I read in the news this weekend that with Disneyland’s reopening they have premiered a new ride featuring the story of Sleeping Beauty. According to Disney, the intent was to celebrate the ‘rich history’ of the story and ‘beautiful scenic work’ of the old Sleeping Beauty movie. Good for them. But wait! A San Francisco newspaper is having a conniption about the last scene – claiming that since Sleeping Beauty was unresponsive, Prince Charming’s kiss to save her from unending sleep was wrong since Sleeping Beauty didn’t consent. The argument is that kiss is a form of unwanted sexual advance that should not be portrayed.
Really.
Really?
Just for the record, I want to make my wishes known as an advance directive: If I am ever put under an endless sleep spell by a wicked witch queen, Karl (or any other well-meaning Prince Charming for that matter) who happens by and sees me lying there looking lovely in a beautiful gown, has my permission to kiss me (yes, on the lips!) in order to break the spell. I am not a snowflake. I have a good ability to think rationally and I WILL understand that said Prince’s efforts were done with an innocent, fairy tale desire to help, and I pledge that I will not immediately press charges, nor will I wait twenty years then go to the press claiming unwanted sexual advances.
Sheesh.
