Barrie's original Peter Pan story differs greatly from any adaptation. The portrayal of gender roles is old-fashioned and there are some instances of xenophobia, particularly towards Native Americans. Peter Pan himself is not the charming character portrayed in popular culture. He is morally ambiguous and does not shy away from violence against pirates or Lost Boys. In fact, he can be quite unpleasant, selfish, and even whiny at times. However, the underlying message is that children can be ruthless – which is why they need to grow up. Despite these issues, the story remains a classic with enchanting elements such as mermaids and pixies. But be warned, some of these characters may not be as innocent as they seem.