A fresh animated adaptation of the beloved Snow White story, titled “Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs,” has come under fire for its troubling marketing strategy. Critics argue that the campaign perpetuates harmful body image stereotypes, and it’s challenging to disagree with them.
Social media influencer Lily Brooks took to Twitter to express her concerns regarding the film’s promotional materials. She directly called out James Carter, one of the film’s stars, questioning how such content could pass through an entire marketing team. “Why is it acceptable to suggest that being overweight means being unattractive?” she wrote. The marketing poster features a curvy, unadorned Snow White alongside her taller, slimmer, “ideal” counterpart, prompting the question, “What if Snow White was no longer beautiful and the seven dwarfs not so short?”
The film’s IMDB synopsis describes it as a tale about princes turned into dwarfs who seek the red shoes of a woman to break a curse, with an ironic twist. The trailer reveals that the shoes transform Snow White from a short, plump figure into a tall, slender version. The absurdity of the trailer matches the promotional imagery. In one scene, two peculiar elves sneak into Snow White’s home, bewildered by their surroundings. When the slender version of Snow White enters and begins to undress, the elves are shown peering in excitement. However, when she removes the shoes, revealing her fuller leg, the elves recoil in fear. This transition transforms her from a glamorous figure into a burping, slouching woman who disgusts onlookers—all due to the removal of the shoes that were supposed to define her beauty.
Twitter users joined Brooks in expressing their dismay over the marketing. Another promotional poster states, “She wants to stay true to herself, but Fairytale Island is all about looks, making it hard not to want to be like the others.”
According to the Hollywood Reporter, “Red Shoes and The Seven Dwarfs” is intended as a parody that puts a twist on the classic fairy tale, where dwarfs are actually cursed princes. As they compete for the affection of the beautiful woman in the red shoes, they gradually learn the true essence of beauty. While the film aims to convey a positive message, it falls into the trap of promoting the stereotype that fuller-figured women are clumsy and undesirable. If the goal is to create a film that empowers girls, it would be wise to steer clear of tired clichés that contradict that very message.
In summary, the marketing for this new Snow White film raises serious concerns about body image and the messages being sent to young audiences. For more information on topics related to pregnancy and home insemination, consider checking out this excellent resource from the CDC. Additionally, for those interested in fertility journeys, you can explore more at Make A Mom.