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Sometime in my lifetime, I noticed a rising trend of parents calling their daughter "princess". Not as part of pretend play or a birthday party theme---which are completely fine---but 24/7 on an ongoing basis. Both in real life and on TV shows. The room decor is often the most benign example. I've even heard parents call their daughter "princess" in casual conversation with other people.
I get that the parents genuinely believe their daughter is special and want to make her feel special. Hence, calling her "princess". But I can't help but think that there's gotta be a better way. Maybe it's just me, but when that word is used to describe a regular kid (outside of pretend play), it smacks of overindulgence, self-entitlement, and unearned fame. At the same time, it's kind of confusing. On one hand, the daughter is called a "princess"; on the other hand, being a kid, she doesn't have much control over her life and has to do many things herself (and rightfully so). Still, with early bedtimes, "yucky" meals , and tedious chores, where does the "princess" part fit in? It also raises a question. Actual princesses don't live alone; if the daughter is a princess, then who are the parents? King and queen, or servants?
It's also interesting that there is no corresponding "prince" term for boys. (Although most probably wouldn't enjoy it to begin with.) It's very much a gendered trend, although I occasionally heard little boys being called "soldier" or "knight", which implies duty as well as royalty, thus being more balanced. But let's put this part on the back burner until later downthread.
The "princess" trend was cleverly satirized in a "Rugrats" episode: Princess Angelica | Rugrats Wiki | FANDOM powered by Wikia. Angelica starts thinking she's a real princess. The babies help her find out for sure, so she can go live in castle. At the end, <highlight with mouse>she learns she's a regular kid, realizes there's nothing wrong with being one, and does't want to be called "princess" anymore.</highlight> I used to watch "Rugrats" for the animation and the humor---and still watch it occasionally on YouTube---and it's amazing how many adult culture elements it spoofs, which kids don't realize until they're "all growed [sic] up".
Last edited by MillennialUrbanist; 07-22-2018 at 09:55 AM..
Sometime in my lifetime, I noticed a rising trend of parents calling their daughter "princess". Not as part of pretend play or a birthday party theme---which are completely fine---but 24/7 on an ongoing basis. Both in real life and on TV shows. The room decor is often the most benign example. I've even heard parents call their daughter "princess" in casual conversation with other people.
I get that the parents genuinely believe their daughter is special and want to make her feel special. Hence, calling her "princess". But I can't help but think that there's gotta be a better way. Maybe it's just me, but when that word is used to describe a regular kid (outside of pretend play), it smacks of overindulgence, self-entitlement, and unearned fame. At the same time, it's kind of confusing. On one hand, the daughter is called a "princess"; on the other hand, being a kid, she doesn't have much control over her life and has to do many things herself (and rightfully so). Still, with early bedtimes, "yucky" meals , and tedious chores, where does the "princess" part fit in? It also raises a question. Actual princesses don't live alone; if the daughter is a princess, then who are the parents? King and queen, or servants?
It's also interesting that there is no corresponding "prince" term for boys. It's very much a gendered trend, although I occasionally heard little boys being called "soldier" or "knight", which implies duty as well as royalty, thus being more balanced. But let's put this part on the back burner until later downthread.
The "princess" trend was cleverly satirized in a "Rugrats" episode: Princess Angelica | Rugrats Wiki | FANDOM powered by Wikia. Angelica starts thinking she's a real princess. The babies help her find out for sure, so she can go live in castle. At the end, <highlight with mouse>she learns she's a regular kid, realizes there's nothing wrong with being one, and does't want to be called "princess" anymore.</highlight> I used to watch "Rugrats" for the animation and the humor---and still watch it occasionally on YouTube---and it's amazing how many adult culture elements it spoofs, which kids don't realize until they're "all growed [sic] up".
I thought you avoided anyone with a relationship, not to mention kids, like the plague?
Odd thing to get so analytical about for someone like you.
My parents never called me princess, and I've never referred to my three daughters as princesses. My older two were never into princess things, and neither is my youngest daughter. Scratch that, my preschooler likes Fiona in Shrek.
I shudder when my MIL calls her a princess. Usually my husband interjects with "If she wants to be" or "She can be whatever she wants. She wants to be a warrior [like Fiona] with a lightsaber." and of course my MIL is like "Warrior princess."
Then again, she was Wonder Woman, a princess, for Halloween last year. And Bonnie from Toy Story 3 the previous year. She wants to be a unicorn this year.
Not really a fan of the term but honeslty don’t hear it very often. I can actually only think of one person I know who used this term for his daughter.
I can say as a grown woman, if someone called me “Princess” I would take it as an insult.
Nor am I a fan of clothing and accessories emblazoned with "princess", "spoiled brat" or "diva".
How about "Juicy"?
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