Cinderella Didn’t Live Happily Ever After
& Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules
Fairytales are some of the first stories we hear as children, and they have a profound effect on us. These beloved stories, however, have many hidden messages about marriage, agency, power, suffering, good versus evil, who breaks the rules, and who is punished. Author and researcher, Anne Beall, analyzed hundreds of fairy tales and her investigation revealed significant findings such as:
· Male characters take more initiative and are more powerful than female characters.
· Men marry royalty because they’re brave, whereas women them because they’re beautiful.
· Powerful male characters are good whereas powerful females are often evil.
· Male characters are often rewarded for breaking the rules, whereas females are harshly punished.
She also found many significant parallels in modern life. For example, several studies show that women are punished more than men for the exact same behaviors in the workplace.
Join us at Harold Washington College in room 102 on November 3rd at 11:00 am for a discussion about the first stories of our childhood and their impact on our culture and on us as individuals. The end conclusion is not whether fairy tales are good or bad, but rather what messages they deliver, even if unintentionally.
Anne E. Beall, PhD.
Anne E. Beall is an award-winning author whose books have been featured in People Magazine, Toronto Sun, Hers Magazine, and Ms. Career Girl. Her book, Cinderella Didn’t Live Happily Ever After won the Gold Award from Literary Titan. She has been interviewed by NBC, NPR, and WGN. Beall received her PhD in social psychology from Yale University and is the founder of the strategic market-research firm, Beall Research.
Location: Harold Washington College – 30 E. Lake St. Chicago, IL 60601, Room 102
