Stereotypes In Fairy Tales

Everyone has most likely heard a story that began with “once upon a time…” This catchphrase is commonly used to began folklore and fairytales. Fairytales have been around for centuries. Originally, they were oral stories meant to entertain. They are still entertaining us today through many different types of media (Zipes 3). However, some would argue that entertainment is not their only purpose. There is a great amount of research being done to prove the characters and events portrayed in these stories are means of teaching children social norms and correct behaviors. By looking with a critical eye it is easy to see the strict gender stereotypes presented in fairytales; the weak and beautiful damsel in distress, the ugly and powerful evil queen,

Fairytales are perhaps the leading entity in children’s literature. Fairytales commonly have simplistic plots with straight forward characters, making the stories easy for children to follow. They are common tools in teaching children to read. Their magical settings and interesting storylines offer an entertaining escape for children (Mallet 37). Many eighteenth and nineteenth century stories are considered classic readings for children. Now they have an increased popularity that can be to attributed to Disney. The classic tales such as Cinderella and Snow White are two examples of tales that have been remade and shown to kids again and again. These sorties are extremely common in the lives of children. Fairytales are told to kids while they are at an impressionable age, making them a powerful force in reflecting cultural norms and values. These stories about maidens transforming into princesses are aimed at young girls, Children adopt social cues from members of their gender, thus the female characters in fairytales are the models for little girls. Children learn their place in society by internalizing the messages they receive many sources including teachers, parents, and peers, but because of the heavy presence of fairytales in the lives of children they will undoubtedly learn from the image of women presented through