Unlearning the Myths That Bind Us Argument

Author, Linda Christensen, argues, “When we read children’s books, we aren’t just reading cute little stories, we are discovering the tools with which a young society is manipulated” (Christensen 176). By this, Christensen is arguing that these are not just innocent children’s fairytales but rather they are the tools in which kids learn the stereotypes of society. The stereotypes are that people of color are portrayed as servants or not represented; “the absence of female characters in many of the older cartoons. When women do appear, they look like Jessica Rabbit or Playboy centerfold” (130); and people of different races are portrayed as stupid. She says how young girls who aren’t white begin to feel like they are ugly or left out because they don’t have a black women playing the leading role.

The next thing that Christensen argues is that young girls have an unrealistic view of how they should look. They see these tiny princesses with their small waists and big hips with long gorgeous flowing hair and they being to feel that this is what beauty looks like. She says that girls feel like if they don’t look like this then they are ugly. Christensen says that young girls develop body issues early on based on these cartoons and genres that they are exposed to as kids. She says that as kids grow into teens and young adults, they become more concerned with what they are wearing compared to what their peers are wearing. “And soon, it feels awkward going to the mailbox without makeup”(137). (As a young adult, I personally disagree with this statement because I don’t wear makeup a lot and sometimes I don’t even wear it to work, but that is just me.)

Christensen’s main point is that children are brainwashed to believe certain stereotypes are true from a very early age. They grow up believing in these “dreams” because they are comfortable and they honestly, they don’t have the tools to make a difference- rather they don’t know how (137). Just look at SCWAAMP for example and apply it to these movies, and you'll see the stereotypes. Her argument reminds me of another book I read called Enchanted Hunters by MariaTatar during a previous class about the power of children’s books and how they can transport kids to another world beyond their own. These books are meant to enlighten and expand a child’s mind yet they seem to be hindering them according to Christensen.