All fairy tales end with a happy ending. But it is not written anywhere that that “happily ever after” is necessarily with good health. A , published in the mocking Christmas issue of the scientific magazine The BMJ, has delved into the potential diseases faced by the iconic Disney princesses and has warned that the habits and behaviors of the protagonists of the most legendary stories can lead to serious health problems. Belle, for example, is in danger because of her closeness to the Beast. And Cinderella, always cleaning and exposed to large amounts of dust, is at high risk of developing occupational lung disease, they exemplify. The authors warn about these symbolic bad habits and call on the Disney factory to “consider interventions to overcome these health challenges.”
The most emblematic children’s stories have been around for some time because of the fear that they perpetuate some stereotypes that are harmful to the health of viewers, such as impossible beauty standards, which can undermine the self-esteem of girls who aspire to be like their favorite princesses. But now, in a new and ironic twist to the analysis of these fairy tales, three Dutch scientists also focus on the impact of these stories on their own protagonists, the princesses of the stories. “Disney princesses face serious problems in the real world. However, surprisingly, despite these risks, they seem to live happily ever after,” the scientists question.
In reality, says Michael Bui, a researcher at the University of Twente (Netherlands) and co-author of this lighthearted satire, the ultimate goal of his article is to give readers “a good laugh to end the year 2024,” although concerns of health that they analyze do have a basis in scientific literature. In fact, behind that sarcastic tone that permeates the entire story, the authors review some of the most frequent health problems on the street (loneliness, social isolation) and highlight how the socio-work and family context can contribute to developing diseases. But there is no final moral, Bui advises in an email response: “While the health concerns we discuss are based on scientific literature, our interpretations of the princesses arise from exaggerated satirical analyzes of the events depicted in their stories. , rather than truly dangerous behaviors. While some studies have formally investigated how portrayals of unrealistic relationships and beauty standards in Disney films can negatively impact girls’ self-esteem, our work is purely satirical and should not be construed as a criticism or study that raises concerns. “genuine statements about their influence on viewers.”
Getting into the subject of Snow White, for example, the researchers propose that, as a servant to her evil stepmother, “opportunities for social interaction are extremely limited,” which leads to very limited social interaction, with the potential risk of falling in an s. The authors recall that lack of social interaction is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, depression, anxiety and mortality from all causes. Luckily, she then finds the seven dwarfs, who can help her overcome the dangers of loneliness.
Something similar also happens to Jasmine, the protagonist of the story. Aladdin: Locked in the palace, where she can only interact with the royal staff, the guards and the princes who are going to claim her, Jasmine is also exposed to scientists warn: “Research shows that loneliness is associated with dementia, mental health (such as depression and anxiety) and immune system dysregulation.” The authors point out, on the other hand, that the pet of Aladdin’s lover, a tiger called Rajahalso “poses a risk of zoonotic infection” [transmitida por animales]not to mention the danger of “craniofacial and cervical spine injuries” because, although the animal seems domesticated, “its natural instincts could lead it to a dangerous and potentially fatal situation,” they warn.
Regarding Cinderella, who spends half the story exposed to dust during the cleaning tasks required of her by her stepmother, the authors believe that she is at risk of developing occupational lung disease and even lung cancer. It also doesn’t help, they add, that the fairy godmother spreads “massive amounts of magical glitter” to carry out her spells and turn her into a princess: those glitter powders, the researchers say, are “microplastics,” substances with the ability to penetrate the lung tissue and further contribute to the development of this damage in the lungs. “Instead of a prince, Cinderella needs constant respiratory therapy to live happily ever after,” the scientists joke.
From Pocahontas, the authors focus on the risks that come with her love of the most dizzying jumps. Researchers calculated the height of his iconic jump from the cliff and warned that, at that distance from the water, the risk of clavicular compressions and other trauma problems is high. “A repeated jump would show Pocahontas the monochromatic tones of her
Another potential health problem is the excessive sleeping of Aurora, the sleeping beauty. , scientists remember, is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, stroke, obesity and diabetes. Additionally, prolonged bed rest is linked to an increased risk of ulcers and muscle atrophy. The authors emphasize, however, that, although the prince soon breaks the spell of sleep with a kiss, this gesture also “breaks current social rules by not obtaining.”
Bella’s rage and Rapunzel’s alopecia
The protagonists of these stories are subjected to various forms of violence and scientists also delve into the weight on the health of the family and social pressure to which Mulan is subjected, forced to defend her honor with an arranged marriage. “Women who face honor-based violence may experience higher levels of poor mental health, such as anxiety about being forced to live a life they did not choose,” the researchers add.
Another princess analyzed in the article is Rapunzel, the protagonist with an infinite braid. The abuse that the witch Gothel makes of the young woman’s hair, using it as an elevator to climb to the tower where she is locked up, can cause damage to the hair follicles due to excessive and repetitive pulling and lead to traction alopecia, scientists say. .
Neither does Bella, protagonist of Beauty and the beastescapes the health risks of their way of life. To begin with, because he lives in a castle with a being with the head of a buffalo, the eyebrows of a gorilla, the fangs of a wild boar, the mane of a lion, the arms and bodies of a bear, and the legs and tail of a wolf. “The Beast is a chimera, an entity composed of cells from different organisms. Close contact with the Beast exposes Belle to many life-threatening infectious diseases, such as brucellosis. [una infección bacteriana que se suele adquirir al comer lácteos crudos, sin pasteurizar] or rage,” comment the authors. But if he had chosen the Beast’s rival, the narcissistic Gaston, it would probably have had a much more serious impact on his mental health, scientists admit. “Despite the obvious risks, the advice is: better the Beast you know,” they assume.
With this scenario of potential illnesses for fairy tale princesses, the authors of the article call on the film studio to tackle these dangers as soon as possible. And, always with the same sarcasm that accompanies the entire article, they propose ideas: “Strategies to improve the well-being of princesses could include mindfulness and psychotherapy, training in living with animals and personal protection measures against infectious agents.” and toxic particles. Only then can Disney princesses begin to live healthy forever.”
