It has been demonstrated by
psychologists and educators time and again that stories and fairy tales do
influence the manner in which children conceive the world and their places in
it even before they begin to read. (Zipes, p. xii)
Young girls growing up with fairy tales such as
Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, whether in older
classic versions or those created by Disney, form certain visions of how their
lives are going to, or should, be. The realities of being a woman in today's
society are seldom fairy tale quality, however, and in most instances can prove
to offer significant challenges.
Through the reading of fairy tales old and new, and through
rewriting fairy tales or writing our own, we can explore the messages we have
received and who is giving us these messages, and we can create new stories to
help us grow toward independence and a life based on our own, thoughtful
choices. |