As much as I love fantasy stories, I've never been a fan of classic fairy tales. "Oh, but they're too fancy to miss, Citra. Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, Snow White and the like..." you said. Yes, they're fancy indeed and to tell you the truth, being a mother to two girls kinds of let me having a soft spot for Disney Princesses
So, I grew up back in those days where Disney Princesses were yet to exist or weren't popular among the kids I was with. The television did air some classic fairy tales movies, in their truest form. Now that I have watched many of the newer and softer versions of it, I wonder if those tales were ever intended for children after all.
Take Snow White, for example. Ask the kids nowadays for the catch phrase and they'd say "mirror mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all." Ask people my age and what they remember is a hunter being sent to collect Snow White's liver. I don't know about you guys and as much as I believe that the world can be a very cruel place, I don't think this is the kind of scene you want to show your children. What kind of brute would do such thing? It's gruesome, it's disgusting and it reminds of me some kind of satanic cult horror movie.
Another example is Hansel and Gretel. You know, my 21st century point of view sees this as a story of abusive parents who were too irresponsible that they left their young children in the forest just like that. I don't believe they were parents, they were just monsters. Ah, let's not forget the wicked cannibalistic witch who loved to turn children into gingerbread. This is not a reading material for children. At all. How I am amazed that they used to read this kind of tale as bed time stories and I wonder if it gave the children nightmares. I bet it did!
Despite of my rant above, it doesn't mean that I hate classic fairy tales. I grew up with them and I was amazed by them. There is one tale that sticks to my mind until now, and whenever I think of it, it gives smile on my face.
The Emperor's New Clothes
I believe you are familiar with this stories as well. It is one of my favorite. That tale is clever, a bit silly and so funny it still cracks me up until today. Well, some humor never gets old, right? Is it suitable for children? Yes, I believe it is! At least it is not as gruesome as other tales. I'd still recommend it to whoever looking for funny and easy read.
What about you? Are you a fan of classic fairy tale? Did you grow up with it? What's you favorite classic fairy tale and why? Let's hear it!
