by Asim Jalis
Here is an example of how to use analysis to arrive at somewhat
unconventional conclusions. See which of the premises and
arguments look suspicious.
* * *
No single story has done as much to stereotype step-mothers as
Cinderella. But why has this happened? Cinderella is a fictional
story. Let's not stereotype all step-mothers based on this made
up story. For all we know this is pure anti-step-mother
propaganda produced by a vindictive biological mother desperately
trying to win a custody battle.
In fact the whole premise of Cinderella is quite suspicious. For
example, where is the dad? How can someone be a single parent
step-mother?
Even if we assume the dad died or left the family there are other
issues.
Notice that the step-sisters are much older than Cinderella: (a)
for example, they are more desperate to marry, which suggests
their biological clocks are ticking away, (b) they have bigger
feet which further suggests they are older.
If Cinderella was born before her dad married her step-mother she
should be older than her step-sisters, not younger.
The only other possibility is that the step-sisters are from the
step-mother's previous marriage and are not biologically related
to Cinderella.
But then what kind of a man would marry a woman with two
daughters from a previous marriage and then abandon his own
daughter with her as well. What an animal. Truly her biological
father is the real villain in the story.
In fact it is the step-mother who appears to have the kindest
heart. Despite being dumped by Cinderella's father, she takes his
daughter, who is unrelated to her biologically, out of the pure
goodness of her heart. She feeds her, gives her a place to live
and raises her as her own.
She must have fed Cinderella well for the prince to fall so hard
for her. It is unlikely that the prince -- a man of the world --
would fall for a scrawny malnourished urchin with smelly hands.
And what does the step-mother get in return? Does Cinderella ever
call back after she marries the prince, do you think? Did she
ever thank her for raising her so well? In fact, she did no such
thing. Instead she spreads or at least quietly encourages rumors
about her own abuse at this kind woman's hands. What an ingrate.
