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In Celebration of Women's History Month: Will There be a Cinderella in the New Millennium?
"...I first considered the time frame in which most of us lived and the myth that personified the most dramatic change for women going into the millennium. Carl Jung said we must recognize the myths that are leaving and the new myths arriving. The 'millennium' was an obvious choice and because I was to speak to a women's group, the immediate thought that came to my mind of a myth change was Cinderella.
Who was Cinderella? She was a stepdaughter assigned to demeaning housework, creating and supporting the impression there is no honor or value in housework. She had a mean step-mother and step-sisters, fueling the notion that "step' in any of its relationships was unacceptable and degrading.
(We have to remember this was a prevalent myth when divorce was a condemnation of the woman, and I mean to emphasize "Woman".) Cinderella had a non-existent father. She met a wealthy prince at a lavish ball who married her because she fit his glass slipper.
When I selected my theme and title I was prepared to say Cinderella, like the old millennium, was a thing of the past. But in less than two months during which time I was making mental notes to dispel the outgoing myth, millions of TV viewers witnessed the reenactment of Cinderella. Television viewers witnessed the wealthy, prince (Rockwell) scan his multiple choices of beautiful maidens at the ball (a TV stage) for Cinderella (Darva) to fit his 'glass slipper' (his fantasy), reliving a fairy tale drama (Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire?) that I believed we had dismissed long ago. I feel betrayed. Where is Carl Jung when I need him?
And by the way, Dr. Jennifer James, a cultural anthropologist describes TV talk shows as "tribal councils" that have replaced the village guru. I hope you are intrigued with concepts of how women are dealing with changing myths. I am. But I cannot explain the dynamics with the insight of an anthropologist. If the Concept of Cinderella as a myth change intrigues you, I think you should schedule an anthropologist as a future speaker. As a graphic designer I wanted to illustrate the change I foresaw for women who, in the new millennium, would shed "dependent" myths. The recent reenactment of Cinderella notwithstanding, I believe women of the new millennium will pursue personal goals independently, to fulfill their own hopes, dreams, and destiny."