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Disney
Princesses
By: Ytsje
Vandermeer
English IV
Ms. Peil

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Dear Reader,
In this paper Disney princesses are going to be hit on the head with their
unrealistic perfection. I have found that even though I may not have been impacted
by their unattainable beauty, I have noticed that some young women are very
persuaded by Disney princesses. These unrealistic expectations completely made
me rethink my whole paper. As I started my paper, I found myself creating my own
fairytale, but after a couple days of research, I realized that I wanted to change the
ways young girls think. I want young girls to set their own attainable standards of
beauty. I want young girls to be confident in themselves.
Beauty and perfection are very different words. Beauty has to do with what a
mind is capable. Perfection is everybodys standard. Everybody seems to think
that a person has to be beautiful to be perfect. This is what causes problems. Have
you ever known anyone perfect? I have a feeling that you dont know anyone who is
perfect. Everyone has a flaw, and having a flaw is not the end of the world. Having
a flaw should only mean that you are special in your own kind of way.
Disney princesses have overpowered young girls minds into believing in a
perfect yet unattainable standard. So creating your own beauty standards should
be the first idea you ever get. In order to create your own beauty, you will need to
believe in yourself and your abilities. Once you are ready, you will know that no one
can stop you now. Let the perfection fall and let your own beauty shine as bright as
the sun. Stop letting others dictate what they know is perfect and create your own
ideas and beliefs.

With much enthusiasm,

Ytsje Vandermeer

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Do you ever feel left out?

Where you dont look right,
Or do/say the right things?
Do you ever think to yourself,
Why cant I be perfect?
Like the person to my right.
She seems to have her
Whole life planned out
While I sit here and
Think I want to be perfect too.
Then you start to realize
Why be perfect?
What is the point of perfection?
What if I were just to be myself?
Myself is really who I want to be.
Some people get caught up in the
Shadow of others,
But I want to be myself!
I dont want to be persuaded into
What other think put into myself
A flaw is not always something bad
Maybe the flaw you have should be flaunted
From now on I hope you find that perfection
Isnt attainable
And being beautiful
Is how you create it?
Because you are your own kind of beautiful.

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Perfection
Who do you consider perfect? What gives this person the ability of being perfect? What
are some features that this person shows? Why do we, as women, accept the fact that perfect is a
standard? Do we follow princesses because as a child we were dominated by the thoughts of
beauty? Why do we set standards that we find impossible to compete with? Why do we feel that
we have to blend in with the rest of society? Why fit in when you were born to stand out (37)?
These questions show up in my mind quite a bit since I have started writing this project, and I
want to answer them with my passions and thoughts in mind.
Whom do I consider perfect? I consider a lot of people perfect. Even people who are in
my high school class are perfect. But why do they hold this status? Is it their kindness or even
their lack of ugliness? I am not sure, but they do have the ability to be perfect. Their perfection
is highly similar to how they dress in my opinion. People who take their time to look nice every
day really do surprise me in a different way. They make me feel less of myself, but really what if
it was all for themselves? If I could look nice every day, effortlessly, then I would also wake up
and roll out of bed and put on nice looking clothes, but I am not that type of person. To be able
to live within yourself you have to think of your gorgeous standards.
Another question I ask myself is why do we accept the fact that perfect is a standard?
Can we ever achieve perfection? I declare perfection impossible. I find perfection impossible
because everybody has a different view of perfection. I think that if we left perfection in the
garbage we would find ourselves happier. I think the happier a person is, the happier his or her
life will be. Happiness is close to perfection in my mind. So why do we find perfection in
princesses?
As a child, princesses, were some of my favorite characters. I found that I was in love
with Ariel for sure, but I never found myself convinced I had to look like Ariel. I found myself
even thinking about Belle who continues to be kind and gentle towards him (Blattman). She
had a great heart and that is what I wanted to have. Sometimes girls just have to follow their
own senses of what is right and wrong. Depends on how the parent interprets and tells the
children and why parent thinks that way (Iadarola, Lich).
Why do we feel that we have to blend in with the rest of society? I refuse to leave my
dorm room unless Im wearing at least three layers of cosmetic product on my face (Allen). If
I were to wear three layers of makeup on my face, I would feel like society isnt doing me any
good. Who declares what society thinks is the best direction to follow? Do we turn to princesses
because they are in all sorts of news articles and magazines? I think if we put a more positive
princess association within society and transform the way everybody thinks, we will be able to
live a fuller life.

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Society has tended to rule in our lives since we were kids. We turned to Disney
princesses and watched and followed exactly what they did. We then started growing up and
watched famous icons in magazines and news articles, and we followed what they did. As our
lives progress, we tend to follow further into the hype of perfection, even though we dont know
what perfection exactly means. In order to turn our lives around to see the perfection in every
single human being, we need to find a peace within ourselves. Finding peace within ourselves
will only make a happier and brighter future for each individual in this world. So follow your
own set of standards and live them to the fullest.

Pretty Princesses dressed in pink. Wait, is that blue?

Disney princesses have changed over the course of time, and they have also changed the
way young girls act today. In the movie Brave, Merida says, I am Merida. And Ill be shootin
for my own hand (Stephens)! In this case Merida is standing up for herself. When she stands
for herself, Merida is showing young girls that not every girl needs a guy to be happy, and not
every girl needs a pink dress with a magical ball of some sort. Disney princesses were once soft
people who always fell in love with a prince, but since the rise of the movies Tangled, The
Princess and the Frog, and Brave, princesses are braver than ever and are willing to be strong,
independent, young girls.
The first generation of Disney princesses include the following: Cinderella, Snow White,
and Sleeping Beauty (Stephens). These three Disney princesses were looking for a prince or
trying to be a part of the royal family. In all three of these movies, they fall for the prince, and
later, the same prince comes to save them with loves true kiss. The second generation Disney
princesses are considered stronger at heart, but still allow themselves to be captured. They
include princesses such as Ariel and Belle. For them to truly live, they must fall for a prince.
Then there are the third generation princesses. These women believed in their own goals
before falling for a man. Tiana in The Princess and the Frog believed that one day she could
build the restaurant her dad once wanted to build and own. She then finds love on the way to
fulfilling her dream. This goes along for Rapunzel as well. She wants to get out of the tower to
see the floating lights. She is known for doing normal woman chores, but it does include that
she does manly things also such as playing guitar, throwing darts, and having a pet chameleon
named Pascal. She is once again looking to accomplish her own goals of seeing the lights in
action and up close. She runs into Flynn/Eugene with whom she ends up falling in love. She
sees him as a decent human being trying to get her to the floating lights without harm. These
two princesses show strength and power; they also try to achieve their goal before letting love
step in.
Merida is also a third generation princess. Personally, I considered her the most
rebellious. She shoots for her own hand because, she does not want to be forced into marriage
where her love interest is not of her own choosing (Stephens). She is considered a strong lead
because she is willing to give her life to save the lives of her family. She is a princess role model
that every young girl should follow.

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So why are girls still following the pink and the frills and waiting on the doorsteps for
their prince to ride up and take them away into the sunset? It is all about how the young mind
forms. Like Lisa Ferguson said in her video Photo-shopped Disney princesses, A kids mind is
really impressionable. They form a lot of opinions while young (Ferguson). That could relate
to what and why they think such a way. There are no studies that prove why young girls relate
directly to princesses or why they act as such yet we still find them pondering the life of being a
gorgeous princess. They watch Cinderella and learns all she had to do was look gorgeous. Or
the young girl may look at the princess and see all the hard work she is doing. She will then
copy what she saw as the right thing to do. It all depends on how we teach our children and what
are children are really taking out of the Disney princess movies (Iadarola and Lich).

Life of a Long Lost Princess?

Louise

9-13-15

Today I had to do so many chores. I had to sweep the floors and I had
to mop the kitchen, clean all of the pans and make sure I had lunch ready in
time. I am really happy that I had fun dancing while working. I sang and I
danced and it made time go by much quicker. As we were dancing the mail
came in an on the top there was a royal proclamation. It read

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And then I was reaching beyond my imagination. I was thinking out of

this world. I had the ability to go to a beautiful garden and wear my favorite
outfit. Oh wait thats not right, I have to stay locked up every night because
my mother doesnt trust me enough to even let me sleep in a real room.
My step mom is so mean!! She makes me do all the chores and I also have
to do all the babysitting. Babysitting includes my older step sisters and
making sure they always have what they want. I hope someday Ill have a
nice life. I want to know when my life will really begin.

Dante

9-13-2015

Today the royal proclamation went out about me finding the love of my life. I dont want
to get married yet! (Well that is a stretch)! I want to make sure I do something adventurous like
going out and racing on the streets. And then I can come back and get married to someone I met
on my wild street racing nights. I want to be able to really meet my girl when I am not forced to

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meet girls. Maybe one day when I am going for a walk I will see her and that is how I want to
meet her, not in a stupid garden where everybody is forced to look nice. Hopefully the gathering
just blows and I dont find anyone and then I can leave after the party without worrying about
a girl. Why do girls always make it so hard for themselves? I dont understand why they try to
be natural but apply a butt-ton of makeup. Isnt that just weird. I mean as a girl, I think, I would
try to be true to myself but maybe they just do that because it is the status quo. I want everything
against status quo. Well gotta go and take my lessons on the worlds history and what would
happen to our government if we stopped giving money to other countries, Oh wait I DONT
CARE!

Beatrice

9-13-2015

YAY! I get to wear a pink gown and I am just going to have the time of my life and
finally be a known woman of status around here. Wait what is his name? I dont
rememberoh wait, I think it is Dante. Anyways I hope he sees me as the mayors sons
girlfriend I should be. What kind of cleanser should I use to make my face smooth and
then what fade of tan should I use to make me look natural but a little darker than others?
Maybe Ill just go tan later in our tanning bed in the basement.

Betty

9-13-2015

Guess what. I was tanning and then my sister came in and

made me get out. I was furious I thought mother said that I was
the only one going to the garden gathering. And because I am
older I have to be married first and it is going to be with the
mayors son. Anyways I am going to wear an orange dress with
pink flowers on it. I think it is gorgeous and the mayors son will
love it. He better love it or I am going after his soon to be other
chosen girlfriend. And I out of all the girls in the kingdom would
have that position. I need that position in order to make mother
part of the royal family. She told me that I have to be the
mayors son wife or else she will make me kill myself outside
where all the wolves live and then she would tell my sister to
marry him. I better get the love of my live.

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Louise

9-14-2015

Three more days till I get to meet the mayors son and be able to talk
to him. I mean I see him in school and he is always smiling but Ive never
seen him look at me or my friends. We must be way to low on the totem
pole to even look at us. I was reading through the proclamation and I
realized that you had to bring your mother with. I hope I can just sneak in
through the back entrance of the park. I might leave later, and I have to be
home earlier than my step mother and sisters. That way they can have their
chance with Dante before I do. Hopefully he gets tired of people and he
steps out of the party and sees me standing there in my white dress with my
tan looking sandals. I want to have a poem ready for him, or something of
that sort. I just hope he sees me for who I am.

Dante

9-14-15

Well three more days to realize that I might be lonely for life. Penelope, my want to be
girlfriend, is being really clingy lately. I dont even like her, but I am supposed to be known to
date her because we both need the status. When we are together everybody looks at us in awe.
While they are watching us walk down the hallway in awe, we have our noses up and we look
straight forward, normally. But today, I took a glance to my left and realized this gorgeous girl
standing, giggling with her friends. I think she is in my grade and maybe in P.E. Her skin was
so natural, yet flawed. She had gorgeous blue eyes, long brown hair, and a tall stature. She
looked intrigued, more so than the others in the hallway. She looked as if she was thinking,
looking beyond my outer layer. I was chilled for a moment. I wanted her to look at my past and
realize that I am not all about the looks. I want her to see beyond my everyday looks. I wonder
if she is going to the garden

Betty

9-14-15

Today was glorious. I had to follow Penelopes footsteps but I got to stand so close
to Dante. I got to see him up close with his glorious hair and green eyes. He looked more
intriguing than ever. He seemed out of it though. I hope I can help him come back. I
would love to help him through his situation. I want to be able to hug him and touch his
hair playfully. I am meant to be at his side. Truly forever and always. Only three days till I
take Penelope from Dante!

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Beatrice

9-14-15

Today I published in the school newspaper! It was titled Get

Rid of Ugly! It was magnificent! I should have it in my journal
tomorrow. It was funny because people were watching me all day.
Some people had really mad looking faces, but others seemed to
look like they agreed with me. I hope that I can influence others
to realize their ugliness. If they would ever want to win a spot
with Dante, they would at least have to look halfway decent. I
just loved my article so much, I dont know what I will do with it.
Ill probably tape it in my journal. I hope mother can be happy for
me. I feel like she should frame it and hang the newspaper article
in the living room. It is the perfect spot. I wonder what Dante
thinks of my article. He probably will never be lower than group
1. He is so perfect, his hair, eyes, and his rugby ability. I dont
know of anyone more perfect.

Louise

9-15-15

So today I was reading through our school newspaper. You will never
guess who wrote and published something in the paper. My half-sister
Beatrice. That jerk. I dont understand why she would write and publish
something so hurtful. I dont think she understands that she is part of this
group of ugly. If anyone is flawless, they are lying. Anyways, I dont see the
point of being perfectly skinny and having flawless skin to have the ability to
love someone else. If being able to work hard and finding your love on the
way than I see why there is true love. Love with just looks is complete bogus.
That is why I want to meet Dante for who he is. I see something way deep in
him that he just wants to let out so he can fly. Maybe he can help me work
on my Spanish project. Right now it is a complete mess because I dont have
any time to work on it outside of school. I am working on a painting and then
trying to incorporate my facts into a song so that I can keep my audience
involved. Actually there is only two of us taking SpanishMe and my best
friend Bailey. Bailey already finished her project. She used a Prezi for her
presentation. I think it is boring but I dont tell her this because her heart is
fragile. Oh well, I just hope I have it done by the due date, the end of
September. Well two more days till I get meet Dante for who HE really is.

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Dante

9-15-15

Well today was a bore. I went to school, went to practice, went home, and ate a lot of
food. School sucked, because it is school. Practice was bad because I dont know whythere
has to be something way back in my mind. Now I am home and I am trying to think about my
life but my dad keeps telling me about his business and how it is flourishing and that he cant
wait for me to be able to handle his business when he gives it to me I dont want to be a
business man, I want to be able to live my own life, be something that my days wont go by like
today. I want my life to have adventure. Maybe Ill be a pilot or maybe a zookeeper. Ooh a
zookeeper sounds like an adventure. Learning about animals and their lives and what they eat,
wow I think I know my new life goal. But there is something hiding in the back of my mind. It
wants to be out, but I dont know what it could be. Well I guess in school I walked by that girl
again. She was calm as normal and she was surrounded with her friends. Her friends were all
looking at me, but her, she was looking the down at the floor. I wanted her to look at me and I
wanted to look her into her eyes and let her know that I want someone to know me. She seems
as if though she is open and closed book. She is shielding of her thoughts but very willing to
open up once she trusts. She isnt like any other girl. I want to know her. 2 days.

Betty

9-15-15

Today I got to be behind Dante. He is a gorgeous human being. He was his normal
self and looked calm and casual. I just love him and his body and I just love that he looks
so good. Well I have to go get my dress altered for the night after tomorrow.

Beatrice

9-15-15

Here is my accomplishment for the week!

Carter High School

Paper
Get Rid of Ugly!

By: Betty

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Dear Carter School District, do you think the

ugly in this world has become unbearable?
Every day I, a beautiful person, am forced to
walk to school and classes, and have to see
another ugly face or two. Every day I sit at
home on the lawn and see all of the ugly
people walking outside wandering aimlessly
because what else is a person supposed to do
if he or she is ugly? Why do we have ugly
people if we could just make them look
better to satisfy all of the gorgeous people
who cant stand the ugly? I would rather
have people ugly at heart then have to look
at ugly people. So how do we get rid of all
ugly in this world? First off we will need a
lot of make-up, make-up artists for those
who dont know how to make themselves
gorgeous, and if we cant fix them, we will
kill them off.
The first step to saving these ugly
people lives is making their body to look
more beautiful. Instead of having our
government spend money on roads we
should spend this money on the best makeup for those who really need it. Once we
have the funding we would buy the make-up
and have everybody come to the government
building and sign up for the beauty test. The
beauty test will determine if your weight is
correct, your eyes and eyebrows are far
enough and slim enough, check your nose,
ear, and mouth size, then we will check to
see if you have the right color of hair. From
these test we will send you off to different
buildings:
Senate House: 4th group (lowest)
Representative House: 3rd group (2nd lowest)
Governors Suite down the street: 2nd group
(3rd lowest)
Hair Salon: 1st group (highest)

If a person is in the fourth group, you

will have to have the most work done. A
person will be required to take another test
on what he or she knows about beauty.
While taking this test our best make-up artist
will try to make him or her look good. If he
or she fails this test and he or she isnt able
to look good, he or she will be sent to the
prison and be put in front of a firing squad.
If he or she does pass the test but not the
make-up test he or she will be sent to the
Governors Office to be looked at by the
governor and see whether a person will
make it in todays society. If he says yes he
or she can keep going. If he says no he or
she will be put in front of the firing squad.
If you pass the make-up test but not the
beauty class, a person will be put into a class
full of young students to learn the beauty of
todays society. If a person is to fat or to
skinny or too tall or to short, there will be
experiments for the person to go through. If
a person passes both test then you will be
able to go through the society standard.
If you are in the third group you will
be based on your look. This means no
beauty test but a person will have to have a
makeover. This makeover includes
anywhere on the body. After the makeover
he or she will be taught on how to apply
make-up correctly. If a person is too fat or
to skinny or too tall or to short, there will be
experiments for the person to go through.
If you are in the second group you
have passed both tests but you may need a
little critiquing in the make-up category. If
this is so you will sent with a handbook that
tells you everything about make-up and how
to perfect. If a person is to fat or to skinny or
too tall or to short, there will be experiments
for the person to go through.

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If a person is in the first group, he or

she has passed all tests and dont have to
pay money for being a hindrance to society.
They already look their best and are
considered the best.
There will also be problem for those
who are overweight or skinny. If you fall in
this category you will either have to
participate in the governments testing for
how to lose weight without working out,
asked to eat tapeworms to clear out your
stomach, or you will have to chop of some
of the fat from around the body.
If a person chooses the first option
listed you will be able to have your weight
lost by a day. You will be asked to take a test
on nutrition, while this happening you will
be hooked up to a machine that takes out all
of the fat in your body. After all of the fat is
sucked out of the body there will be a
machine that will cut of the extra skin and
then sew the two skin flaps back together.
After this happens there will be a make-up
artist that shows you how to put make-up on
the scar to make your body look more
normal.
If a person chooses the tapeworm
option he or she will have to pay for the
tapeworms. This option will cost a person
two thousand dollars. He or she will need
the money right away in order to get this
option because the government will have a
limited amount of resources. After the
tapeworms are put in the person, they will
come back after a month to have them

pulled out by a professional. There are

many side effects so make sure you can pay
the medical bill.
If a person chooses the second option
he or she will be just have his or her fat just
cut off. No machines or surgery. It will be
just cut off and you will have to pay no
money for this operation. After recuperating
he or she will be able to go back out in the
world looking healthier. If these three
options succeed for him or her, they will
then go into make-up mode where they will
be taught how and why they must have
make-up.
Now lets say a person is too tall or
to short. For those who are above 511 they
will be have bone cut out of their major
limbs, the legs. Once they reach 511 they
are okay. If a person is below 58, he or she
will have the bones put in them from a tall
person. We, the government, will try to
make this a smooth transition from one body
to the other. If a person chooses not to have
their legs cut or new leg parts put in he or
she will be shot by the firing squad.
Thank you for your time and
cooperation with this new government
project. As time goes on, you will see that
this state will become a better place to live
and that everybody will be able to enjoy
everybodys company. Together we are
cleaning the ugly out of this world one step
at a time!
Love, Betty

I am really proud of my work. But two more days till I get to

wear my orange and pink dress! It is like a summer dress for
beaches and really flowery. I know he will pick me for my looks. I

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cannot wait to see him and be all flirty with him. I just hope he is
open to me. I just want to be with him so bad. I love, love him. If
you know what mean ;). Well I have to shop for my shoes for the
beach. I am thinking strappy sandals. And Im probably putting
my hair into a messy bun. I just cant wait!

Louise

9-16-15

One more day. One more day. One more day. Only one more day till I
get to meet, meet him. I get to say hi, I get to make a conversation, and I
get to laugh and be myself with him. I hope I see something different than
the normal snotty usual self in the hallway. Maybe he is more than looks. Ill
probably wear my purple shorts and a white tank top with a pinkish color
covering. Well talk to you tomorrow after the party.

Dante

9-16-15

I am so angry. Penelope was asking what color I was wearing that way she could match
me and make sure we look good when I pick her. I am not going to pick anybody.
Ten reasons why I dont want to do this:
1. It is stupid.
2. I really want an adventure life first.
3. I am not ready for a girlfriend.
4. My Dad is stupid; just because he is the mayor doesnt mean I need a girlfriend.
5. Why do I need a girlfriend?
6. Why is it stereotypical for me to have a girlfriend?
7. What is the point of a girlfriend?
8. Why is it all about the looks?
9. I want to meet my girl on an adventure.
10. Love is not made out of parties. It is made from talking, trusting, and believing that
this will be the one I will marry.
Now that I told you, I just want to be out of this stupid mayors son trap hole. I dont
understand why I have to look so perfect for him to perform. I just dont want to anymore. I
want to live my own life without people making me do what they want me to do.

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Betty

9-16-15

Its tomorrow. The day has finally almost come! Tomorrow I get to wear my
gorgeous bohemian dress. So you know how my sister is going also, and that her dress is
flowery..? Well today I took ketchup and mustard and squirt it all over her dress and
rubbed it in real nice. I hope she enjoys. There is no way I would let her have Dante, he is
mine. Haha I cant wait to see her face when she sees it. Ill let you know about the party
tomorrow!

Beatrice

9-16-15

Well tomorrow I get to actually talk to Dante! I cant wait! I

just wanna sing a song about him and talk about him and draw
hearts all over my journal.

Anyways, when my sister went to school I took her bohemian

dress and put it in the dryer. It shrunk to the size of a doll dress!
Haha jokes on her, there is no way I am letting her take Dante
from me. Obviously I am the better looking one and I own better
cosmetics. She stands no chance. I cannot wait. Also, did you
know that mother is banishing Louise from the party? She has to
clean the living room and kitchen within three hours. At least I
dont have to do that, and at least Louise wont make herself look
stupid in front of Dante and me. Gosh I just hope she gets my

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room clean by tomorrow. I need to know where I put my picture

book of Dante so I can show him that I really know him and that I
want him.

Louise

9-17-2015

Part 1: Well I had to talk to you before I went to the party. I am really
nervous. I know Bailey is going and she told me that she would tell Dante
that I would be in the trees behind the party. I hope he does go out there
and checks on me because then I will feel really stupid. I will feel stupid
because he knew I was going to be there and he left me hanging. He will
probably tell everyone about me and how I had to be secretive. I just wish I
had a normal lifestyle with real parents and loving family members. Man, I
just want to break free of this rut that I have been put in ever since my mom
and dad both died. Sometimes I wonder why?

Dante

9-17-2015

Part 1: Well some girl named Bailey came up to me and told me that her friend Louise
wasnt allowed to go to the party tonight but apparently she is sneaking out and coming to the
party through the other side of the gardens. I wonder what kind of girl she is like is she willing
to be really touchy and clingy because she is that way or is this girl interested in the real me? I
just hope she is someone really worth dating. Till later

Louise

9-17-2015

Part 2: Tonight was glorious to say the least. So you know how the
party started at 7? Well I arrived there at around 8. When I got to the
gardens, I wandered around the garden away from other people. Bailey then
showed up and told me about her meeting with Dante. She said that he had
a different aspect to life than most boys do. He wants to travel and see the
world before he settles down, but you know most boys just want to stay
where the girls are thin and gorgeous. She also told me that he was
genuinely nice, but it was hard to have a conversation with him when
Penelope was around. So I guess I got lucky in that department! Anyways
after she left it was about 8:45 and I was still wandering around. I saw my

Vandermeer 17

step-sisters talking to Dante. Let me correct, they were obsessing over him.
They were wearing jeans and looked like a mess because every time he
turned around they would hit each other. His face showed complete
desperation and the dreadfulness of the situation. I then remember him
walking directly at me in the bushes, I then started to freak out and wonder if
anybody else had realized I was there. I mean if I was that easy to spot how
did nobody else see me? He was walking at me and then he turned to walk
around the pine tree. I then leaped out of the bushes and also walked
toward the pine tree. He was startled to see me standing there. It took him
a few seconds to regain his thoughts but then he asked, Are you Louise? I
answered with a wimpy sounding yes. We laughed and he then said, Woah,
I did not know you were Louise! I saw you in the hallway the other day and I
havent stopped thinking about you since! I looked dumbfounded at him
and was amazed by what he had just said. He noticed me! He really did
know I was a human being! We then started asking each other questions
such as what is your favorite color, and what is your favorite book, and if you
could travel anywhere, where would anywhere be? He talked a lot about
what he wanted to after high school. He told me about exploring Latin
America. I was curious as to why Latin America so I asked him why there.
He explained that he loved the art and all of the different cultures within
Central America that he thought he would never get bored. I told him that
traveling Central America would be a lot of fun! I told I was taking a Spanish
class about all the countries in Central America and wanted to someday visit
there too. We then talked for another half hour about different random
things that we liked and didnt liked in Carter high school. Then it was about
9:30 and I told him I had to leave. He asked for my phone so I recited it to
him. He let me know that he would message me tomorrow and start
planning secret dates. Ahh he said dates! I was excited and told him I had
to leave so we said good night and we went separate ways out of the trees. I
cannot be more excited to know that I found a guy that isnt interested in just
looks. He works hard, and studies hard, and the looks are just mixed in it. I
cant wait for the email I am receiving tomorrow. Well good night! I dont
know if I will sleep but I cant write all night! Talk to you tomorrow!

Dante

9-17-2015

Part 2: Woah, that girl pulled out all of the oxygen in my body and she made me become
limp. I felt like I was a big mushy mess. At least I can still halfway function in these types of
situations. She didnt seem to falter at all. She stood there like a silent rock. Well, I guess rocks
are silent. She was the girl in school. She was the one I spotted in the hallways with her friends
hanging with around her. She had the gentle brunette hair, tan skin, and a normal body. Her

Vandermeer 18

body didnt follow societys standards which means that she is free-spirited. She wasnt flawless
which makes me feel all together more flawed about myself. No one could ever be flawless, but
some people still think that they are flawless. She even listened to me, I didnt have to hear
about how tough it was to create an outfit she hadnt worn before. She was comforting, she
agreed with my ideas and even seemed intrigued. Who knew that someone could listen to me for
that long about Central America? At least she is willing to travel and learn about all the cultures
and be involved in traveling. I wondered if she would want to come with me. I feel that if she
gets her forms by the end of the next October she will be allowed to go with me to Guatemala
and be a foreign exchange student. I just hope she never changes because she is dating me. She
has a heart that keeps wanting. I have a warm, fuzzy feeling when thinking about her, and I am
ecstatic for the dreams and the future that we possibly get to face together. Hopefully, one day,
she will be out of the grasps of her step mother and sisters. I just hope for an exciting time with
her.

Beatrice

9-17-2015

I dont understand. I had everything ready to go, set out, perfectly picked, and I
find that my dress had been altered. And not just altered, somebody SHRUNK IT!! I am
throwing my anger onto Louise because she is the one that had to wash it and dry it, ON
THE LINE OUTSIDE. I dont understand why she cant simply open up her ears to listen
for half a second. She is truly impeccable. I dont understand her logic behind anything!
Anyways, after I found my dress destroyed I had to find a new outfit. I then was running
late and I wasnt sure what shoes really matched this outfit. So I slipped on these blue flip
flops and ran out of the door. At least my sister also looked like a mess! She was wearing
the colors red and orange, and they just clashed! After we got there I saw him right away! I
walked right up to him and we just started talking about school. I was really bored, so I
moved the conversation towards the name Penelope. He was all like yeah, she is really
nice and pretty. And I became really disappointed because I knew I shouldnt have
brought he name up and then my sister came up and she started to talk to him. I got so
mad I hit her, and she hit back! And before I knew it, he had strolled away into the bushes.
I then yelled at Betty because she just ruined all of my chances for being with Dante, and
his gorgeous eyes. And she yelled back at me and said that she ruined her chance of
having his gorgeous body and blue eyes. So mother took us by our hands and pushed us
towards our white minivan. So now Im laying bed and will forever be dreaming of Dante,
with his beautiful eyes in mind.

Betty

9-17-2015

Vandermeer 19

I am so mad at Louise! She ruined my chances with Dante.

She took my bohemian dress and purposely spilt mayonnaise,
ketchup, and mustard all over it. I dont even know why she
would do something so stupid to me! She doesnt even have a
chance with Dante, and get to know him and look into his blue
eyes. I just dont understand her frustration. Anyways, after I let
my steam cool, I found myself frantically looking for an outfit. I
found some jeans, not exactly clean, and an orange shirt that has
purple flowers on the front that ends up wrapping up in the back.
I then ran outside to the minivan and found out I didnt have
anything on my feet. So I sprinted back inside and picked up a
pair of tennis shoes that were laying near the doorsteps. I
sprinted back outside and jumped into the minivan and we left for
the gathering. At the gathering in the garden I couldnt find
Dante immediately. After five minutes I found him chatting to
Beatrice, so I raced over to where they were chatting and threw
myself in the conversation. Beatrice got so mad that when Dante
turned around to sneeze, she slapped me in the face. I had to
retaliate so I slapped her back. We then got in a little catfight.
She absolutely ruined my chances with Dante, ever! I just wish
she wouldnt always take my spotlight from these important
situations. Mother is going to be furious, she clearly stated that I
had to be Dantes girlfriend. She strictly told me that if I was not
able to be Dantes girlfriend, I would have to take Louises spot as
the keeper of the house. I cannot stoop to that low of a status!
Anyways, I am going to bed and I am going to weep all night
because Ill never be good enough for anybody. Im done. I just
want life back to the way it was before this whole Dante thing.

Louise

9-18-2015

Today was good. It was normal except for the fact that Dante looked at
me in the hallways. I just hope he actually will message me later this
afternoon. *bzzt* Oh that was text, give me a moment or two! Ahh! I just
love texting him. I mean at least I get to talk to him and its better than
what life was before. I might show you some messages later. He is so sweet!

Vandermeer 20

He is just so kind and so smooth with what he texts me. He is a natural that
is for sure. Well I just hope we stay this good with each other for forever.

Dante

9-18-2015

Wow, I dont know what to say about her. She is really smart, beautiful, and she seems to
understand what is going on in my life. It doesnt even make sense, but she has this knack of
knowing what is going in my life. She just listens and doesnt interrupt. She is so beautiful too.
If I had to lose my sight because I was looking at her radiance, I wouldnt mind because I would
always know she was so beautiful that she can take away any mans sight. At least she would
always care for me, right? I dont know how we will do in the long run, but right now she
satisfies my dads needs and my needs. She will be there till I can find someone who will be
permanent to me. I hope she never finds out. Anyways got to go. I have to go for a run so I can
release all of these frustrating thoughts that are flying around in my mind.

Beatrice

9-18-2015

Now that the Dante fling is over I better start looking for a date for homecoming.
This year is going to be awesome because Penelope and I decorated and got it ready. Its
called Fairytale in September. Its going to be a magical night, and maybe we get to find
out who Dante picked from last night. I just hope that that girl doesnt stay in his arms for
the long run. It is definitely my spot and my space and my Dante. Anyways I have to create
posters for the dance. Till later!

Betty

9-18-2015

Beatrice wont let me help with homecoming. She thinks

that I ruined her chance with Dante when really she ruined her
chance and my chance. I just hope she will let me go. If she
doesnt I dont know what I will do at home all alone. I am pretty
sure mom would make me clean something. I just know that
Louise gets that night off for some reason. I hope she has a good
excuse because I need her to stay home with me, that way she
can do all the cleaning and I can do all of the commanding. What
does Louise do in her free time anyway? It makes no sense for

Vandermeer 21

her to have a night off unless she was planning something with
that ugly friend of hers. I just hope that I can convince her to stay
home and do the chores for me. I just wish I could go to the
homecoming dance. I want to be part of a fairytale. I just dont
understand why I have to stay home. For all I know Beatrice is
just making a big deal out of this for nothing. I didnt do anything.
Anyways, I have to go. I have to make a poster for Beatrice. I
always have to do stuff for her.

Louise

9-19-2015

I got the night off for the homecoming dance! I cant believe mother
would do that for me! Even though Penelope and Beatrice are setting it all
up, I will go anyways. This is my first dance ever and I hope it is great! I
think Dante and I are going together. He just seems really happy all of the
time. Its good but I still feel like he is hiding something. Am I missing
something? I dont know but I have to go shopping for a dress. I hope I find
something I like. I want to look beautiful. I want to look perfect for Dante. I
want his eyes to shine brighter than ever have before. Till tomorrow!

Dante

9-19-2015

Well I found out that the homecoming dance is tomorrow. It looks like Louise and I
make our debut as a couple. I hope she looks good so I dont look stupid. At least I hope so. I
hope she doesnt wear her normal clothing to the dance because then I am doomed and will never
be able to get my social status back up to where it is now. Anyways tomorrow night better be
perfect and well worth the pick of a girlfriend. Anyways I got go get a fitting done for my suit.
Till tomorrow.

Beatrice

9-19-2015

Well Penelope and I almost have the theme finished. We got a lot of nerds here
ready to help get the decorations up in the gym. There are at least 15 so it will probably
take us 3 hours to set up and perfect the gym. I cant wait. I mean the only thing wrong
with this homecoming dance is that I promised to take one of these 15 nerds. I havent

Vandermeer 22

chosen which one yet. I was having a hard time choosing because none of them look
handsome or even decent enough to be seen with me. Anyways I think I am going to take
the one with blonde hair that goes to his eyebrows with the glasses that cover about half
his face. At least he looks okay compared to the others. Well till tomorrow! (Maybe I can
win Dante, so he comes running to me!)

Betty

9-19-2015

I dont understand why I just cant go to the dance. I just

want to have fun. I promise Ill stay out of her way. It is just so
hard to have to sit here at home and mope around. I also have to
do chores mom said. She told me that if I couldnt even come to
my sisters standards, then I have no chance at meeting anybody
elses standards. This is going to be a long night. I hope it never
comes. Stay here my friend because I have a feeling I may need
to rant to you tomorrow.

Louise

9-20-2015

Part 1: I am a little nervous as to what Dante will think about my

dress. I hope he likes the way it flows and looks naturally easy on me. My
best friend said it looked good so it better look good to him. I am also
nervous for the whole dance thing. I dont want people to think that I am
stupid and that Dante is stupid. I want to have the best for him and I want
him to have fun with his friends. I just hope he appreciates what I am
wearing and trying to make him look good.

Dante

9-20-2015

Part 1: Well here goes nothing. I am leaving in five minutes but I dont want to leave yet.
I just want to converse with you and make sure that I am doing the right thing. I really just want
to runaway right now and run to the edge of the world and fall off so I dont have to think about
this anymore. I just want to be alone and all to myself. I dont want a girlfriend, and I especially
dont want Louise. She is a little chubby in some areas and it just bothers me. She should look

Vandermeer 23

just like Penelope but not be Penelope in the way she acts. Well got to go. Updates coming
after this break

Beatrice

9-20-2015

Part 1: Well tonight is all set. I did pick the little guy with decent blonde hair. His
name was Luke I guess. I mean Luke isnt a bad name but Dante is a really wonderful
name. Well I am all set, and I am just waiting for Luke to show up. He said he had a nice
car, but I still want to take our family limo. Whatever, Ill let him live one night of his
dreams. After that I am never speaking to him again. I mean this is so embarrassing and
ridiculous, I dont even know what to think. At least Betty has to stay home and do chores.
What a lame person. And Louise is doing something with her friend so that keeps her out
of my hair. This is a night all to myself. I cant wait! Oh, Luke is here. Got to go!

Betty

9-20-2015

Part 1: Beatrice just left, and I have all the stupid chores
done, already! I am planning to sneak out after mom falls asleep.
She asked for a glass of wine, so I may have put a couple of
sleeping pills in it and gave it to her. I just want to dance the
night away with some weird guy. Actually I just want to dance.
Well I here mom snoring, so I am off to do some damage! JK!

Vandermeer 24

Breaking News!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wallowdale Times

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wallowdale, Michigan Monday, September 23rd, 2015 2 pages

$1.11
_____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________

Teenagers Caught in Deadly Fire!

By: Unknown
Five hundred
teenagers were killed in
fire at the Wallowdale
High School on Friday
night during their
homecoming dance. A
fire had started in the
locker rooms below the
stage. The principal said
that the fire must have
climbed the stairs.
The Wallowdale fire
department expects no
foul play and that the old
circuit breaker near the
locker rooms started it all.
It had been an eventful
night for the

community. The football

boys had just come off of
an overtime win against
their rivals the Badgers.
They were celebrating
down the street a little

(Picture by Ytsje Vandermeer with

playground and fire in background
(Fire))

before ten before they

arrived at the school.
There were lights and a
DJ keeping the party
alive. The history
teacher, Mr. Sherman,

said he smelled smoke

and was on his way to
call the fire department.
Mr. Sherman said that he
hurts for those who lost
loved ones because he
couldnt save the kids in
time. He had just
stepped out to call the fire
department when the fire
explosion happened.
The whole auditorium
was set on fire within
seconds and there was
nothing the firemen could
do. They showed up 3
minutes after the
explosion and were trying
to bring the fire down. At
about six in the morning
the fire was finally
defeated. The fire

Vandermeer 25

fighters were relieved yet

heartbroken for their
community. They were
tired and dehydrated and
ready to sleep. It was a
long night for the whole
community.

As a heads up:
There will be a funeral for
immediate family
members at the gym on
Wednesday. On
Wednesday at 7 oclock

there will be a time

silence throughout the
whole community.
Please keep these
mourning families in your
thoughts.

Living Life to the Fullest

Endnotes
Piece 1: Essay: Perfection
In this research paper I found myself really connecting with the deeper side of
perfectionism. I found that a lot of girls look at Disney princess and believe that
they are perfect. In order to have perfection they have to have certain traits. I
really dug deep for this paper all the way throughout. I felt my passion for
perfectionism come out. I realized so many people look to being perfect, but what if
they believed they were beautiful without having people put them down. It also
opens my paper with what I want to get across.
Piece 2: Essay: Pretty Princesses dressed in pink. Wait, is that blue?

This piece was the history of Disney princesses. When I first started
researching, I really was going to make my own fairytale, but after a couple
days of research I really changed my mind into how Disney princesses affect
young children. I found a lot of articles supporting the fact of Disney
princesses setting unrealistic standards such as really thin bodies, perfectly
shaped faces, and good make-up. This piece was just to show how the
Disney princesses have transformed into something different since the
beginning.
Piece 3: Diary: Life of Long Lost Princess? (Connector)

So this is my main genre, obviously. It takes my paper and shapes it

into the day to day real life aspects for different characters and their
different views on perfection. I saw myself in these papers (well except for
Dante). I feel easily persuaded by what people think and I think that I have
to find someone perfect of be perfect. I also think I have to look good at any
time of the day. I really liked working with different points of view. I would
have to say that my favorite people to talk through were Betty and Beatrice.
These two were the sort-of stepsisters. They made my writing fun.
Piece 4: Diary: Royal Proclamation

This genre was the first genre that I wrote. It was also the first idea
that popped into my mind. I felt like, as a Disney princess fanatic, I could
definitely add it into my paper. The proclamation really set up my paper.
When I put this genre in, that is when I really started to write. I could go off
what I had just written in my proclamation. This was definitely one of my
favorite genres to write.
Piece 5: Satire: Get Rid of Ugly!

This was definitely my favorite piece. The ugly stepsister who wrote
this, Beatrice, does take it seriously. She really does agree to get rid of all
ugly, and for me I would consider myself in one of the lower groups of
beautiful. Even though it is in a newspaper form, I wrote it as a satire to
understand how some people think about perfectionism. It made me step
back and realize that being able to breathe and be yourself is probably the
best way to live. I really enjoyed all of the humor and beauty in this piece. I
felt like I could bring out my thoughts on perfection in this part of the paper.
Piece 6: Ten Reasons List: Ten Reasons Why I dont want to do this. (Connector)

I found that in order to really get the feelings out of Dante I had to find
some reasons that he wouldnt want to do something his dad made him do. I
felt like this genre was the best way to let out his emotions. He went on a
rant about all the stupid girls, who want him because he is perfect, and his
dad makes him give up his life when being with a girl. Dante doesnt want to
give up his life so he just takes it all lightly. In Disney movies the guys are
considered immediately in love with just looks, so in this story I made him fall
in love with knowledge. Then the couple want perfection and they find that
perfection doesnt want to work.
Piece 7: Song: Dante (Connector)

This song was also written by Beatrice (wrote the satire.) She wants
Dante because of his looks because who cares that they might not fall in love
but since they both look perfect it is meant for love. This piece shows the
pathetic thoughts that sometime go into my mind when I look at an actor

that looks good. I immediately look at their looks when I should be looking at
their heart.
Piece 8: Newspaper: Wallowdale Times

Every fairy tale ends with a happy ending where you smile and maybe
cry a little because of all the happiness in the movie. So instead of normal
fairytales and normal happy endings, I spun things around and killed them
all. I killed them all because they all were chasing perfection in some kind of
form, and that is one thing that people shouldnt constantly chase.
Perfection is unattainable and yet they thought that was the only way to live.
So to close my paper, I thought that if I killed them all it would be like karma,
but I hope that doesnt happen in real life. Striving for perfection is alright,
but striving for perfection in boys or in how you look will never get you
anywhere. Believing in yourself will definitely achieve many dreams and
goals!
Piece 9: Sticky Note: Living Life to the Fullest (Connector)

So in order to close my paper I felt like I needed to close it off with a

recap of what I was trying to push in this paper. I thought that making a
sticky note will make it stand out, yet it will make people read it and find that
they dont have to be perfect in order to succeed. Believing in oneself is far
more reliable than believing in others.

Works Cited
"37 Dr. Seuss Quotes That Can Change the World." Bright Drops. Bright Drops, Oct. 2013. Web.
14 Apr. 2015.
Allen, Laura. "A Hypocrite's Kind of Feminism." Columbia Daily Spectator. Columbia
University, 23 Mar. 2015. Web. 25 Mar. 2015.
Blattman, Elissa. "National Women's History Museum." About. NWHM, Sept. 2013. Web. 25
Mar. 2015.
Brown, Joni. "Redirecting..." Google Docs. Google, 2015. Web. 29 Apr. 2015.
Cockburn, Brian. "The Disney Song Encyclopedia."
Do Rozario, Rebecca-Anne C. "The Princess and the Magic Kingdom: Beyond Nostalgia, the
Function of the Disney Princess."Women's Studies in Communication 27.1 (2004): 3459. ProQuest. Web. 17 Mar. 2015.

Ferguson, Lisa. "Photo Shopped Disney Princesses." Photoshop Princesses. Think Tank, 14 Nov.
2014. Web. 23 Mar. 2015.
"Fire Destroys Elementary School in Vancouver." KOMO News. KOMO News, 3 Feb. 2013.
Web. 28 Apr. 2015.
Iadarola, John, and Brett Lich. "Are Disney Princesses Ruining The Girls Of
Tomorrow?"YouTube. YouTube, 7 Oct. 2014. Web. 24 Mar. 2015.
Orenstein, Peggy. "Whats wrong with Cinderella?" New York Times Magazine 24 (2006).
Stephens, Jena. "Disney's Darlings: An Analysis of the Princess and the Frog, Tangled, Brave and
the Changing Characterization of the Princess Archetype." Interdisciplinary
Humanities 31.3 (2014): 95-107. Academic Search Premier. Web. 16 Mar. 2015.
Triska, Zoe. "Real Stories Behind These Disney
Movies."Http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/12/the-real-story-behindeve_n_4239730.html. Huffington Post, 13 Nov. 2013. Web. 25 Mar. 2015.

Self-Assessment
1. What surprised you during the process of writing your
multigenre paper?
The writing process was long and tedious. It took a lot of time doing
researching and then taking the research and putting it in your
paper. At the beginning I figured there wasnt going to be as much
research, so the amount of research was surprising.
2. What aspect of this paper would you like advice on?
One part of the paper I would like advice on is my two essays. After
researching I realized it was going to be difficult to insert my
research into my paper. The only way I could think of putting in my
research was through my essays. That is one area I wish I could
have gotten advice to write this information in my paper.
3. What did you learn about writing in different genres as a way
of inquiring into your topic and communicating what you
know?
One thing I learned was that once I started with a genre it was
easier to keep writing. That really helped my writing process. With
my information I felt like I could keep writing and writing in certain
genres. With other genres, I felt myself wondering how I could
make it work within my multigenre paper.
4. Describe the strongest and weakest parts of your paper and
explain why you categorize those parts as strongest/weakest.
My weakest part of my paper would probably be my essays. I feel
like I could have better portrayed the information I learned. My
strongest part of the paper is all the journaling I got to do with my

characters. Within the journals I could tell I was also writing from
my experience and my thoughts, so it made it personal in its own
kind of way.
5. What grade do you feel you deserve on this paper and why?
I think I deserve an A on this multigenre paper. I put in effort and I
made sure I had all of the requirements to make it a fun and
successful paper. Even though I could always work on it to make it
even better, I feel like I deserve at least an A-.