Tinker Bell: what we can learn from this fairy

For generations, kids have been entertained and delighted by a little elf fairy who leaves a glowing trail in her wake, Tinker Bell. Disney’s unofficial mascot has finally made a comeback with the release of two animated films that have given it a voice other than the ringing of bells. Now that you have something to say, will little Tinkerbell be a good influence on my little one?

Who does he think he is?

A fictional character created by British playwright Sir James M. Barrie for his 1904 play and 1911 novel Peter and Wendy, she was described as “an ordinary fairy” who fixed pots and kettles; hence the name Tinker Bell comes from the idea that she was a real tinker. In early plays, she was represented by a ray of light, and instead of speaking, her voice was the sound of tinkling bells. But the first real picture of Tinker Bell came from Disney’s 1953 Peter Pan animated film, although she did not have any dialogue in this film. In later film adaptations of the Peter Pan story, Tinker Bell has been known to speak, but now, with her own films, she is ready to take center stage.

She’s not perfect … but she’s alright

The original Tinkerbell was prone to extreme moods because it was explained that fairies could only hold one emotion at a time in their tiny bodies. Thus, she couldn’t feel sympathy at the same time that she was angry, which would make her mean from time to time, even though she was mostly friendly and helpful. In her new movies, Tinker Bell stays true to this, she can be grumpy and impatient and this gets her in trouble. What makes her a good influence anyway is the fact that she learns from her behavior and comes to understand the value of her friendships.

In the first movie, our favorite fairy tries so hard to learn to do more than just be a coppersmith, because she desperately wants to visit the mainland in the spring. So he tries very hard to learn how to do other things, like light fireflies or teach little birds to fly, but fails at these other tasks. Also, one of his attempts is sabotaged by a jealous fairy. In the end, it is his ability to play that saves the day and he realizes the value of embracing his own special talent.

In the latest release, Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure, she is involved in a mishap that results in breaking a special moonstone that is supposed to help replenish the supply of pixie dust in Pixie Hollow. She blames her friend for the mishap and is quick to try to find a way to fix the problem. In the end, she realizes that blaming others and hurting her friend’s feelings was wrong.

Yeah we should clap for this fairy

In the original telling of the Peter Pan story, we encourage applause if we believe in fairies. While Little Tinker Bell is not perfect, her modern animated version has many great qualities that promote kindness and good self-esteem. So despite her beginnings as a tiny, squeaky, sexually suggestive imp, Tinker Bell today is a character that’s okay for my daughter to look up to. (Or is it belittling?)