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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Princess parties

1 reply

thewavesofthesea · 30/06/2017 22:11

So, last weekend I went to a birthday party with my son, who is 5 and in Reception. It was for a girl, and was a 'Princess and Pirates' party. There was a couple of very attractive young women there leading party and dressed as Disney princesses; one was Belle.

I was rather bemused by the American accent they put on (Belle doesn't even have one in the most recent film!) and with the encouragement of the girls to 'act like a princess' which entailed learning to curtsy, and swish their skirts to look pretty. They did a nice dance which 'the boys won't want to do'. When the kids got a little excited about the dancing, 'Belle' asked them to calm as it was supposed to be a 'nice dance'.

In fairness some of the girls liked it, including the birthday girl, and that was the main thing, but I just hated how the girls were encouraged to show just how pretty they were. AIBU to think this is casual sexism? (I think I am probably overthinking it really!!)

OP posts:
ethelfleda · 30/06/2017 22:14

I'm in agreement with you on this one TBH. Not letting boys join in the dancing and telling girls to be pretty and princess-y is a little bit sexist IMO. We just found out we are having a boy but we said if it was a girl then she can dress as a pirate or as Harry potter and kick a football around if she wants to (just as our son will learn to cook, and will play with dollies if he wants to!)
I think gender stereo typing at that age isn't a great idea to be honest.

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