My daughter couldn’t watch Ariel because she was afraid of the sea witch. She then had nightmares about her months later. But at least in those days she didn’t want to watch it, whereas now she has faced her fears, grown up a little, seen other more frightening cartoon baddies, and can stomach it.

It’s such a bad movie. I hate it. I hate the fact that when Daughter asks why Ariel had to become a human, I can’t say “because Prince Eric can’t have sex with a mermaid”, which, let’s face it, is the truth of the matter. I hate the fact that in a decent story, he would kiss her (we all know how the fairy tales go). He should get a lesson from Prince Charming, Sleeping Beauty’s prince, or Shrek. What is wrong with the man? He clearly isn’t worthy at all of her love. And then, she has to choose between her father and her prince. What kind of message is that for a small girl? And Ursula struck a deal with Ariel, which she won fair and square, but doesn’t get the happy ending – Ariel does. Where’s the justice in that?

I really loathe that movie. And what I loathe most, is the way that so many moms think it’s so cute and lovely, and encourage their daughters to watch it. Oh, and I loathe the remake of “Kiss the girl” by whoever it is, Hannah Montana or someone. So when preschoolers sing the song, they probably have that version in mind, all suggestive and sexy, rather than the cartoon version with Eric and Ariel in a rowing boat. Which brings us back round to your theme of the inappropriateness of lots of small girl marketing.

I hope you’re happy to have found a fellow anti-Ariel blogger. We could start a support group.

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