In a satirical article on a British website called The Upper Lip, a presumably-fictional couple was attacked for forcing their young son into a Disney princess birthday party.
“He hated it,” the parents supposedly said, “but we feel better knowing we haven’t propagated heteronormative stereotypes.”
“Woke” Disney
This is not the first time that we have recently seen Disney Adults, Disney Fanatics, or the Walt Disney Company itself being satirized or mocked due to their “woke,” liberal, or progressive ideals.
Disney Fanatics were recently parodied for raising children on Disney movies about subverting authority and then acting surprised when their children rebelled, while the Walt Disney Company itself has been in a raging war of sorts with Florida’s controversial anti-woke governor, Governor Ron DeSantis.
The Walt Disney Company leader, CEO Bob Iger, was also recently satirized after he announced his plans for drastic Disney layoffs. Those layoff plans supposedly included most of Snow White the Disney princess’s seven dwarfs.
Where Does the Parody End?
In this satirical news story, “the parents, known for their progressive outlook and open-mindedness,” held a Disney princess birthday party for their 10-year-old son.
The unnamed parents’ decision “to celebrate his special day with a theme typically associated with young girls” might be from a satirical article, but it is reminiscent of an event that did recently happen on a Disney cruise when a young female guest asked for a Disney prince makeover instead of a Disney princess makeover in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique onboard the ship.
The Decline of Disney Princesses
According to this article, “while the parents’ intentions were rooted in inclusivity and celebrating their son’s interests, the choice of a Disney princess theme has ignited discussions about gender stereotypes and the societal pressure to conform to traditional norms.”
“Critics argue that the party may inadvertently reinforce gender expectations by categorizing certain themes as exclusively feminine or masculine,” the website added.
Disney princesses have certainly been facing some mixed reactions as of late, with classic Disney princesses like Cinderella or Aurora being lambasted by some Disney Adults (and stubbornly revered by others) while more modern Disney princesses begin taking over in the Disney Parks.
Would you hold a Disney princess party for your son if he wanted one? Would you hold one for him, even if he was not happy about your choice and wanted a more traditionally masculine celebration?
