I always think to myself that the original stories should be told as is. It’s been written that way because of so many factors. I like leaving historically relevant details alone because changing them to suit the current social narratives is en vogue just seems like a lot of pandering at the cost of being true to the OG tales. The old stories are mostly out of touch for a reason. Usually because this was how it was according to the setting of the story. Anytime an original story is twisted to appease current ideologies, I feel it is disrespectful to the actual authors that wrote the stories. A lot of times, it looks forced and controversial for the wrong reasons.

Some books and stories aren’t meant to age well. The factual history we have hasn’t aged well either but we do not make changes to them because of all the things that should be altered, history should not be one of them. We are meant to tell them nonetheless to make us face how much we have or haven’t changed in the present and to see if we are on the right track for the future. The thing is, anything I didn’t like in the past, be it from literature or movies, I always took as an opportunity to learn from and teach as was the case for my own mentors when I was growing up. I read the original and sort of morbid Cinderella story, I’ve watched the child friendly Disney one and I’ve seen the live action one with Lily James. My older child has done the same and she always had questions about them. Essentially, the plot of the story remains the same and the moral of the story that some may find boring is the same— good triumphs over evil. Fairytales are often that way no matter how the stories are told and what media they are presented in. These are old fashioned love stories or stories meant to be told to children to teach them lessons of kindness, courage, and love. Outdated romance. These stories were written at a time when hope was needed and escape to storybook fantasies were needed. There were changes in these Cinderella stories I’ve seen but very minimal.  The questions that come from my kids afterwards, these are what I look forward to. I’ve read the Cinderella Complex by Colette Dowling too and I liked that book a lot. I feel like if you want to be modern and analyze or criticize damsels in distress, you should definitely do that— through a different book or story and let people that like the originals enjoy the old stories.

These days, casting is one of the things that have people divided. People who grew up on the original stories have expectations. People who did not and people who have no attachment to the old stories want to change almost everything and sure, their reasons are valid. They want the viewers to relate to it. They want to be inclusive. I’m all for that, sure, but in new beautiful stories please. There’s nothing to stop you from making amazing stories that are new originals. I don’t want my kids to not have questions. I want them to see how it was in the past and wonder why things were the way they were in that setting. I don’t want them to think that what they see from a period piece that has been altered so much was the actual norm back then. I want them to enjoy stories authored by today’s vibrant new writers that faithfully reflect the setting of today.

The sad part of it is that rewriting plots aren’t just being done to simple fairytales anymore. It’s also being done to history and actual facts. Just read about Cleopatra and you’ll see so many opposing views about this historical figure. Even queen Charlotte. This isn’t even restricted to people but even actual events. Rewriting, revisionism of atrocities in the past has fooled so many. People being gaslit of the very history they have lived through.

Remembering the past, honoring the good, and learning from it is important. We do not erase what was there; you etch it in your history and let it guide you in your present and help you shape the future for the better. Remember what was once… see how far you’ve come and aim to make it even better in the future. To remember the past is not to live or dwell in it but to take what we can from it to empower us for today and inspire us for tomorrow. Read the old stories, be inspired to make new ones! We need new stories too!

It is in the lessons learned from our experiences that we discover resilience and strength. Each moment, whether joyous or challenging, adds to the mosaic of our lives, letting us make informed decisions and shaping our identities. As we reflect, we can identify patterns, recognize our growth, and appreciate the journey that has led us to this moment. 

Embracing the past allows us to celebrate our victories and understand our struggles. It encourages empathy, as we acknowledge the paths of others who have walked alongside us. In doing so, we create a shared narrative that fosters connection and community. 

As we move forward, let us carry the wisdom gained from our history. It is not merely a collection of memories; it is a treasure trove of insights that can illuminate our way ahead. Let us strive to build a future where the lessons of yesterday inform our choices, where kindness and understanding prevail, and where we create a world that reflects the best of what we’ve learned. The journey continues, and with each step, we have the power to craft a brighter, more compassionate tomorrow.

You can’t rewrite the past but you can make new stories that reflect growth from it. You can live and be in control of  a better story in the present and start shoring up for a future that you have invested in with your choices today.