DAMSELS IN DISTRESS: TIME TO BECOME A THING OF THE PAST

The Damsel in Distress trope is becoming increasingly problematic and outdated, encouraging young girls to become dependent on male protection. Perhaps what is most disturbing is the fact that a large proportion of female distress is perpetuated by men.

Recent statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggest that a third of women globally have experienced either physical or sexual (or both) violence in their lifetime. While men can be and are victims of domestic abuse, figures suggest that it is a male majority that perpetuates gender based violence. The continual rhetoric of women needing men to save and protect them within fairy tales, gives children the message that women are weak and even subservient to men. In a society rife with sexism and gender based violence this is incredibly harmful.

The stereotyping encouraged by ‘damsel in distress stories’ seems to maintain a patriarchal status quo. They reinforce the idea that women are ‘prizes’ to be won, rather than strong, independent beings. A survey conducted by the Fawcett society concluded that 45% of participants said they experienced gender stereotypes as children. 51% of participants said  stereotyping constrained their career choices. 

Fairy tales reek of misogyny and this can be as harmful to boys as well as girls. The princes can be considered as ‘benevolent misogynists’ on an egotistical quest for true love. They rescue their princess, taking her from imminent distress and danger to a life of  domestic servitude, all in the name of love. Boys grow up being led to believe they must be heroic and strong, with their wife meekly at their sides. It puts pressure on men to be the sole provider and reduces a girl's ambitions to simply be married. Research from the University of Virginia has shown that men tend to get jealous when their partners have more successful and fulfilling jobs. This jealousy tends to come from the need to be the sole breadwinner as shown in children's fairy tales. The ‘hero and damsel’ trope can actually contribute to aggression in men and violence. Fairy tales encourage boys to bottle up emotion as not to look weak (often it is only the villain or princess shown as emotional) which then encourages a toxic masculinity based around aggression and suppressed emotion. It is toxic masculinity and sexism which motivates gender based violence toward women. 

Perhaps it would be most beneficial to leave damsels in distress in the past, instead telling children stories of inspirational women. A tale of Boudicca leading a revolt against the Romans, or the story of Malala Yousafa, the youngest ever Nobel Laureate and advocate of girls education. It is far more beneficial to girls and boys to hear stories of role models rather than archaic stereotypes. 

The world's future heroines are strong, capable and definitely not waiting for a man to save them.