The Victim Trap

The Victim Trap

by, Diana B. Thompson

A Strong Princess Who Can Hold the Moon and the Earth

Little girls love princess pretend.  In most princess stories, the lead is a victim of her circumstance.  She is helpless until someone saves her.  That saving is fantastically dramatic and romantic.  Her beauty and worthy kindness are rewarded. 

Whether we realize it or not, this glorifies the role of victim.  A child could easily see an advantage to accepting this debilitating role.  It can provide the comfort of sympathy and encourage others to solve the problem.  You don’t have to be in a fairytale to play the victim.  A victim is an easy target on the playground, in the workplace and in a relationship.

Instead of finding her power through pushing through hardship, a child could imagine there is a power in weakness.  I believe this is potentially the most damaging influence of many princess stories.  You will recognize this in a child who is always looking to others to solve problems, to correct little injuries, We must help re-define the role of "Princess" as a girl who is independent, and self assured; a girl who is creative and strong.  CinderSilly.

Find out more at www.cindersilly.com

Original Art By:
Sydney Rachel Rutledge, age 6
Oil Pastel on Fine Tooth Sketch Paper