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  • Essay / Gender Stereotypes in Fairy Tales - 2170

    Rather than emphasizing the binary gender category system, Munsch transformed the "girly girl" princess into a superhero, bringing about a new order of gender. A new order of gender meaning, restructuring language and creating systematic change, solely to ensure equality. Middle and upper class white men are something we all strive to be, but for no other reason than as human beings constructing a hierarchy. When creating this hierarchy, a higher base was created, placing men within the position. Following the creation of social determinants, Amanda Diekman and Sarah Murnen propose “In addition to lessons about morality, friendship, and other important values, books teach children about gender roles” (373). Munsch subverts this "rule" and makes a joke about the prince because Ronald's personality thinks he is all that. Controversially, Princess Elizabeth turns against any femininity formulated using intelligence and wit, rather than beauty and wealth, unlike the usual gentle, loving and gentle princesses, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. Elizabeth exhibits masculine traits like courage, bravery, strength, and intelligence. She also carries her head high with her dirty clothes, messy hair, and sheer craziness. Princess Elizabeth is independent and does not need any help or assistance from a man. Ironically, Elizabeth also does not represent the traits of