There are many items, issues and people being splashed all over newspapers, televsion and magazines in the world today. We are exposed to things such as war, famine, politics, gossip, entertainment and the rich and the famous.

As children, we think of princesses only being in fairy tales, picture books and movies although as we get older we become aware of the royalty that lives amongst us in today's modern world. I myself have never really admired the Royal family apart from Princess Diana, who was a kind and gifted woman who based her life around her family and aiding others who were in need. Of course, her tragic death and failed marriage may have played a part in her popularity, but overall her caring nature and mannerisms inspired many and touched their hearts in a positive way. Even though she was stripped of her title, she was still known as a 'Princess' to many of her admiring fans and follwers due to her good will.

Without the media, we would never really know or hear of the aid work that women such as Princess Diana and our own Princess Mary have done. They are the real life role models for today's people and in no way can compare to the fairy tale versions of princesses (apart from beauty and wealth, and maybe prince charming too).

Princess Mary shows how an ordinary Australian girl can make it in the world and live her own fairy tale life. She worked hard and even with her status now, uses this to work around the world helping people while still looking after her family.

Again, another great example of how to help people in need and share your wealth and status for a good cause. These real people are more of a role model as everything they do, we can see and relate to. We know that there are less fortunate people out there, and children do too. So this is why the media, although careless and inappropriate at the best of times, can be a great way to demonstrate more positive and inspiring role models today. We will still always have the Paris Hilton's and the enhanced blonde barbie dolls, but if we make children aware of the other "princesses" out there, then thats the best we can do- provide the opportunity.

On a more negative note, we have television shows such as the 'Australian Princess' which shows 14 women vying for the crown and competing for the $100,000 prize package. The girls are shown how to primp and preen themselves, as well as having the correct etiquette to win over their prince. No wonder this was a ratings failure. Even throwing in the former butler to Princess Diana, Paul Burrel, along with a British etiquette expert and aunty to Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, Jane Ferguson, does not at all improve the quality of the show. Putting these women through "intriguing" challenges such as tracking down a princess-worthy cocktail outfit and making a ballgown using materials from Spotlight to impress the judges and prince isn't my idea of fun, reminds me of a Disney fairytale really. Children watch these so called "reality" shows more and more and they start to compare their own lives with them, even to the point that they play games based upon the characters. I don't know how many times I've seen my young cousins fighting over who is going to be Princess Jasmine or Cinderella. Where's the "I want to be Joan of Arc!"? That may be wishful thinking.