Making folk tales & fairytales relevant
Still mulling over the question of how to keep folk tales & fairytales relevant. These stories remain the hands-down best tool for teachers and parents for transmitting positive ideas. They are time-tested and powerfully resonant. They often work better than contemporary stories, plant seeds deeply within, and last longer. Yet because many of these stories carry dubious vestiges of the past, modern-thinkers often set aside the entire genre. One example of a troubling vestige is the triumph of the main character who's a paragon of physical beauty. We're reluctant to parade the accomplishment of these heroes and heroines when so many youngsters don't happen to fit the physical ideal. And even if youngsters do, why should we as caregivers and teachers reinforce physicality as some sort of virtue in itself? Yet ironically - strangely, stubbornly - the triumph of an attractive main character resonates with youngsters of all physical shapes & forms. The presentation of evil stepmothers, a gruesomeness associated with any evil character, and intense "eye for an eye" justice, are other examples of common motifs that mainstream Americans have moved away from. How can we as caregivers and teachers address these concerns so we can avail ourselves of the benefits of folk tales and fairytales?
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