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Unhappily ever after

By Allison Hedley, a nursery nurse and degree student at the University of Sunderland Male and female roles have been ground into us since the day we were born, in the disguise of fairytales. But how innocent are these fairytales? We pass on the same stories from generation to generation, without attempting to analyse exactly what it is we are teaching our children.

Male and female roles have been ground into us since the day we were born, in the disguise of fairytales. But how innocent are these fairytales? We pass on the same stories from generation to generation, without attempting to analyse exactly what it is we are teaching our children.

The plain fact is, these fairytales are sexist. The mothers are always seen as evil witches, while the daughters are innocent, passive, beautiful and all-around 'good'.

Is it just coincidence that Prince Charming is always handsome, powerful, and 'good'? Why are the mothers looked upon so horribly? Why are the daughters looked upon as if they sold their brains for an evening gown? Why is it that Prince Charming always seems to 'fall in love' with these girls while they are asleep (Snow White, Sleeping Beauty)?

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