For generations, Disney has been a cornerstone of childhood entertainment, shaping our understanding of stories and characters. However, its history of predominantly featuring white characters has left many feeling excluded from its magical narratives. This started to change in the 1990s with the introduction of non-white princesses like Pocahontas and Mulan. Finally, in 2009, Disney introduced its first Black princess, Tiana, in The Princess and the Frog. This significant step marked the beginning of a new era of representation in Disney films.
Fast forward to today, and the excitement surrounding the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid has reached new heights, especially with the casting of Halle Bailey as Ariel. As a Black girl who grew up wearing princess costumes that didn’t represent me, I felt a wave of joy seeing a character who reflects girls like me. Soon, countless Black girls will have someone to look up to, highlighting the importance of representation in media.
Last weekend, fans got a glimpse of Bailey as Ariel, complete with her iconic mermaid tail and purple bikini top. The trailer showcased her singing “Part of Your World” and provided a sneak peek into the underwater kingdom Ariel longs to escape. While many celebrated Bailey's portrayal, the trailer also reignited discussions about race and appearance, with some critics insisting that Ariel should resemble her original animated form – pale skin and straight red hair.
The Impact of Representation in Media
The discussions following the trailer's release have sparked debates on who can portray fictional characters, particularly when it comes to beloved tales like The Little Mermaid. Critics highlighted the absurdity of arguing over a character who is, after all, a human-fish hybrid! It’s essential to recognize that representation matters, especially for young Black girls who seldom see themselves in prominent roles.
Recent viral videos showed children, primarily Black girls, reacting joyfully to Bailey's casting. One girl exclaimed, “I think she’s brown,” expressing the happiness that comes from seeing a character who looks like her. These reactions underscore the crucial role media plays in influencing self-esteem and identity among young viewers.
The Historical Context of Race and Representation
Historically, representation in media has been lacking, particularly for Black individuals. Studies conducted in the 1940s by Kenneth and Mamie Clark demonstrated how children's perceptions of race can be influenced by the media they consume. In their experiments, Black children were shown two dolls—one white and one Black—and often attributed positive traits to the white doll while assigning negative traits to the Black one. Such findings reveal how deeply ingrained biases can develop from a young age.
It’s heartbreaking to see how early these negative perceptions can form, leading to feelings of inferiority that can persist into adulthood. However, introducing characters like Halle Bailey's Ariel offers a much-needed shift in this narrative. It shows young Black children that they can also be the heroes of their own stories, challenging the long-standing notion of whiteness as the default.
Looking Forward: The Future of Disney and Representation
When The Little Mermaid hits cinemas next year, it promises to be a celebration of diversity and inclusion. This film is more than a cinematic experience; it’s a moment for families of all backgrounds to enjoy and a chance for Black children to see themselves in roles they can aspire to. Halle Bailey’s portrayal of Ariel doesn’t diminish the original animated version but rather enriches the tapestry of Disney’s storytelling.
As we move towards a more inclusive future, it’s vital for every child to envision heroes of all colors, shapes, and backgrounds. Representation in media is not just beneficial for one demographic; it enriches the experiences of all viewers, fostering empathy and understanding across cultures. For the Black girls who will attend princess parties in the future, knowing that Ariel looks like them makes her story feel much closer than ever before.
