In countries all over the world there are fairy tales depicting women as less logical and intelligent than males. These tales not only reinforce negative stereotypes, but also represent them as absolute truths rather than as myths, teaching children that only specific behaviors are acceptable for their gender.
A classic example of this is Snow White. Descriptions of Snow White only discuss her beauty, never her intellect. Does she like to read? Is she good at math? Does she draw in her spare time? The answers to these questions are nowhere to be found because the focus is not on Snow White as a person, but on Snow White as an object. Furthermore, when Snow White eats the apple and is near death, she must rely on a man to save her. She is weak and reliant in her relationship with a man. In contrast, if we examine her foil, her wicked stepmother, we finally see a strong, intelligent woman. Unfortunately, she is also clearly evil. So by watching these movies and hearing these tales, the idea that “good” women are dumb and male reliant and “bad” women are intelligent and self-reliant is being reinforced in children’s minds.
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