MENNJ princess

A MENNJ princess is a term used in Laeral referring to a stereotypical young woman of the MENNJ region of the Laeralian Riverlands. Stereotypically headstrong, emotional, ambitious, and independent, the MENNJ princess is an archetype common in representations of women from this region.

History

The Riverlands region of Laeral, comprising the broad central plains around the Zhongshui River, has historically been the wealthiest and most populous region of the country. The MENNJ region consists of five provinces (Meilun, Enara, Nanhai, Neidong, and Jinhua) of the central and western Riverlands; the term originated with the Land Tenure Act of 1888, which opened up these five provinces for widespread Arrivée settlement, but the term MENNJ did not enter mainstream use beyond academic and government circles until the late 20th century.

During the 1970s, the MENNJ region, which had benefitted from proximity to transportation networks and had avoided widespread destruction during the Great War, blossomed economically to become the fastest-growing region in Laeral. Emerging as a manufacturing hub, the MENNJ provinces grew dramatically in population and in cultural import, leading to the emergence of a MENNJ culture in opposition to the established cultural hubs of Laeralsford and the Albarine provinces. The MENNJ region, particularly its unofficial capital of Hanshui, developed a thriving nightclub scene; the first uses of the term MENNJ princess in print and television refer to the MENNJ princess as a fixture of nightlife at the region's dance clubs and karaoke parlors. The term gained wide currency through its use in television and film during the 1980s and 90s, particularly as many prominent Laeralian film studios (the "Five Giants") are located in the MENNJ region. The "MENNJ princess" has continued to remain in wide use through the emergence of the fashion/personal beauty aesthetic,

Characteristics

The stereotypical MENNJ princess is most defined by her independence and strong will, in contrast to traditional notions of femininity. Seen as world-wise and outgoing, the MENNJ princess is comfortable around men as well as women, and fond of parties and dancing. Fondness for handball and equestrian pursuits, particularly at the family's village of origin in a neighboring province, is also a component of the stereotype. The MENNJ princess is seen as rejecting of domestic life and professional employment alike and disinterested in politics, preferring to live for the moment. The stereotypical MENNJ princess can also be seen pejoratively, as frivolous and difficult to get along with.

The MENNJ princeling, a male equivalent to the MENNJ princess, is less common. Sometimes pejoratively used to imply irresponsibility or hot-headedness, the MENNJ princeling is seen as similarly willful and talkative, and enamored of fast cars (while his female counterpart prefers horseback riding).

Impact

The MENNJ princess aesthetic is popular in the fashion world and on social media. Its defining characteristics are the prominent use of eyeshadow, glitter, and bold lipstick as attention-catching cosmetics, as well as the use of traditionally masculine and feminine clothing together, particularly materials such as denim, faux fur, and synthetic fabrics.

The MENNJ princess has been noted by scholars of race and gender as among the first non-racialized Laeralian stereotypes; representations of the MENNJ princess as Rén, Arrivée, and Metice are common since the archetype first emerged.