Alexandra Weary
Fake Gun, Real Weapon with Wilted Purple Hyacinth:
This image, taken by myself, shows a fake gun with wilted purple hyacinth flowers coming from the “barrel” of it. The barrel itself is, in actuality, a knife. I chose to photograph this specific flower due to the meaning behind it. As the Greek tale has it, the hyacinth flower grew from the blood of Hyakinthos’ fatal head wound, so Apollo named the flower in his honour. Purple hyacinth, specifically, represent sorrow, and wilting flowers symbolise death. Rather than having these flowers come out of the barrel of a gun, whether real or fake, I decided to have them stuck to the end of a blade. Many in favour of the second amendment argue that guns do not kill people, people do. Guns often come into question as to whether they are a fatal weapon or not, but knives never do. This image makes it clear that a weapon is a weapon – and fatal at that.
Abstract:
In the wake of yet another mass shooting, Joe Biden promises that “as President, [he] is going to use all the resources at [his] disposal to keep the American people safe” (@POTUS). This sentiment should sound familiar. Like the Peach Boy in Momotarō trusts all the animals he meets in the woods and Snow White in her story trusts that the strange woman knocking at her door is not going to kill her, American citizens have been taught to trust what their president says, even if they make nothing but empty promises. Fairy tales like these teach that trust is vital to success. Studies done by Wallace, Kaliambou, and Qayyum at the Yale University School of Medicine prove that there is a direct link between the morals in fairy tales and child development. Not only do fairy tales affect how a child grows and learns to think, but according to author and Professor Jack Zipes, “these enchanting, lovable tales are filled with all sorts of power struggles” (“Might Makes Right” 23). Those “power struggles” directly translate into the real world as politicians, thus linking the reasoning behind the thought that children are conditioned to trust politicians through fairy tales. Although there is research behind the connection of fairy tales and child development, politics in fairy tales, and the lies politicians tell, there is little connecting all these findings. I will use my research to link the trust fairy tales like Momotarō and Snow White teach us to have, and the repeated gun violence Colorado allows to occur. Because fairy tales condition children into blind trust, citizens of Colorado have grown to trust empty promises regarding gun control. With close reading and careful rhetoric, the connection between the lessons in Momotarō and Snow White will be obvious and allow Coloradans to understand why so many shootings happen with no real reforms ever taking place, considering many citizens have been conditioned to blindly trust empty promises such as the ones that politicians make about gun control. With this understanding, Coloradans can move past their trust in false hope, allowing America to find a real solution to gun violence and once again have compassion for human lives.
Once Upon a Time –
The themes and occurrences in fairy tales train young minds to trust promises – that is, after all, what a fairy tale is, is it not? A promise of a happy ending. We have grown to accept that promises will be fulfilled, even though in reality this is not often the case. Fairy tales such as Momotarō and the Brothers Grimm’s Snow White have fostered, through examples of trust and promises, the idea that promises are made to be kept. However, recent years have unveiled the truth of the storefront-like cover that promises offer for leaders and politicians. Issues like gun violence continue to occur time and time again because fairy tales like Momotarō and Snow White have trained audiences into believing and trusting that all promises will be fulfilled, when often, promises are used as a ploy and are rather hollow. Because fairy tales have conditioned children into blind trust, citizens of Colorado have grown to trust empty promises of gun control – allowing it to happen repeatedly. In the case of Colorado, gun violence has haunted the state for years, arguably since the shooting that started it all: The Columbine Shooting in 1999.
Colorado has a rich history when it comes to gun violence. The shooting that occurred at Columbine High School has affected the country ever since it happened over 22 years ago. Once that incident “broke the ice,” many other acts of violence continued to happen. Notably the Aurora Theatre Shooting in 2012, Stem School Shooting in 2019, and most recently the Boulder King Soopers Shooting on March 22, 2021. Those are just a few of the shootings that qualified as “mass shootings,” but do not even begin to cover the mass number of shootings that do not meet the qualifications, which are largely undefined (Goodland).
Being from Colorado myself, I have grown to believe that school is a scary place to be, considering that is where most of the shootings happen. At the beginning of each year in high school, I re-drafted my will. Just in case. The first thing I look for in any room are the doorways out of it, should I need to escape. The fear and acceptance that Coloradans have to face on a daily basis is insulting, and yet we continue to live in this haunted reality. After each shooting and gun threat I, along with my fellow Coloradans, turn to our state leaders and government officials for guidance and help. Without fail, we are always met with the same messages of thoughts and prayers and promises to make a change in our state. Do you know how many times I have been told by governments both national and federal that gun control is an issue they will work towards, just in my relatively short lifetime? Even recently, President Biden tweeted that he will “use all the resources in [his] power to keep the American people safe,” but why should any of us believe him (@POTUS)? Why do citizens continue to put trust into empty promises?
Trusting empty promises is not just something that adults do when it comes to politicians, but also something that children are taught from a very young age. For example, in the fairy tale Momotarō, the protagonist, Momotarō, a picture-perfect boy, pops out of a peach and goes on an adventure to get treasure from the Ogre’s island. Along the way, he meets a monkey, pheasant, and a dog. Momotarō’s plan to get the treasure relies entirely on the help of these animals, which he trusts he will have. In exchange for a millet dumpling each, the creatures agree: “I will go with you” (Ozaki 338). Now, if any one of the animals does not keep up their end of the bargain, the entire plan will be foiled and Momotarō will be in serious danger. Luckily, the trust he placed in his new companions was not a mistake and they all make it out rich and alive.
Similarly, in the Brothers Grimm’s Snow White, the princess continues to trust that no harm will come her way. When her evil stepmother comes to her door in a disguise, Snow White tells herself that “[she] can let this good woman in,” even after being warned that the evil queen wanted her dead (Grimm 138). Snow White wrongly trusting in people’s good will and nature happens a total of three times throughout the story, all ending with the princess being in grave danger and barely saved. Here, Snow White’s trust is seen as “dear” rather than foolish (140).
These tales and their rhetoric are two examples of fairy tales showing that trust leads to success, whether that success be treasure from ogres or true love and a happy life. Many tales have taught children this moral for years, and growing up with that belief and understanding will alter the way a child behaves and views the world. In this case, people have grown to place their trust into promises simply because they were shown in fairy tales that trust leads to success. Because fairy tales have conditioned children into blind trust, citizens of Colorado have grown to trust empty promises regarding gun control, allowing the issue to repeat itself. With countless political promises, power dynamics and trust in fairy tales greatly affecting child development, it makes sense that people tend to believe what politicians say.
Wish Upon a Star: Political Promises –
Although it is widely assumed and accepted that politicians lie, there is even a way to prove these theories. Influential leaders do lie, and their lies are what lead citizens into a false hope and allow gun violence to repeat itself. Hélène Laurent with the University of Namur completed multiple studies on politicians and how much they lie. Using information from the CIA World Factbook and Transparency International, she developed a variable labeled “corruption perception index,” in order to prove that not only do politicians lie, but they do more so under specific circumstances (Laurent 72). Her data show that term length is “positively associated with corruption,” proving that the longer a politician serves, the more corrupt they become (85). There is scientifically proven evidence that politicians lie, yet citizens still look to them for answers and promises. At the end of the day, people want hope.
Lying, for politicians, is “a rational response to the peculiar incentives faced by [them,]” according to Davis and Ferrantino with the Southern Methodist University (Davis and Ferrantino 12). They created graphs that showed a positive trend between lies and a politician’s chance of winning, even furthering the idea that to succeed as a politician, lies and exaggerations must take part. These trends and facts may just seem like statistics on paper, but real-life examples highlight just how damaging these lies are.
For instance, Colorado and its city Boulder intended to pass a law that would promise stricter gun regulation, specifically regarding assault weapons. The city was thrilled to be in the hands of safety, but they later faced a devastating mass shooting dubbed The Boulder King Soopers shooting. The shooting was able to happen because “ten days before the shooting, a Colorado judge struck down Boulder’s ban on assault weapons” (“Before the Boulder Massacre”). After the shooting, residents were met with tweets from President Joe Biden and their Congressman, Joe Neguse, who both gave similar messages of being “heartbroken for our community tonight” and updates of “praying for the families who lost their loved ones” (@JoeNeguse). These were among the same people and politicians who promised to have the ban on assault weapons put in place but failed. Congressman Neguse even appeared on a radio show the next day where he claimed he planned to “push for common-sense gun violence reform at the federal level” (Shapiro). There should be no reason for citizens to believe this promise, especially after the state’s failure to act before the devastation. There is a trend in Colorado of “more attention focused on gun safety” only after a shooting, but then “it somehow fades” (“Before the Boulder Massacre”). So, if the state follows its pattern again, the sorrow and promises will once again mean nothing.
While the attention is still on gun safety in Colorado, Governor Jared Polis has been hard at work to make his citizens feel safe. Well, at least he has been giving the people the impression of safety. Polis has signed two laws. One “requires safe storage of guns in households with minors,” and the other “requires owners to report when their weapons are lost or stolen” (Goodland). While it is true that these laws are a great step in the right direction, they are not enough. The Boulder King Soopers Shooting still could have occurred if these laws were in place. In this way, Governor Polis is lying and giving Coloradans a false sense of security. Sure, he has signed two bills into law, but they are not going to truly affect the mass amount of gun violence that the state faces. Additionally, studies done by Lott and Whitley with the American Enterprise Institute in the University of Adelaide show that “safe-storage gun laws” like the one Polis signed actually “increase violent and property crimes” (Lott and Whitley). Again, what Polis is doing is certainly a good gesture and proof that he is listening to the citizens, but not enough is being done. Coloradans are once again falling into the belief that they are going to be protected when that is simply not true.
Kings, Queens, and Fairy Godmothers: Trust and Power Dynamics in Fairy Tales –
There is proof and logic behind the fact that politicians lie, so why do citizens still trust them? The answer may come from an unexpected place. Trust in those with prominent power is not only present in real life, but also in the fairy tales we learn our morals from. Fairy tales that children grow up hearing often include power dynamics that mimic the real world. Additionally, many fairy tales such as Snow White and Momotarō preach the moral that trust leads to success – especially when that trust is placed in those with higher power.
Renowned author and professor at Columbia University, Jack Zipes, claims that “we have never known a time without lies, propaganda, and conflicts,” even when it comes to fairy tales (“Speaking the Truth” 243). In a different book of his, he states that “these enchanting, lovable tales are filled with all sorts of power struggles” (“Might Makes Right” 23). Fairy tales often use power dynamics to their advantage, and as the children who read these stories have grown older, they reflect that into reality. An example of strong power dynamics in a fairy tale is in the Grimm’s Snow White, where authority plays a major role in the progression of the story. The mirror that the Queen talks to has power in it’s influence over the Queen and her actions. Plus, the Queen always puts her trust in it, for she believes that “the mirror always [speaks] the truth” (Grimm 135). Later, the Queen herself is at the head of a power dynamic between her and the huntsman, who she orders to do immoral things, such as kill an innocent little girl. The huntsman nearly does as he is told, for she is the Queen, and he is not (136). Even when the Queen does not appear to be the Queen, she holds power over Snow White. She disguises herself as an elderly woman, and, due to her status in age, Snow White trusts her because the Queen is, again, of a higher status than her (138). There are multiple points in this tale where power dynamics are used and the power in them is abused in order to gain trust. This relates to the real world as Coloradans trusting their politicians.
Snow White is not the only tale that gives examples of those in power abusing it. Momotarō, as told by Yei Ozaki, describes Momotarō as “finer and stronger than ever” and “the stoutest and bravest boy of all that country-side” (Ozaki 337). His bravery and good looks give him power and cause everyone who meets him to believe him to be the most powerful and accomplished hero. He places trust in the animals he comes across in his journey, and they place just as much trust in him in return. For Momotarō, there are not only examples of power dynamics within the story, but also examples of the character playing a role in reality. Momotarō is already deeply connected to politics and propaganda. Momotarō as a character was used all around Japan during the war years throughout the 1930s and 40s. Momotarō, a Japanese man, is always seen overcoming a “seemingly superior enemy” which was often represented as the American and English (Antoni 162). Klaus Antoni, of the University of Hamburg, not only gives a deeper understanding of Momotarō through connecting and researching Japanese wartime propaganda, but also makes the connection between a fairy tale and a government irresistibly clear.
Petals Off the Rose: Fairy Tales and Child Development –
Sure, fairy tales and real politicians seem to reflect onto one another, but who is to say that the reason mass shootings continue to happen in Colorado is because of fairy tales? Well, fairy tales greatly affect child development, which helps form the beliefs that the child will grow to have. Many fairy tales display their characters gaining success due to their trust in those with power, which has translated to adults trusting their leaders. However, considering leaders and politicians lie, that trust does not find a stable home. Proving that fairy tales are essential to development and learning morals strengthens the argument that fairy tales affect how people behave and view the world even in adult life. Having this proof allows for the connection between the effect of fairy tales and how that leads to implicit trust in politicians.
A study done at the Yale University School of Medicine done by Wallace, Kaliambou, and Qayyum show that fairy tales “[provide] a glimpse into the fears and fantasies central to development” in children (Wallace et al. 118). They believe that fairy tales and their morals so strongly affect how a child grows that fairy tales should be included in psychiatry training (118). David Lewin with the University of Strathclyde agrees that fairy tales play a major role in how a child develops. In fact, he argues that many fairy tales are too horrific and thus scaring for children (Lewin 213). Fairy tales affect growth so much that some, like Lewin, are afraid that they can negatively alter a child’s perception of the universe forever. Both of these studies prove that fairy tales alter how children develop and learn to understand. Since fairy tales like Momotarō and Snow White display success coming from trust, it makes sense that citizens in Colorado have grown to trust their politicians’ claims of gun reform time and time again.
Moral –
Citizens of Colorado have grown to trust empty promises of gun control because fairy tales have conditioned children into blind trust. Politicians lie – it is even beneficial for them to do so – and people believe them. People believe them, however, because they have grown up reading tales of Momotarō and Snow White who gain success from their trust. This constant display of trust in superiors in fairy tales has altered the way that children grow and develop to the point where Coloradans believe the real fairy tale: even after all this time and devastation, that their state leaders will truly do something to protect them.
Works Cited
Antoni, Klaus. “Momotarō (The Peach Boy) and the Spirit of Japan: Concerning the Function of a Fairy Tale in Japanese Nationalism of the Early Shōwa Age.” Asian Folklore Studies, vol. 50, no. 1, 1991, pp. 155–188., doi:10.2307/1178189.
“Before the Boulder Massacre, Multiple Mass Shootings in Colorado Have Led to Only Modest Changes in Its Gun Laws.” Business Insider, Newxtex LLC, Mar. 2021, go-gale-com.electra.lmu.edu/ps/i.do?p=STND&u=loym48904&id=GALE%7CA656131279&v=2.1&it=r&sid=STND&asid=2b94bb12.
Biden, Joe (@POTUS). “There is a great deal we do not know about the killer, his motivation, and other critical aspects about this shooting, but know this: as president, I will use all the resources at my disposal to keep the American people safe.” March 23, 2021, 11:32. Tweet.
Davis, Michael L., and Michael Ferrantino. “Towards a Positive Theory of Political Rhetoric: Why Do Politicians Lie?” Public Choice, vol. 88, no. 1-2, 1996, pp. 1–13., doi:10.1007/bf00130405.
Goodland, Marianne. “Gov. Jared Polis Signs Gun Control Measures into Law.” 9News, 19 Apr. 2021, www.9news.com/article/news/local/next/colorado-gun-control-measures/73-860590d8-e58a-4429-b9c8-66d746f8f9dc.
Grimm, Jacob, and Wilhelm Grimm. “Snow White.” The Classic Fairy Tales, Maria Tatar, Second Edition, p.p. 134-141. Norton Critical Editions, 2017, New York.
“Joe Neguse.” Congress.gov, 2021, www.congress.gov/member/joe-neguse/N000191?searchResultViewType=expanded.
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Lewin, David. “Between Horror and Boredom: Fairy Tales and Moral Education.” Ethics and Education, vol. 15, no. 2, 2020, pp. 213–231., doi:10.1080/17449642.2020.1731107.
Lott, John R., and John E. Whitley. “Safe‐Storage Gun Laws: Accidental Deaths, Suicides, and Crime.” The Journal of Law and Economics, vol. 44, ser. 2, Oct. 2001. 2, doi:10.1086/338346.
“Meaning & Symbolism of Hyacinth.” Teleflora, 2020, www.teleflora.com/meaning-of-flowers/hyacinth?promotion=MAYWELCOME10.
Neguse, Joe (@JoeNeguse). “Andrea and I are heartbroken for our community tonight, and we are praying for the families who lost their loved ones today in #Boulder. While there’s much we don’t know, one thing is clear – we need #gunreformnow. Congress must act.” March 22, 2021, 20:01. Tweet.
Ozaki, Yei Theodora. “Momotarō.” The Classic Fairy Tales, Maria Tatar, Second Edition, p.p. 336-340. Norton Critical Editions, 2017, New York.
Shapiro, Ari. “Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse Speaks About the Shooting in His District.” All Things Considered, performance by Joe Neguse, National Public Radio, 23 Mar. 2021.
Wallace, Ryan, et al. “Fairy Tales and Psychiatry: a Psychiatry Residency’s Experience Using Fairy Tales and Related Literary Forms to Highlight Theoretical and Clinical Concepts in Childhood Development.” Academic Psychiatry, vol. 43, no. 1, 28 Aug. 2018, pp. 114–118., doi:10.1007/s40596-018-0968-5.
Weary, Alexandra N. “Fake Gun, Real Weapon with Wilted Purple Hyacinth.” 2021. JPEG file.
Zipes, Jack. “Might Makes Right: The Politics of Folk and Fairy Tales.” Breaking the Magic Spell, by Jack Zipes, Lexington: University Press of Kentucky, 2002, pp. 23–46.
Zipes, Jack. “Speaking the Truth with Folk and Fairy Tales: The Power of the Powerless.” The Journal of American Folklore, vol. 132, no. 525, 2019, pp. 243–253., doi:10.5406/jamerfolk.132.525.0243.
