The Royal Role

Meet Sophia the First, Disney's newest princess:

Like other Disney princesses, her gown is dazzling and every hair is in it's place, but unlike the others, she's just a kid. Sophia was created to target two to seven-year-olds and will appear in both a movie and a series of episodes. Disney's hopes? According to Nancy Kanter- Disney's general manager for the younger world- "[Kids will learn that] what makes a real princess is what’s inside, not what’s outside" ('For Disney, A a Younger Princess'). Kanter goes on to say that "what's inside" will include getting along with siblings and learning how to be kind. 

But my question is this: Why does this character have to be a princess? If what Kanter says is true, the amount of dresses you own and the position you hold in society should not decide whether or not you are a "princess." So why do such simple skills have to be taught by a royal figure?

America has idealized the royal role, which is sad because it's such an unattainable role. No matter how hard most American children try to follow what Sophia the First teaches, they probably won't be able to become a princess. Harsh, I know, but true. In my opinion, a normal young child can easily teach these ideals. If that were the case, children would have a goal capable of achieving. America even over-publicized and glamorized the Royal Wedding, which didn't even take place here. It is very likely that no royal wedding will ever be American.  

Something else Kanter said struck me: “If kids relate to what they watch — if they can put themselves in that world — that’s where real learning can start.” This statement is true, but how are these kids expected to put themselves in the world of a princess? By dreaming? The "real learning" starts when kids can be shown that getting along with your siblings and being kind are things that people just like them can do.