Response to "What's Wrong With Cinderella?"

I enjoyed reading Orenstein's article because it reminded me a lot of the mindset I had as a child and still mostly have today. It might not be as bad as the author's because I definitely don't recall going off on a dentist for a Disney or princess comment. However, I completely understand her dislike for the typical pink tiara culture that seems to be forced upon little girls.
Growing up, I hated pink. I didn't see the point in playing with dolls let alone pretend to be one which is what happens when you pretend to be a princess. At the end of the article, Orenstein admits that even though some girls relish their time in the princess phase, most of them tend to grow out of it with goals of an actual profession that doesn't involve twirling. She fails to recognize that while the majority of girls gladly embrace the princess culture, there is that minority group that recognizes the culture is being forced on them and so they refuse to accept it. That's where I was and still am. I didn't want girl toys, I wanted the cool ones like remote control race cars and a slingshot and a skateboard. I never got those though.
My parents were set on not buying me those because they were "boy toys". I never stopped asking for them though which I think proves that children have the ability to know what they want, even though they may not get it. I'm not mad at my parents though because rather than try to force "girl toys" and the "princess theme" upon me, they let me do my own thing. Orenstein is worried about how her daughter will act as she gets older if she believes in the princess idea the market sells so well. I think she should be more worried about what she teaches her daughter at home. Parents have a great influence on their kids, they may think they're in a losing battle with mass media, but really it's the way they raise their children that helps children filter what they see. I think Orenstein should have a little more faith in the girls of today's generation, as well as see that it's not their fault they're exposed to that.