Yes, on the perspective. Although, it’s hard to get perspective when not only is the brand on literally everything imaginable (including potties, as you show!), so you have Disney “stuff” and watch Disney films, and play on Disney websites, but it’s a way of life — Disney birthday parties, Disney vacations, Disney FOOD (or at least foodish things — Princess fruit gummy snacks???). It’s insane. Can you imagine if we not only owned Nike shoes, but watched Nike movies, ate Nike cereal, drove Nike cars, dressed up as Nike sneakers for Halloween, and vacationed in exclusive Nike “Just Do It” resorts?

1. When I was employed outside the home I was sent to Disney World to see if we could hold an event there. I took my daughter (seven at that time) along. Meeting with Disney officials who were trying to sell us Disney was, to say the least, an interesting experience. But that’s another story. At one point, however, one of the sales guys stooped down to my daughter and asked “Which is your favorite Disney Princess?” Assuming that everyone knew the princesses and would obviously have a preference for one. My girl didn’t. She looked at me, sort of panicked, wanting to answer this adult’s question but now knowing how to do it honestly. I finally said, “She doesn’t know who they are.” I’m sure they don’t get that answer very often.

2. My husband taught a course that included the evolution of the Cinderella story. Since then we be sure to let the girls know the origins of what they see presented to them by Disney. The Cinderella story, like many fairy tales, is not as pretty as a Disney Princess. I hope those original stories will someday help my girls put things into perspective.

Great post. Thank you.