disneyland.
The arrest of the 32 protesters, many of whom wore costumes representing famous Disney characters, came at the end of an hour-long march to Disneyland's gates from one of three Disney-owned hotels at the center of a labor dispute.
Those who were arrested sat in a circle on a busy intersection outside the park holding hands until they were placed in plastic handcuffs and led to two police vans while hundreds of hotel workers cheered and chanted.
The protesters were arrested on a misdemeanor count of failure to obey a police officer and two traffic infractions, said Sgt. Rick Martinez of the Anaheim police. They were cited and released, Sgt. Chris Schneider said.
Bewildered tourists in Disney T-shirts and caps, some pushing strollers, filed past the commotion and gawked at the costumed picketers getting hauled away. The protest shut down a major thoroughfare outside Disneyland and California Adventure for nearly an hour.
"It's changing my opinion of Disneyland," said tourist Amanda Kosato, who was visiting from north of Melbourne, Australia. "Taking away entitlements stinks."
The dispute involves about 2,300 maids, bell hops, cooks and dishwashers at three Disney-owned hotels: the Paradise Pier, the Grand Californian and the Disneyland Hotel.
The workers' contract expired in February and their union says Disney's latest proposal makes health care unaffordable for hundreds of employees and creates an unfair two-tier wage system. The union also says Disney wants to create a new category of part-time employees who would receive greatly reduced benefits.
"The other hotels around the area all have health care that is provided by the boss and have been able to get wage increases," said Ada Briceno, president of Unite Here Local 681, which represents the workers.
"At the other hotels in the same classification, for the same work, the workers get paid $2 to $3 an hour more."
Disney spokeswoman Lisa Haines said Disney and the union are in negotiations and nothing has been finalized. She said workers have protested 14 times but sat down to negotiate only 11 times in the past six months.
"Clearly we're disappointed that Unite Here Local 681 has spent more time protesting," she said. "Publicity stunts are not productive and are extremely disruptive to the resort district."
Before the arrests, the picketers marched and chanted outside Paradise Pier, holding signs that read, "Disney is unfaithful," and "Mickey, shame on you." They were joined by community activists and religious leaders from local churches.
Luz Vasquez, who works in the bakery at Disneyland Hotel, said she can't afford to lose many of her benefits. She said it's already hard to care for her three grandchildren and aging mother while earning $14.32 an hour.
"Disneyland is being unfair with us because we're fighting for our health care and they're trying to take it away," said Vasquez, 45. "They're trying to cut our hours and take away our seniority."
Co-worker Diane Dominguez, 50, said she was worried about losing health care because of the heavy labor involved in lifting mattresses, moving furniture and making dozens of beds a day. She also said rising prices and the cost of gas were eating into her salary of $11.11 an hour.
"The most important is health care. We need that and they want to take it away," she said.
At the heart of the issue is a free health care plan that has been provided to Disney hotel workers through a trust fund that Disney and other unionized hotels in the area pay into.
Briceno said that in exchange for the free medical plan, union members agreed in previous contracts to a lower wage for hotel workers in the first three years of their employment.
But Disney now wants to eliminate the free health plan for new hires and wants to create a new class of workers who put in less than 30 hours a week, said Briceno. Those part-time workers would receive no sick or vacation pay and not be given holidays, she said.
The company also wants to increase the number of hours full-time employees must work before qualifying for the health plan, she said.
"At the end of the day what it means is that workers are going to be priced out of health care," she said.
Haines said the majority of other employees at Disneyland pay for a share of their health plan, even though the resort shoulders about 75 percent of the overall cost. She said it's important to negotiate a contract that's fair to those other unions, too.
"We do remain hopeful that we can reach an agreement that's both fair and equitable, providing that union leadership is reasonable and realistic in its approach," Haines said.
Just for the record-Princess Bubble has never been arrested or involved in any trouble with the law. www.PrincessBubble.com
ANAHEIM, California (AP) -- Cinderella, Snow White, Tinkerbell and other fictional fixtures of modern-day childhood were handcuffed, frisked and loaded into police vans Thursday at the culmination of a labor protest that brought a touch of reality to the Happiest Place on Earth.
"Tinkerbell" and other Disney characters were handcuffed Thursday in a protest outside the gates of Disneyland.
The arrest of the 32 protesters, many of whom wore costumes representing famous Disney characters, came at the end of an hour-long march to Disneyland's gates from one of three Disney-owned hotels at the center of a labor dispute.
Those who were arrested sat in a circle on a busy intersection outside the park holding hands until they were placed in plastic handcuffs and led to two police vans while hundreds of hotel workers cheered and chanted.
The protesters were arrested on a misdemeanor count of failure to obey a police officer and two traffic infractions, said Sgt. Rick Martinez of the Anaheim police. They were cited and released, Sgt. Chris Schneider said.
Bewildered tourists in Disney T-shirts and caps, some pushing strollers, filed past the commotion and gawked at the costumed picketers getting hauled away. The protest shut down a major thoroughfare outside Disneyland and California Adventure for nearly an hour.
"It's changing my opinion of Disneyland," said tourist Amanda Kosato, who was visiting from north of Melbourne, Australia. "Taking away entitlements stinks."
The dispute involves about 2,300 maids, bell hops, cooks and dishwashers at three Disney-owned hotels: the Paradise Pier, the Grand Californian and the Disneyland Hotel.
The workers' contract expired in February and their union says Disney's latest proposal makes health care unaffordable for hundreds of employees and creates an unfair two-tier wage system. The union also says Disney wants to create a new category of part-time employees who would receive greatly reduced benefits.
"The other hotels around the area all have health care that is provided by the boss and have been able to get wage increases," said Ada Briceno, president of Unite Here Local 681, which represents the workers.
"At the other hotels in the same classification, for the same work, the workers get paid $2 to $3 an hour more."
Disney spokeswoman Lisa Haines said Disney and the union are in negotiations and nothing has been finalized. She said workers have protested 14 times but sat down to negotiate only 11 times in the past six months.
"Clearly we're disappointed that Unite Here Local 681 has spent more time protesting," she said. "Publicity stunts are not productive and are extremely disruptive to the resort district."
Before the arrests, the picketers marched and chanted outside Paradise Pier, holding signs that read, "Disney is unfaithful," and "Mickey, shame on you." They were joined by community activists and religious leaders from local churches.
Luz Vasquez, who works in the bakery at Disneyland Hotel, said she can't afford to lose many of her benefits. She said it's already hard to care for her three grandchildren and aging mother while earning $14.32 an hour.
"Disneyland is being unfair with us because we're fighting for our health care and they're trying to take it away," said Vasquez, 45. "They're trying to cut our hours and take away our seniority."
Co-worker Diane Dominguez, 50, said she was worried about losing health care because of the heavy labor involved in lifting mattresses, moving furniture and making dozens of beds a day. She also said rising prices and the cost of gas were eating into her salary of $11.11 an hour.
"The most important is health care. We need that and they want to take it away," she said.
At the heart of the issue is a free health care plan that has been provided to Disney hotel workers through a trust fund that Disney and other unionized hotels in the area pay into.
Briceno said that in exchange for the free medical plan, union members agreed in previous contracts to a lower wage for hotel workers in the first three years of their employment.
But Disney now wants to eliminate the free health plan for new hires and wants to create a new class of workers who put in less than 30 hours a week, said Briceno. Those part-time workers would receive no sick or vacation pay and not be given holidays, she said.
The company also wants to increase the number of hours full-time employees must work before qualifying for the health plan, she said.
"At the end of the day what it means is that workers are going to be priced out of health care," she said.
Haines said the majority of other employees at Disneyland pay for a share of their health plan, even though the resort shoulders about 75 percent of the overall cost. She said it's important to negotiate a contract that's fair to those other unions, too.
"We do remain hopeful that we can reach an agreement that's both fair and equitable, providing that union leadership is reasonable and realistic in its approach," Haines said.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
As I look for ways to promote our modern day fairy tale, Princess Bubble, I continued to see the term "Fractured Fairy Tale." I thought, "What exactly is a fractured fairy tale?" I found this definition online:
"Fractured fairy tales are traditional fairy tales, rearranged to create new plots with fundamentally different meanings or messages. Fractured fairy tales are closely related to fairy-tale parodies, but the two serve different purposes: parodies mock individual tales and the genre as a whole; fractured fairy tales, with a reforming intent, seek to impart updated social and moral messages."
I guess Princess Bubble is a fractured fairy tale. Bubble finds true happiness comes from loving God, helping others and liking who you are already. This princess mocks the old tales by re-reading the old tales to look for hints on where to find a prince. She could not relate to any of the old tales because she was not a victim. She was not trapped in a dungeon, she did not have a wicked step mother or wicked step sisters, and she did not even know any dwarfs!
Princess Bubble is also seeking to impart an updated social and moral message. Our girls do not need to hear that if they find a prince they will live happily ever after! Not only is this a lie; but it puts a tremendous amount of responsibility on our boys. No human can be everything to us. We must be happy first and then share our happiness with a spouse, friend, family....
The irony of this title "Fractured Fairy Tale" is that our new message is one of wholeness and confidence. The old messages are fractured in my opinion!
Happily Ever After!
www.PrincessBubble.com
"Fractured fairy tales are traditional fairy tales, rearranged to create new plots with fundamentally different meanings or messages. Fractured fairy tales are closely related to fairy-tale parodies, but the two serve different purposes: parodies mock individual tales and the genre as a whole; fractured fairy tales, with a reforming intent, seek to impart updated social and moral messages."
I guess Princess Bubble is a fractured fairy tale. Bubble finds true happiness comes from loving God, helping others and liking who you are already. This princess mocks the old tales by re-reading the old tales to look for hints on where to find a prince. She could not relate to any of the old tales because she was not a victim. She was not trapped in a dungeon, she did not have a wicked step mother or wicked step sisters, and she did not even know any dwarfs!
Princess Bubble is also seeking to impart an updated social and moral message. Our girls do not need to hear that if they find a prince they will live happily ever after! Not only is this a lie; but it puts a tremendous amount of responsibility on our boys. No human can be everything to us. We must be happy first and then share our happiness with a spouse, friend, family....
The irony of this title "Fractured Fairy Tale" is that our new message is one of wholeness and confidence. The old messages are fractured in my opinion!
Happily Ever After!
www.PrincessBubble.com
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