Bibbidy-Bobbidy-Lifetime-Insecurity

| Tue Jun. 30, 2009 1:31 PM PDT

On a recent trip to Disneyland, I came across a pink brochure for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, where little girls are transformed into princesses.

Now, I get the royal makeover thing—but must young girls be taught that specialness entails gobs of "shimmering makeup," fake hair pieces, body jewels, and nail polish?

And the taglines are pure insecurity-bait:

"Helllloooooo? If anyone isn't noticing, it's because you've blinded them with your looks!" (Side lesson: Valley Girl speak is totally awesome!)

And:

"With the colorful hair piece and Mickey shaped clips, you're bound to get noticed!"

Yes, girls, it's hard to feel loved. But with Disney's help, you too can get attention—and Prince Charming! Just don't forget the eyeliner.

 

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Nikki Gloudeman is a senior fellow at Mother Jones. For more of her stories, click here.

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Comments

The only thing worse...

...is the marketing copy for Disney-themed wedding gowns. http://www.disneybridal.com/ The dresses themselves aren't awful, it's the patronizing pitch that makes me gag.

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