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"The Princess and the Frog" is finally getting its dayAbout a year ago, Sarah wrote about Disney's plan to introduce its first black princess in the animated fairy tale The Princess and the Frog.
The story has literally been back to the drawing board several times since its conception, due to allegations of racism. Disney executives are right to heed the outcries: Their overtly animated racism dates back to the 1940s. The lead bird in 1941's Dumbo was named Jim Crow, and sang: "I'd be done see'n about everything/when I see an elephant fly!" The Siamese Twin cats from Lady and the Tramp were only a slight step above the portrayal of the Japanese in American propaganda during World War II. The Merchant from Aladdin called his Middle Eastern homeland a place "where they cut off your ear if they don't like your face." And I don't even want to talk about King Louie, the African-American voiced monkey from The Jungle Book.
In the original storyboard for The Princess and the Frog, the princess was to be called Maddy, and her character was subservient to a spoiled, white Southern debutante. Critics said the echoes of slavery were too close to home, and that Maddy sounded way too much like "Mammy." The heroine was finally reborn as Tiana. She lives in the French Quarter during the Jazz Age, and will apparently live happily ever after with a man of Middle-Eastern descent. Tiana is voiced by Dreamgirls Anika Noni Rose. The movie isn't slated for release until Christmas 2009, so the animators have a lot of time left to work. After Disney's marred racial past, it would be really nice if they could get this one right. Here's the first look at Disney's first black princess. What do you think? Submitted by on August 1, 2008 - 9:00am. |
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News, Reviews & Commentary on Lesbian and Bisexual women in Entertainment and the Media
A Black Disney Heroine
I wonder what made take this route? Anyway, for children of African descent it may be good for them to see someone of their racial background in a disney as the main star. Personally, I don't care for princess movies or tales. I deem them as sexiest. As a child,the oldest of all of my grandma's grandchildren. I took away one of younger my cousins books b/c I saw it as sexiset fairytale. If you want little girls to have more a positive influence please direct them to the book by Jane Yolen called Fearless Girls, Wise Women & Beloved Sisters:Heroines in Folktale from around the world. One of the best books I've ever read about young womyn who aren't waiting for prince charming. It has several stories portraying womyn more of a positive light.
I can't really bash Disney for this. It's like the first commenter summed up. Whatever.
You took away a child's
King Louis
And I don't even want to talk about King Louie,
the African-American voiced monkey from The
Jungle Book
Oh dear, how soon they forget. Actually, King Louie wasn't voiced by an African-American. He was voiced by - and directly
based on - the Italian-American musician Louis Prima,
who was known as 'The King of the Swingers'. There was
a fascinating documentary on Prima on TV over here a
few months back by one of his biggest fans, black
comedian Lenny Henry.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Prima
Here he is performing:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PifyOs1tjy4
Good information!
Louis Prima and Keely Smith.
I love their music! My parents listened to them and thus so did I.
Regarding this story...I wish Disney could get away from tales about princesses, in general. But when this one comes out, maybe the tale itself will overcome the title.
The Princess and the Frog..
I am so excited! I cannot wait to see it!! YAY! Thanks for having an article about the movie.
*NOTE: I had posted the trailer on AE under movies' topic yesterday.
Disney Kid
I'm really excited that they are finally getting with the times and having a black princess/heroine and I really hope that the animation and story line is genuine and high quality. I'm 25 years old and I know I will be there opening day in 2009 to see the movie. I really hope they don't disappoint.Thanks SD for the article!
Not Black, but Creole/Biracial/Mixed
This princess is not Black. She's of mixed heritage and has mixed features.
This reminds me of people describing Halle Berry as the most beautiful Black woman.... It leaves me thinking ---wouldn't one have to be a Black woman first in order to qualify as thee most beautiful Black woman??? Things that make you go hmmm?
Maybe being Black is a state of mind ...as opposed to actual heritage.
Soon Black girls can grow up not only wanting to be damsels in distress, but also wanting to have blended features. Spread the good news!
Maybe it's my cynicism...
At this point I do not expect much with it comes to cultural/racial progressiveness of such a cultural institution as the disney corporation or any part of the world [Europe and Brazil and Mexico who claim of "no racial issues" bah!], it's an illusion to make myself/themselves sleep better at night. I have really low expectations for the general American public to understand the complexities of being "other''.
I'm looking at this through a anthropological perspective and my understanding of being black does not completely encompass some abrbitrary phenotype other than being a few shades darker than everyone else, at least in this country [U.S.]. Features are tricky because where does one end and the other begin, look at Africa, features are so diverse there and they are grouped by reigion than a phenotype that is in the area [Ethiopia vs. Congo]. Asia is another example of this grouping by region so, ethnicity becomes more relevant.
I think culture and social economic background are more revelent than how "black" is the protagonist, in 2008. I find this fitting because since man looked and wonder what was over the horizon you can't really say to a degree how *insert race/ethnicity* a person is. How many black women can relate to Condelezza Rice? It's not enough to be "black" looks wise because it is so complicated. The common thread is this thing called history and that is not enough these days, especially with blacks from Carribean and Africa who have a different history/cultural background. Heck Middle-Class blacks are rarely seen on tv you think they only exist in the fictional world of the Cobsy show. So when you see blacks in a context of a show like "The Wire" you wonder and understand the paronia that Bill O'Reily has with the young black youth and rap, and millions share this view point. This leads me to the conclusion that people are dense/ignorant and I don't expect much from this people. Even the comments I seen on this site makes me wonder: why do I expect SOOOOO much from these people!?! and by much is not a lot, it's just ignorance being amped by notch '11'.
As for Halle Berry it goes to show the limited racial categories that stifles Americans of mixed ethnic and racial heritage. It shows that attitude of the majority American of not excepting people of mixed heritage if they don't look the part. Things have changed but it's still pathetic on their part.
It's important that narratives of bi-racial/ethnic people are shown, it's one reason I like the character of Bette Porter from the L-word she *kinda* shows that narrative, to assume otherwise is just ignorant and it's something people are too comfy with.
For disney this is a defining moment either way, I personally felt this was since Mulan heck, Aladdin for non-white protagonists. Variety is always good maybe JUST maybe they might feature a LBGT character in the distant future of a classic fairy tale where prince charming is a female. I expect this when dead, though :(
So it's relevent to the LBGT if you make it so. I have a soft spot for Ariel, I think it's the daddy issues :/ lol
Long post but I have said my part!
Halle Berry
Wow....your ignorance is prophetic in its proportions. So a person of mixed descent can not identify as black? Or better yet, should not identify as black? Does she (or me for that matter) not share the same racism? Do we not share the same heritage of enslavement and discrimination. Last I checked race is not based on the "lightness" of your skin. You sound like a Jim Crow fact checker determining race based on arbitrary definitions. You have become what you purport to hate. A racist.
Case in point above....
too add some additonal points:
Halle Berry can and has ideniftied herself as black and I have no problem with it. I figured the "one drop-rule" applies here which I find one of legacies of Jim Crow that exist today. As I said before I am looking at it from a anthropological veiwpoint, granted in crude manner, but none the less my point I hoped to get across was that culture was more important on being black than "how black" you look. How race even began in existance was to classify people on certain phenotypes that exist genetically and influences of the environment and not some common history. History and culture comes later in the applications of race but to me I see that as more of describing ethnicity.
I would like for bi-racial people to be able to have a narrative of their own if they choose to, instead of having to pick sides of whatever racial make-up the have in the future. For Halle Berry to idenitify as black is fine, just on what grounds? Is it solely racial or culturally? Jennifer Beals is another example of this stifling binary where if a person "didn't know better" she could pass for white. A part of her carrer was built on being able to pass to a certain extent until the Ebony or Essence Magazine about her black father and then the roles stopped coming in. My point is that bi-racial people go through something unique and I think their racial attitudes should reflect that in movies or what have you. If they choose to solely idenitify on one race fine, just that not all of them do.
Toodles!
Assumptions, Assumptions, Assumptions
Peej,
1. I am not particularly moved by your name calling.
2. You yourself said it ---a person of mixed descent identifying as black??? Doesn't quite add up. I guess purple can call itself blue and ignore it's red admixture.
3. The last time I checked being black was not about having experienced racism. Arabs experience racism in the US. Does that mean that Arabs should now identify themselves as black ???
4. I am African. "We" do not share the same heritage of enslavement. My ancestors were not enslaved. There is a history lesson for you!
5. The last time I checked race was based on the "lightness" of one's skin, among other things, otherwise know as pigmentation.
6. I do not base anything on arbitrary definitions. A race is "a: a family, tribe, people, or nation belonging to the same stock b: a class or kind of people unified by shared interests, habits, or characteristics" etc, etc. (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary)
I think even you would agree that half of Halle Berry's "stock", her mother, is not black. A chicken cannot give birth to a fish!
If you take Halle Berry and put her among the people of any nation on the west coast of Africa (where the ancestors of black Americans come from) she would stand out like a fly in milk. Where are the shared characteristics???
If Halle Berry were to go to most parts of (Sub-Saharan) Africa, she'd be called European/White/Mixed. In Europe she'd be Mixed.
I really do not know this Jim Crow dude you speak of. :o)
7. Where in my post did I 'purport' to hate anyone??? Assumption. I don't hate racists. That's too simple, and a waste of my time and energy. I believe, hate the sin, not the sinner.
It seems to me that you are of mixed heritage and took my post personally and you think that I am trying to exclude you from the "Negro club." You should be privy to know that I am not the gate keeper and this club does not really exist.
Halle Berry
All I have to say is that the civil rights movement didn't happen in one day and Disney is not going to change the world with one film. But if we aren't progressing then we are either standing still or falling backwards, and I think we should all be happy that Disney is at least taking steps (however small) to represent minorities (black, brown, purple, mixed race, or tangerine!) in positive roles in their movies. It's so trivial to criticize 'how black' the character looks, the important factor is that mainstream America will see this movie, they will see a person of color as the star, and they will accept her in an industry with so few minorities in leading roles. As for the comments about Halle Berry, I have no clue what planet she could visit where she would be seen as a white woman. She and myself are basically the same skin color even though both of my parents are black, I'm often mistaken for bi-racial, and I find it personally insulting that I would be regarded as anything but who I am. Being black is not about the exact amount of pigment in your skin, and I hate the fact that black people will still discriminate against each other for that. If I went to the west coast of Africa of course I'd stick out like a fly in milk as well! But that doesn't make me any less black. To think that anyone would proclaim Halle Berry is the most beautiful 'mixed race' woman is ridiculous. Mixed race people of all races would crawl out of the woodwork screaming. Some people thought Jennifer Beals was a white woman, you didn't see white people in uproar yelling blasphemy. Whatever happened to being inclusive? Isn't that why we're all here in the first place?? Purple call itself blue? A chicken give birth to a fish? What's next? You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it Black? Come on...
*steps down from the soap box*
Congratulations Disney and Anika Noni Rose!
smithsayswhat.blogspot.comAnd the truth shall set you free...
The only thing I have to
The only thing I have to put into this is that I, a bi-racial female, was told I had to mark my race as black at the DMV, despite my mother being white. If that doesn't put me in the same grouping as a "real" back person, than I don't know what should, since I can tell you just about 0% of Americans are 100% anything. Race is just what people percieve you as, and if people look at me and see a black person, then that's what I am. I don't need to worry about labeling myself for my own purposes because I don't give a shit.
So yes, looks like chickens can give birth to fish?
what??
how is this releavent to lgbt issues??
i think its great disney can see potenial profits in becoming culturally diverse.
but how does this affect lgbt issues??
The blog covers general pop culture topics
While the articles on AfterEllen.com are all strictly about lesbian/bi women/characters/shows etc., the AfterEllen.com blog is designed to cover more general pop culture topics (through a queer female lens).
This is for a couple reasons: 1) there isn't enough actual lesbian entertainment news to do multiple blog posts a day; and 2) most of us are interested in other types of entertainment and pop culture news, and enjoy discussing it and looking at it from a lesbian/bisexual point of view, especially since lesbian/bi voices don't get heard very many places.
I agree...
I love the diversity of
HMM
It's great to see a black princess in the Disney franchise. They need to change the voice and look of that flying insect though.
and
Here we go away with the bitching and complaining.
We all know posts like this don't end well.
nitpick nitpick
Critics said the echoes of slavery were too close to home, and that Maddy sounded way too much like "Mammy."
Mammy? Come ON. People's shoulders must be killing them with all the reaching that is going on in that sentence. I think it is safe to say that the creators at Disney had no intention of racism. You cannot compare the attitude of the 1940s to today.
Also, the crows in Dumbo may have been given stereotypical mannerisms, but their characters become critical motivators and a positive influence for Dumbo. They're not the bad guys. I can't bring myself to hate their portrayal because their number has some of the most gorgeous animation in Disney history.
As a 2D (Flash) animator, I'm beyond thrilled Disney is resurrecting their 2D department. I work with an ex-Disney animator and pick at him for stories every day. Some good. Some bad. I wish they could pick a new formula, but I understand them relaunching with what the studio is known for. And as for their films being sexist and demeaning - it's only what YOU make it to be. I honestly lived through these films and grew up with nothing but love for the characters, female and all, and I was never under the impression that the female characters were bad role models. For me, it was the success of the hero/heroine making their dreams come true. How is that so terrible?
I think it's nothing but a good thing to have this character come to life. It's why I loved the variety that came out of the Florida branch of Disney. We got a more active heroine in Mulan that didn't revolve around a prince, and full-figured, dysfunctional women in crazy Chis Sanders' Lilo & Stitch. I need to research the creative team behind this one so I can wager the kind of film it will be.
Long live 2D animation!
FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!
I heard about this awhile back! I'm SO excited! My little sister will have an oportunity to go to the theatre and look up at the big screen to see a real DISNEY princess that looks just like her. I never had that growing up. This is AWESOME!!!!
"Pessimism of the intellect must be accompanied by optimism of the will."
Angela Davis
I'm just happy
that they're doing more flat animation! Last I heard, that was done for good.
I know, I know. It's important to pay attention to what this kind of entertainment is saying to us, both explicitly and implicitly. Disney is well-known for creating all kinds of problems, especially among young girls trying to live up to slightly insane ideals of all sorts (have you ever compared the waistlines of the animations to their theme-park counterparts, played by--still skinny but-- real women? Sleeping Beauty is the best). We have come a (slow) long way from Snow White (uh, who is really, literally white), but for sure all the irrational portrayals are not done with. So, yes. I know there are issues. But I can't help it: I love flat animation. Yay!
Aladdin
umm
call me stupid, but as much as i wanted to hate Disney, i really couldnt. i grew up watching it and enjoying it, and falling in love with many of its creations. i cant bring myself to look at all the negative points that everyone keeps pointing out.
as a middle eastern, im quite interested to know the lyrics that have been changed in the Aladdin soundtrack to make it less offensive, can someone please tell me what it was?
Aladdin lyrics
You can read about the changes in the lyrics here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aladdin_(film)#.22Arabian_Nights.22_lyrics
Cherry / Torchwood_Operative
Everyone should have the right to say "yes", and the right to say "no". Marriage should be based on love and relationships that work, not tradition
Happy
I'm just happy there's gonna be a new 'classic' Disney movie, like they used to. Thanks for posting this article, I love Disney :D
~We don't need sleep to be dreamers
That toothless lightening bug...
the firefly really needs to
Yey!
Umm...
Disney
Though I think disney can overreact on some things, this movie looks rather cute. I'm a big Disney Classics fan, and usually don't go to the new ones, but this one looks really good. I am going to watch this one.
* * * * * * * * * *
MUSICPLAYER
Music is like therapy,
only cheaper
Disney Drama = Distraction
I am "Creole" so I am glad to be represented in this film. When forced by paperwork I write Black or American/mixed descent. I cannot call myself African/French/Or Indian, even though I am all of these. I have not experienced/grown up with any of these cultures. I AM AMERICAN, and hope to just check that box someday. More importantly I hope to NOT mark "Lesbian", which I cannot "be" or "announce" in many parts of my own country! I hope to just be...free to love, live and BE safe. I cannot feel concerned, nor can I see anyone being concerned with belonging to any "category" when our basic human rights are violated on a daily basis. Lets worry about human decency, and respect now, and figure out all the little bits later.
Love
Can't wait for the day
Disney's 1st lesbian princess/heroine?
well... one can always dream.. c'mon disney! you should let me direct!
Story: Multi-talented lesbian princess is undertaking a quest to save her kingdom from eeevil.
While fighting eeevil, princess meets kingdom's notorious bandit chief who also happens to be devilishly charming, not all that bad and, needless to say, a girl.
Obviously they fall in love and get together to defeat eeevil... and i'll try to throw power suits and cats into it some how.
Nice? maybe someone will sponsor me wahaha
sounds familiar...
Sony Pictures is for big people
Children's movie. CHILDREN. Little ten year olds have no idea what could be wrong with her name by Maddy or why the movie can't be called The Frog Princess. Children, who are whom this movie is for do not have a racial agenda. They will watch the movie and think "look sparkley magic!" or "look shiny tiara!" or "look a prince saved her!" A eight year old is not going to go "Maddy is a slave name!"
So all the people gnashing their teeth and yelling about this movie need to stop trying to ruin something that is not even targetted at their age group. My seven year old sister watched the trailer and said "Her dress is pretty." And that was the extent of her excitement over Tiana's appearance.
Wait a minute ...
Give it another 100 years
Cuteness
I love how they have gone back to the "old fashioned" method. I'm a lover of the classics and hoped they return - bullseye. I hope it's a success in many ways. They have come along way since 1940!
As a kid, I never saw any of the racist meanings or bad hidden messages when watching disney classics and I'd be surprised if you did to at that age. After how many years of classics I like to think I've turned out ok - I respect, love, enjoy, embrace others no matter what colour/religion/background and smile:- we are the same, human beings.
I don't think the little ones are going to watch it then have a discussion about "how black" she is...more on if they liked the character (or dresses!). I agree that this is aimed at the young uns, let them just see the magic and the fun (and even the morals that usually come out of it) - and let yourself do the same. See it with the innocence that you watched the classics with, sing those catchy tunes, see animals talk and admire the animation - - it's nicer to watch than the news, which is full of violence, under acheiving, death, hatred and doom...don't you think? See it with the eyes before you knew about racism, sexism, differences, equality. They're only young, let them enjoy the magic. It's more than just animation that will shape a young person's attitude to others.
Here's to the return of the classics!
-------
"Happiness is only real when shared"
“The core of mans’ spirit comes from new experiences.”
- Chris J McCandless
good to see a black princess
At least its bring visability to the world, if nothing else,
i grew up on disney movies and am Indian, I never noticed the racism but then again who would at that age. But I did notice how all the princesses needed help from charming princes and their life wasnt complete until they had a man, so as a child i knew what sexism was... lol
balance and perservance
Yey another Princess!!