Disney’s First Black Princess Movie Ideas Leads To Race Issues

[The Straight Story]

Disney’s First Black Princess Movie Ideas Leads To Race Issues


The Frog Princess

Funny, there’s a good supply of information about us in the USA from the U.K. Apparently Disney is finally coming out with an African-American animated princess film. For those who tried to keep buying the Princess Jasmine dolls because she was the darkest and most multi-cultural looking, there is hope. But, as with most issues of race, the critics of Disney’s cartoon movies are rearing their heads about the topic of this cartoon film. Would a Disney movie that involves a black female character embroiled in a good-vs-evil plot regarding voodoo and being a “slave” of sorts to a prissy white Disney character be inflammatory?

This topic is no exception to the continuing arguments over race and positive imagery of black women.

Princess Tiana, the heroine of The Princess and The Frog, will be voiced by Anika Noni Rose

Originally called The Frog Princess, its heroine was to be a chambermaid called Maddy working for a spoiled, white debutante in 1920s New Orleans. But it sparked a backlash from critics who claimed it reinforced prejudice and demeaned black people. As a result the title of the musical, which has yet to be released, was changed to The Princess and The Frog and the princess will now be called Tiana. Among the concerns were the New Orleans setting, the portrayal of voodoo and the overtones of slavery. One of the film’s staunchest critics was William Blackburn, a columnist for the Charlotte Observer in North Carolina. “Disney should be ashamed of what it is trying to pass off as its first black princess,” he said.”Despite all its resources and experience, it has failed to create a black princess to rival its predecessors. “For one, this princess’ story is set in New Orleans, the setting of one of the most devastating tragedies to beset a black community. And then they throw in the voodoo theme and an alligator sidekick.

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977593013

[Sequoia]

1. Disney is so vile.

Why not set the movie in Africa or some other place? I hope no one goes to see it...racist bastards. Disney acts like they're friendly to children when there more like that character in "Pinocchio" who rounds up boys to have a good time and then they turn into donkeys and get worked to death.

[Believing Is Art]

2. Could be worse

They could have named it Gris-gris and the frog.