Why Did Disney Choose to Make Ariel Black Rather Than Another Disney Princess?

The landscape of Disney Princess films has continuously evolved, often sparking discussions about representation, diversity, and the authenticity of character depictions. When Disney recently remade The Little Mermaid with a black mermaid, the choice faced significant scrutiny. Here, we delve into the reasons behind this decision and its implications.

Addressing Racism and Casting Criticisms

Some critics argue that the choice to make Ariel black is a reflection of racism and favoritism towards a particular race. The filmmakers, who hired actress Halle Berry, are often criticized for their lack of diversity in casting, which many interpret as a form of whitewashing. The filmmakers, however, counter with the argument that talent should be the deciding factor. While Halle Berry is indeed a talented actress, there are several other accomplished actresses who possess the vocal and acting skills needed to portray Ariel. The remake underlines the importance of talent over race, yet it remains a contentious topic.

Reimagining the Princess Lineup

Disney’s remakes usually involve significant changes to the original story, often to appeal to a modern audience. The 2023 remake, while being a reimagining, faces criticism for a heavy-handed approach to diversity. Some argue that the effort to introduce a diverse lineup distracts from the core story and the magical elements that originally captivated audiences.

Analyzing the Story Elements

The essence of The Little Mermaid is the inter-cultural romance between Ariel and Prince Eric, set against a backdrop of a language barrier. The magic and fantastical elements, while vital, are not the crux of the romance. The focus should be on the characters and their relationship. To accentuate the cultural and linguistic differences, the characters should reflect diverse races and backgrounds, reflecting a true inter-cultural narrative.

The Importance of Cultural Representation

Disney’s decision to make Ariel black is not merely a question of skin tone but about representation and cultural sensitivity. Inter-cultural relationships, particularly in fantasy settings, often grapple with the issues of cultural misapprehension and the power dynamics at play. By choosing a black actress for Ariel, the filmmakers aim to challenge and broaden the representation of diverse characters in Disney movies. However, the approach has drawn criticism for its simplification of the narrative.

Representing Diversity in Princes?

Another point of contention is the choice to focus on diversity in the princess lineup rather than the prince. While it is essential to have a diverse princess lineup, it is important to balance this with a diverse prince as well. In the case of The Little Mermaid, Prince Eric does not play a merchandising role, making it more imperative to include diversity in the character. However, the focus on demographic changes often overshadows the core narrative and magical elements that originally defined the story.

Conclusion

As Disney continues to evolve and rethink its princess lineup, the conversation surrounding representation and diversity remains a crucial part of the discourse. While the 2023 remake of The Little Mermaid aims to include a black mermaid, the overall story and the cultural dynamics need to align and support each other. The key is to balance representation with storytelling, ensuring that the narrative remains engaging and thought-provoking.

For more discussions on Disney, representation, and cultural sensitivity, stay tuned to our latest articles. Join the conversation on social media and share your thoughts on the representation of diverse characters in fantasy settings.