Domesticating Dreams

The article "Domesticating Dreams" by Naomi Woods has given me a new perspective of Walt Disney's Cinderella. After analyzing his version, I am not quite fond of the story anymore. As a child, Cinderella was my favorite movie growing up. Reading Woods' article has given me insight of Disney's "ideal" woman in which I totally disagree with this standard. The portrayal of Cinderella as a domestic goddess just because she's cheerful as being a house wife disgusts me. I believe in the empowerment of women and I believe theres more to women than just cleaning and taking care of the household. Walt Disneys sends a message out to his audience that if you behave in such a manner as Cinderella. you will be rewarded i.e. your prince charming will come to your rescue. Another thing, why does the reward have to be a male figure? Just goes to show you how the partriarchal comes into effect in the story. I have a little sister who is 6 that is obsessed with Cinderella. She talks of going to a ball and always says "I wish i was taller so I can dance with the prince." It use to be funny to me because she really thinks shes Cinderella. I wish I could explain to her the true meaning behind the story but because of her age, I don't think she would quite understand.