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“The Princess and The Frog” – You Buyin’ It?
Abundant controversy surrounds the upcoming release of Disney’s “The Princess & The Frog”, and chances are, it always will. The Disney Corporation is a massive entertainment conglomerate with an 80+-year history of bigotry as well as accusations of disseminating subliminal messages. Secondly, we African Americans are known to be hyper vigilant, with good cause however, but our acute caution often tends to get directed towards each other, and away from the actual source.
To Watch, or Not to Watch?
It’s mind boggling how complicated situations such as these can become. It’s common knowledge that the narrow minds at Disney were up to their usual tricks when they initially planed to present the heroine as a maid named ‘Maddy’ (servant to a White family, of course). The outcry from the concerned Black folk Sector must’ve been pretty fierce; Disney declared her ‘Tiana’, the White folks chef – not maid.
Then there’s an issue because her love interest isn’t Black, or not as Black as she. His name is Naveen, and he appears to be some sort of Arab fellow. Critics expressed outrage that Disney’s first Black princess suffered from the dreaded jungle fever, yeesh.
Also, speaking of hyper vigilance, take a look at the public poster ads for the upcoming film in your community. Have you noticed that there are more promotional pics of that shady looking villain than there are of Tiana, or any other character of the film?
For those of you who are unawares, Disney’s got a formula that works, (by that we mean lining those pockets with copious greenbacks), enabling them to “rule the world” by means of total media domination (if you think this is merely paranoia, click on this). Taking a closer look at their history, the Disney conglomerate does not equate progress and empowerment with profitability. So perhaps the question isn’t whether to watch “The Princess and the Frog”, but how to watch the film. Our suggestion: Keep both eyes wide open.
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I still would like to see this film but “keeping both eyes” is def something we should keep in mind.
Also, for some reason I got the impression that maybe the love interest was supposed “creole” or something. I don’t know.
I agree. With his accent and his skin, I think he’s creole/mixed, not Arab.
I just can’t do it. I don’t want to be sitting in the theaters all tense. This is like Fox News doing a “Black in America” series. Rachelle, I read that Naveen comes from some fictitious Latin sounding place. I like the sound of the creole prince though!
Disney makes me uneasy. What will I do when my kids get old enough to start begging us for Disney 24/7!?!?!?!???
Ever since I first got wind of this movie, I’ve been equally skeptical and hopeful. On the one hand I’m prepared for all of the problematic elements that will most certainly arise, but after watching my ten year old sister cut out little blurbs and pictures from Jet over the past couple years, I’m also kind of looking forward to seeing the first (and I’m thinking only) African-American Disney princess.
On the subject of Naveen, I’m not upset that Tiana has “jungle fever” but I am upset that Disney didn’t feel that they could create a movie with an African-American princess AND prince. Obviously, they’re only willing to go so far. Black boys are princes too, and I would have LOVED to see a Black prince up there on the silver screen with Tiana.
Im right with ya! But that would be too much like right. You know they ain’t right!,LOL!!!
I too heard that Naveen is Creole, no… yes?
*sigh* Rather heartbreaking that my little neice won’t get to see the Disney princess that resembles her fall in love with a prince that favors her daddy like my little godsisters have seen plenty of {White} Disney princesses who all have fallen in love with princes that look JUST like their daddy. (Except for Belle. Belle kinda got shiested initially).
I’ll still view this film. Content but not happily and definitely with both eyes (& ears)opened… wide as hell.
I’m saying though, Princess Jasmine didn’t have to marry….
and Princess [enter Hispanic name] more than likely will get her “Latin lover”….
*pout*
There’s nothing wrong about this film, it’s a cartoon why can’t people just leave it as that.
Why don’t you just leave it at that, and leave others to do/think/say/feel whatever the they want about it!
That’s what they would like for us to believe. Unfortunately, it’s really not that simple.
it’s a children’s film, and i’m positive they aren’t up in arms about some of the said issues. and they won’t know the prince’s ethnic background, neither will they care. i honestly think that children will assume that he’s black. -hey, he definitely ain’t white ;-)
i must say that i’m happy (as far as children are concerned) that Disney is changing it up. whether she was black, latina, arab or whatever, because children need to understand that being a ‘princess’ doesn’t mean being white.
True but an accurate description of their culture and heritage seeing as how they have impressionable minds does also factor in. Our children are the dreams of our ancestors and they only way our souls can rise to undiluted potential is to honour the rich history that did not begin with slavery that came before.
Our history does not start with slavery or in the south, had disney acknowledged this we would be viewing a much richer and true to our tale Tiana. All of disney;s princesses rise form ancient antiquity, dont we have ancient antiquity?
yes we do have ancient antiquity, and this is exactly what i found myself wondering this entire. why did they have to force, manipulate and bend “us” to fit a European folktale, in stead of bringing to life a authentic African folktale… and as far as letting a childrens’ movie be a childrens’ movie many of you seem to have forgotten that is was years of subliminal messaging and visions of little blond princesses flipping golden locks that taught you haw to hate yourselves. i can’t afford to be dismissive and indifferent about what i allow to enter my child cognitive and subconscious mind.
@lexibugg
I completely agree.
My only gripe is with the advertising and the villain. I showed my daughter the ad for this movie and actually the image of Princess Tiana was huge and in the center but towards the bottom right hand corner was some evil-looking blonde chick with a tiara on her head and my poor 3 year old said “no mommy, THAT’S the princess” while pointing at the villain. I was shocked and ashamed. We argued for a good 5 minutes but you really can’t argue with a 3 year old so I left it at that.
That’s so sad. I hope you and your daughter enjoy the movie and she can see that the black one really is the princess. :0)
@ tdouble your comment made me teary eyes, it is so sad that for so long it been direct and indirect verbal and mental abuses not only toward us black adults, but our children too. This just isn’t fair as if it’s our fault we are black, mix or whatever Disney want to protrude us to be. We are just as human, real and decent and heartfelt as any other races. It’s a shame of Disney Co to manipulate, destroy and use innocence young minds, just to make greenbacks to fund their debts.
I’m trusting that Anika Noni Rose(or Oprah) wouldn’t lend their talents to anything that we would find offensive. At least I hope not…
really? thats just delusional
Why would you believe that? They get paid for this. They’re are plenty of famous blacks that sell out all the time for a buck.
@Sinnitta
The film isn’t even out yet and people are ridiculing it left right and center , you can’t judge something that you haven’t even viewed yet. Where’s the logic.??
This film will be something our children take in their is enourmous cause to express opinion.
I feel the same way! You can’t judge what you have not seen. Each photo reel and and trailer of the movie he looks different!!! So ,what I am gathering is that Disney ( as well as others) can not afford to remake the photo reel and trailers! Those reputations of the movie were made at 1st concept level so the actual movie may look completely different!! Give the movie a shot!! If you keep killing it we won’t get anything anymore! I saw the original work ups for Naveen and he looks way way way darker now. Hell he is much darker then my mother’s parents and they are blackish. Im just saying with all this negatively I am soo surprised Disney did not pull the film.
idk care if the prince or princess is black, yellow, or green….. Cinderella was a maid, Snow white was homeless lol. They all have background stories which lead to happily ever after…. I’m just grateful we have another disney classic!
Well this would be a FIRST, it is an enourmous moment for an entire culture. If you dont feel so, thats on you but over here you will find intellectual discourse about its significance.
Snow white wasn’t homeless. Her stepmother made her the handmaid.
My problem is that they’re were plenty of African folklore. They used a European one. What sense does that make?
Disney can’t really win for losing and I’m under the impression that the past reality is something we don’t want to face; i.e. the girls name and status in the movie, Okay cool to those that “want the original fairy tale fantasy that the white people received because it is only fair” (my opinion only)
Okay so her name was Maddy and she was a chambermaid but what is the time of the story? 1920’s, Jazz, and New Orleans . Both of my great grand mothers are from the south and yes their names are Maddie; I’m trying to figure out where Tiana comes into play during that time? the name doesn’t point blank.
Okay so her love interest is not black; there are many bi-racial relationships and there were some way back then. No the black male doesn’t get a lot of play as someone that is positive; if anything was more important to change this I would agree with it but I felt like we got suckered out of that decision by giving us a 2009 name and status bump. However how many black males that we see everyday that we would consider such to be a “prince”? (is this the media’s fault or our fault?)I’m not saying it is a fact I just want to ask the question and see what many initially believe and how we can CHANGE this notation or idea.
I overstand that we should have a lot more positive images of ourselves on tv for all to see, however it starts with us because no one is going to do for us like & but us, How do you think we got the “Princess & the Frog” mess? (Exactly possibly another races input or perception of who we are is going to look very different from what we know).
Also in my household growing up my parents made sure to remind us of where we came from and who we are now; reminding us to love ourselves. If your child still doesn’t see themselves as somebody of value then that is a sign for the parent to step it up because the media of the masses should not be raising your child; especially Disney.
It took Disney forever to get this movie together due to all the demands and changes; most of the demands and changes sort of took a way from the essence of the initial idea for the movie. We act as if this will be the only movie for a black princess (if you think this then what kind of outlook is that?). When I first heard about the movie I was so excited and I wanted to see it but after all these changes and demands I’m not really excited to see Tiana.
Hi Charlay, preciate your words over here. Let me say I know many Ethiopian Princes, the problem has been however that once a black man takes a stand and takes complete cultural control of his identity he is seen as a threat a thorn to this society. i.e The honourable Marcus Garvey, and not as royalty, The bible says he that overcomes to him I will give a crown-Revelations.
Disney putting forth its own agenda is not ready to be responsible for changing the sick, misguided, undeveloped climate we have here, for if they were to portray a black prince it would atomically altered and changed history and the current climate of sickness we live in.
Hi Charlay, preciate your words over here. Let me say I know many Ethiopian Princes, the problem has been however that once a black man takes a stand and takes complete cultural control of his identity he is seen as a threat a thorn to this society. i.e The honourable Marcus Garvey, and not as royalty, The bible says he that overcomes to him I will give a crown-Revelations.
Disney putting forth its own agenda is not ready to be responsible for changing the sick, misguided, undeveloped climate we have here, for if they were to portray a black prince it would atomically altered and changed history and the current climate of sickness we live in.
@ Faymous Fya
I am aware that there are princes in all areas, however the theme of the movie is Jazz, New Orleans, America, and 1920’s. An Ethiopian Prince in that setting sounds unfamiliar (to colleagues I have spoken to as well) and the thing about any story or plot is it has to flow and the movie has already made some changes that mess up the flow. Now based on geographics French and Spanish people were in New Orleans i.e. the Creole Prince or the Spanish Prince (which I believe he is Spanish).
Also I asked the question whose fault is it for our culture being what it is or being portrayed in a negative way us or the media? C’mon let us stop pointing the finger because four are pointing back at us. WE HAVE TO CHANGE THINGS AND NO ONE ELSE – that is in the words of Malcolm X and Carter G Woodson (very honorable American’s with African Descent – Love Them)
If you think that we can’t then who will do this for us? Exactly. To each its own and I’ve seen parents rant and rave about plenty of movies other than this. I’m going to see the movie because I love Disney movies whether the characters are black, blue, or purple.
When I say Ethiopian Im simply saying black, and yes I would of loved to see a Black prince. I think Disney really dissed our little boys. Like I said I know many Black princes who walk in the footsteps of truths and rights rebels but are instead seen as paupers in society. They’ve overcome spiritual and cultural stereotypes and that makes them royal, leaders of a new light.
I agree that we have to change this which is precisly WHY we are up in arms about Disney an American CARTEL institution controling the images stories and SUBLIMINAL messages our children receive.
That is great you and so many others would love to see a black prince, It is not going to happen in this movie though; however you have a prince of color. I’ve grown up watching Disney; me, my sisters and brothers and we have agape love for each ourselves and others and why because our parents (both were single parents) taught us and didn’t depend on television to do it or Disney. Media & Television were what they are: Entertainment.
Our concern isn’t (for me) and should not (others) be with Disney because while we sit and complain, boycott, and point the finger, they (Disney) are just making more moves (and money), even as we speak.
Your princes will have their chance to shine in a Disney feature some day or better yet like I mentioned before get your own studio like Disney and make your own movie (anyone who opposes Disney feel free to do this).
Disney has a past history of making racist films and still sells those racist films abroad. I have no interest in anything Disney does.
Also why is it so important to some of us that Disney makes a film with a Black princess? I just don’t get it. Feels like table scraps to me.
And it’s funny how some people make excuses for Tiana’s love interest not being African American. I wonder if Disney would ever make a film with a White princess whose love interest wasn’t White. But we all know the answer to that.
This was on point Val. couldna sed it better
Hey why are people going crazy over this guy being light skin or creole or something, Don’t we go crazy over Beyonce and Halle Berry they do not look like you’re typical black person, why can’t people view it as the love interest just being a male version Beyonce or Halle Berry. Hispanics also go through this all the time, how many times have we seen Female Hispanic actors constantly casted with a black male as the love interest.
Scorp just as you have found reason to rant and rave about is complaining so us intellectuals have reason to rant and rave about how the future is being molded, have you ever heard of Willie Lynch? Go find out bout it
@Scorp
Naveen is the Prince’s name. Is that creole? Nope it’s a South Asian name (as in Indian from India). So he’s def not creole. What I don’t get is why so many are making excuses for this?
Hey faymous fya, you certainly don’t write like an intellectual.
I’m with Ebony. This is all so silly. The movie hasn’t come out yet…and it’s for CHILDREN…but Black folks are up in arms. Don’t we have other things to worry about?
- the degradation of our women in hip hop
- our children dropping out of high school at alarming rates
- AIDS in the Black community
- discrimination on the job
- abuse in the Black Christian church
And y’all want to complain about a damn cartoon?!
Man, Black Americans…I love you all…but some of you should come north of the border and see how WE live!!! We don’t ignore racism – we call it out – but we’re not busy with worry over what Disney is doing to Black folks.
To quote MNF….C’MON, MAN!!!!!
The issues you pointed out are, of course, important. However we can’t down play the significance of this movie and the impact that it may have on our kids. I think that a lot of the problems we, as black people, have start when we are children with feelings of inadequacy, and little self worth. It leads to promiscuity, teen pregnancy, high STD and HIV/AIDS rates, etc. Young girls need someone to look up to and model themselves after. Of course, they can look to the people who raised her, but they also need to know that they are somehow important to the rest of the world. White girls can go absolutely ANYWHERE and find images that portray them in a good light. It wasn’t until President Obama took office that black people became “the new black.” Just the other day I went to a major toy store to buy a popular doll my daughter saw on TV, the store had the shelf filled with the doll – not one of them were black! We may think that children don’t notice skin color, but unconsciously they are learning the American standards for what is considered beautiful and important, and seeing that they do not fit in.
On another note, black people can be extremely sensitive and one sided when it comes to people passing judgment on what they think it means to be black. We sometimes take a small comment or image and blow it way out of proportion and automatically assume that the assailant must be racist. So in some ways I also agree with you, that we will have to take this movie for what it is…a MOVIE. ;)
@ms. complexity
Yeah, you’re right, us dumb Black Americans are only able to concentrate on one thing at a time.
Btw, that you people need to concentrate on the really important issues line is what many Whites say.
I am grown and will be in the theatre with a tiara on my head come December 11th. I know a lot of black children who adore Disney princesses and until this movie would have NEVER SEEN A BLACK DISNEY PRINCESS. Regardless of the negativity, I am happy that all children will get to see a black Disney princess. So, I refuse to show any disdain-especially because the prince is creole or hispanic or whatever he is. I think it is great Disney made the princess dark and the prince light. Ever read the Willie Lynch Letter?
I am focusing on the little black girls who get to grow up with a Disney princess that looks like them. Something we didn’t have.
I will support this movie and its products because I want Disney to know that there is an audience that wants to see it. Hell, I want them to start working on a sequel right now! *lol* See you at the movies!
Im so confussed Loquacious you mentioned Wille Lynch who specifically mated black women with with men to strip our men of their masculinity. Who specifically treated the balck race like cattle breeding them for their own purposes. You may be grown but …well lets not go there
What many fail to realize is that the Walt Disney Co. is evil, no matter who they cater to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyOh0xbB1uw
They do NO ONE any favors with the exception of their stockholders.
My daughter is 4 and she has never given a thought as to what race the Disney Princesses are. All she knows is that she loves their pretty dresses and the fact that they survive their hard life, find their prince charming, fall in love and live happily ever after.
ALL cartoons are laced with innuendo, because they are written by adults. A lot of the things we as parents worry about, aren’t even on our kids radar.
Now that I have two kids, I watch cartoons with them and notice all of the very inappropriate things the characters say and do.
By the way, I bought the book version of the movie to read to my kids, and the story is set in Louisiana. So we can assume that the prince is creole and not hispanic. And there are light skinned black men too you know!
Im sorry but disney OWES us something, you may have a little girl but I have little warriors, disney definately dissed our little black boys, and that creole prince has the least amount of black possible in him, the voice of his character is played by a white man. D
I agree Disney OWES us something. Stop just taking what they give you. I.E Table scraps. I want the whole feast, not just as a black woman but as a consumer. I want to see a good movie. And I won’t give you a great review because your disney.
Despite the flaws I cant see people passing on this film, it is the first black Princess so thats woth taking a look at.
But I would be cautious of any subliminal messages intended or not that the movie would send out X2 if I am the parent of a son.
Baby this is not, the first black princess, this is Disney;s first black princess. But I love that walk and chew gum comment
@faymous fya
Lol, your damn right, this is not the first, my complete bad.
Cinderella was maid, and she was the most popular, of course blacks can never be satisfied.. we shouldnt be so paranoid about these things, when really if your not a child or dont have any you shouldn’t be watching it
We are never satisfied?Are whites? Wow well Im not a child but I was born to be a mother and I will be watching..
wow, I think people take things to far. Everything in our culture is offensive to someone! There is no way around it. I wouldn’t pass on this movie, I will watch it! Besides, parents always complain about what their children are watching and the message it is sending but isn’t it the parents job to raise their kids and give them morals??? Not a cartoon or a character on tv! That job is up to you, if you don’t like something on tv don’t rattle your fist and complain but take the power and turn the tv to another channel or show that is suitable. Come on people, there is more things in the world to worry about that is of high importance than a movie
I’m going to watch it and enjoy it. I’m excited just for the fact that Disney is making 2D movies again. I don’t care about race, I think Disney thought about this one and listened to concerns so far. I’m more interested in the story.
BTW, Cinderella was more poor than Tiana if you think about it. She was abused and neglected, despite the fact she was white. Rags to happily ever after. Tiana is a strong independent role model and she had to learn to like the Prince with all his faults. And they are finally showing a Prince that is- le gasp- NOT PERFECT! He may be royalty, but he’s not too bright or charming at first.
People need to relax and learn to enjoy cartoons again. Cartoons are supposed to be funny! Folks, stop taking the fun out of cartoons and just talk to your kids and enjoy it with them.
Its amazing to me how adults can find controversy in anything yet children seem to find positivity and joy. Don’t ruin this movie for the children because of “political” views. Everything doesn’t have to be negative and everything doesn’t have to be a battle. There is something positive to be found in every situation. There final is a black princess! Black girls can now look foward to having hopes for a happily ever after! Stop bickering! There are more important issues going on in the world to be upset about rather than getting angry about a black princess having a white arabian prince. The movie reflects todays cultural society. We are all mixed up!!!!!!!! I am a black woman saying to my fellow peers…with love and honesty…grow up! :-)
We were all children first. Part of growing up means leaving naivety back with our toy chest and school books. Why do you think some children believe in Santa Clause, and the adults who foster the belief do not? Everything is a battle unfortunately when it comes to certain things in this country. I’m like you in that I hope it stops some time in our lifetimes, but until then, instead of getting mad, let’s just get smart. We need to allow our people flow freely so maybe one day one of our kids can make a fitting movie worthy of our rich, complex culture and history.
I beg to differ, the content of this discussion isnt “political” its cultural. As a black woman Im from a culture whose identity is drugs guns, sex, poverty, murder, sickness, ignorance etc. Until we overcome many of us will be up in arms about EVERY little thing. We do it for us and for you too, and for the babies, the little black princes that will grow up less fortunate then their counterparts who are culturally sound because of the images they see and dont see. These are the things that shape the soul and our world.
I saw the previews and picked up way too many stereotypes immediately.
I’ll wait for something more innovative in animation. Disney can’t or won’t do right. Personally I’m boycotting and hopefully enough people of color won’t waste their money than complain about it later. It’s too late, no refunds.
We need to move on and not waste time on what pulls us or our children down.
At first I was really excited but then after hearing that
1.) They’re using a European folklore as a base. Guess there weren’t any African folklore with princesses in it.
2.) The Prince wasn’t of African descent. Black man not good enough I guess.
3.) The only active black man in the movie is the VILLAIN. Not that I have a problem with blacks being villains but Disney has a history of people who are darker as being evil and the hero of always being lighter. Don’t deny it. Oh and I saw some more black men in the trailer, but they were just signing and dancing. Basically, they were the extras.
4.) That it’s in America (that was dumb.) America doesn’t reconige any title of nobility. So if that’s the case then how is she a princess? Answer, she NOT! She’s the Princess of Jazz (or something.) Why am I not surprise that all the other Disney princess are either born into it or marry into it. She won’t be.
5.) There is no creativity. New Orleans = Voodo. Real creative Disney. I feel that they pulled this together at the last moment and that they’re trying to hard.
And random though: Why IS the white girl wearing the tiara? O.o? I never notice until now! WTF?
I’m not paying money for this I watching online. And I’ll squirming the whole time. I just know it.
And you know what makes me mad. “It’s just a kid’s movie.”
So apparently because you make movies for kids you can slack off and do a crappy job. Nice.
And it not “just a kid’s movie” these movies will affect our children. People who think the opposite are just plain stupid are they don’t have any kids. Children soak up everything like a sponge. Seriously how dumb are ya’ll?
Just keep making excuses for yourself wrap yourself around that blanket of lies. Whatever helps you sleep at night. SMDH.
What exactly are we nit picking and complaining about here? The prince isn’t white. He is Latino at worst and Creole at best. What is wrong about teaching our little black girls to love other men of color as their brothers? Would that not be a wonderful lesson to have.
And I agree that a maid named Maddy wouldn’t have been the way to go, but they have changed that storyline in response to the black community- something that they didn’t have to do. The fact that Disney has been so responsive thus far in their creative process (at their own financial detriment, btw) makes me feel more confident about the movie, not less.
Also, let us not focus so much on the negative that we forget the positive. Princess Tiana is a beautiful brown skinned woman, an image of beauty that so few of our girls get. She wears her hair in a natural hair style, not a perm (check all the kinks and curls in her up-do). The movie pays respects to Jazz Culture and New Orleans, items of extreme significance to black culture and pride. And her prince is a man of color.
Trust me, I understand the many reasons that as black women we must be defensive about our image in the media. All to often we have ended up getting played. At Disney has a history of racism as long as infinity. But, I think that we need to mindful that sometimes we can be our own enemy. Sometimes its best to trust and remain hopeful. Not everything is going to be the apocalypse.
As a young woman in my 20s who grew up adoring the Disney Princesses and always feeling upset that none of them looked like me, I couldn’t be more excited for Princess Tiana. I am going with my mother (who had to suffer through my “Cinderella is beautiful” phase when I was 3) and my little cousin who is 6. I hope that you all will do the same. If we want more movies depicting us as the royalty we naturally are, then we need to support them when they come out.
Tiana, you look good girl. See you soon.
We complaining and we arent apologizing, do you study psychology at all? Maybe when you find that little blacks boys dont know how to treat women that look like their sisters and mothers because they feel worthless, and insecure, dont know who they are and where the stand in society, forcing the interacial mess that Disney is pushing the light will become clear. While our culture disapeers and we become a mindless race who doesnt overstand Gods love affair with our Melanin.
my dear, you need a hug.
My goodness I agree with your statement 100%. Let’s look at the positive. And, Disney cannot satisfy everyone. I love your comment C. Thank you.
Everyone:
Hate to break it to you…Disney is a CORPORATION….whose primary interest is that of the stakeholders. I give them kudos for recognizing diversity which is what this “creative direction” is about. Lawd a mercy…..they can’t tackle every issue….ethnic/social/cultural groups are very complex. Their job is to create an ENTERTAINING….BLOCKBUSTER….movie that nods gently to race/diversity.
They did a movie about an Asian princess (Mulan), Arabian princess (Jasmine), and an American Indian princess (Pocahontas). I am sure each cultural group may have a gripe regarding the way “their” princess was depicted. Disney can’t please everyone folks.
Can we all (including me) just stop pontificating for one minute and just take the movie industry for what it is….a monolithic corporation whose primary concern is one thing…making money.
Take your kid to the darn movie and think about the most important aspect of the experience….having a great time with your kid.
“Take your kid to the darn movie and think about the most important aspect of the experience….having a great time with your kid.”
lol exactly.!
With an Arabian prince, a caucasion prince, a white prince, and an asian prince. THis was an IRRESPONSIBLE DISS to our black boys.
i REALLY wish we would stop looking for hand outs..it’s getting old, we need to create our own media…that’s the only answer and even then we will probably still have issues and probably criticize even more…i have been seeing a lot of this going on lately…BIG sigh! Disney is not responsible for representing our culture, we are!!!!!!
Ericka,
Excellent point, the bigger issue is why are we not producing, distributing and controling our own images.
When we get our own media we sell it…
Well, if you take into consideration and look at everything as a whole, and create your own media wouldn’t it also be defined as racial? I mean, if there is a movie that has all white people, people gather up and say it is racial. However having a movie nothing but the black community is fine. Doesn’t that seem a little one sided? It’s like saying it is fine for a black person to be racist, but never a white person. Also why is it such a big deal with white and black community. There are more ethnic groups out there as well. There are the hispanic communities, the asian communities, the arab communities. Then those communities have sub communities as well.
Bottom Line is (MY OPINION<- REMEMBER THIS PART SO YOU DON'T GET UPSET):
Parents raise your own damn children and stop depending on the media (not all just some and you know who you are)
People love yourself – if you let the media dictate to you who you are and what you represent then you need to open your mind and heart to love yourself. – Truth hurts ouch…here is a band aid.
To all the people going to see this movie let's make it a top seller at the box office! It is long over due good or bad the Black Princess (Disney Style) is here! – If anyone can do better than you go get a billion dollar company and pay top artist to do the princess your way (Exactly)
*The reason this article was created was for people like ourselves to comment whether it is a movie, cd, or book…so continue to make your comments if you don't like what you see to all those that feel like this is a waste your not obligated to stay, look, or comment…so do you!*
Peaces
Bottom Line is:
Parents raise your own damn children
People love yourself – if you let the media dictate to you who you are and what you represent then you need to open your mind and heart to love yourself. – Truth hurts ouch…here is a band aid.
To all the people going to see this movie let’s make it a top seller at the box office! It is long over due good or bad the Black Princess (Disney Style) is here! – If anyone can do better than you go get a billion dollar company and pay top artist to do the princess your way (Exactly)
*The reason this article was created was for people like ourselves to comment whether it is a movie, cd, or book…so continue to make your comments if you don’t like what you see to all those that feel like this is a waste your not obligated to stay, look, or comment…so do you!*
Peaces
It takes a village to raise a child and our community to raise our community
That is great we have all these solutions only thing is they mean nothing without action i.e. “it takes a village to raise a child” if the solution was so simple then why hasn’t it happened? Once again a possible solution for this may be added after my comment and I say it again; a solution means nothing without action.
Exactly Famous Fya…quit wasting all your time commenting on everyone else’s comments and get out there and do something…ACTION is the key word…why dont you volunteer and work with black boys, etc if you feel that strongly about it. I volunteer im a role model…reach those who you can dont aim for the masses…just reaching one child is a reward.
How about we start one together. Ive just written a movie, we could blaze new paths, faymous fya productionns, or mayabe Clutch could start taking applications for builders, you never know what is meant to come from us.
One Love.
@Faymous Fya – Oh no I’m cool your the one that wants a movie, I’m excited about the Princess and Frog
I don’t oppose Disney because my parents raised me without Disney’s help and taught me that Disney and any other media is only entertainment. I have better things to do for my community then to be concerned about a Disney movie, such as teaching and actually volunteering in the community just like I have been today!!! Not wasting my time on the computer calling people out or commenting about whats wrong with it because they don’t agree with what you think because we are all different. I don’t condemn Disney or anyone else on here, however I’m going to see the Movie and purchase the DVD when it comes out and any other memorabilia for enjoyment and entertainment.
Peaces
Bottom Line is (MY OPINION <-IS VERY IMPORTANT TO OVERSTAND WHAT THE ARROW POINTS TO):
Parents raise your own damn children
People love yourself – if you let the media dictate to you who you are and what you represent then you need to open your mind and heart to love yourself. – Truth hurts ouch…here is a band aid.
To all the people going to see this movie let’s make it a top seller at the box office! It is long over due good or bad the Black Princess (Disney Style) is here! – If anyone can do better than you go get a billion dollar company and pay top artist to do the princess your way (Exactly)
*The reason this article was created was for people like ourselves to comment whether it is a movie, cd, or book…so continue to make your comments if you don’t like what you see to all those that feel like this is a waste your not obligated to stay, look, or comment…so do you!*
Peaces
I am not buying it at all. It’s actually a little scary. The princess is black the prince is not. Why? Of all the places to set the movie they chose a place with a Southern accent. Why? So they can have the black characters using words like uma and gown etc etc? Why not just let them have no accents like Mulan and Jasmine? I mean those stories were set in other countries and the lead females had no accents. My daughter wants to see the movies. I am conflicted about taking her. Do I really want her to see that in order to be a princess you have to find a prince that does not look like you?
I was deeply affected by images like that as a child. I rather not take the chance.
It is scary and I dont think you should take her, this is an oppurtunity for you to show her the real,when she becomes older her soul would have a platform of truth.
What’s wrong with places with a Southern accent? I was born in Indiana but all of my great grandmothers were born in the south! I’m 21, I have lived in Tennessee since I was 6. I get sick and tired of being a southern belle not seen as something disirable. I love being a southern belle! Darn northerners always want everything ya’ll. Now maybe just maybe Disney choose New Orleans to remind all of the little princess down there that they are still beautiful. That through all that they have been through they are still princesses. So, do you want to come and tell a little girl from New Orleans who had her school and home washed away why you believe her home town can not have princesses?!! Every southern mom I have met and go to church with is beyond happy to have a AFRICAN AMERICAN NOT AFRICAN princess and beyond happy that she is southern.
*** There is no way to have a foreign princess with an accent and not be called a racist. Also, did you think that maybe, just maybe, other racial groups were not happy with the accents so Disney removed them?
I remember as a kid watching Aladdin and being very uncomfortable w/ some of the scenes in that movie. (I would cover my eyes or fast forward through those parts). Looking back now as an adult I think Jasmine was too sexy/sensual for a movie designed for children. I think any parent that wants to take their children to see this movie, should see this first w/o the kids (Just to see if it’s got any parts you may not want your kids to see, or may have to explain later that might make you uncomfortable).
Disney is not wholesome. Knowing what I do know about the company I wouldn’t want to give them my money. (But it’s hard to avoid sometimes bc they OWN SOOO many media outlets and radio stations, hell they even have their own grapes and eggs in some grocery stores, but that’s another issue…)
And have to ask why is the princess not going to be with a black prince? Mulan had an Asian man. Snow white/Cinderella/ little mermaid etc had men of their race.
Why did Disney want to make the first Black princess be in an interracial “relationship” “marriage” what have you? Were they trying to kill two birds w/ one stone? Is there a message they want to send to black girls. Even you can grow up to be a princess, and have the Latino, Creole, white, (non Black) prince of your dreams. Hmm I’ll pass.
i took my 4-year old cousin to see the film this weekend and it was very, very cute! i even had tears in my eyes at the end because over all the story is about simply about making your dreams come true. this is one princess who does not just sit on her laurels waiting for Prince Charming OR Prince Naveen.
could it have been a tad more PC? sure, almost everything in media should be. do you think the little kid next to me (who was rockin’ her Princess Belle crown) cared one bit? nope. just saying – i wish i had a Disney Princess that looked like me when i was her age.
But what about the boys? We allow ourselves to be walked on today our children will be walked on tommorow
I like how people say that black people have other things to worry about, as if we cant walk and chew gum at the same time.
oh please! Idk if it’s that some people have had dreadful misery-ridden childhood memories or they are just overly-critical bitter negative curmudgeons because some of these comments are utterly sad & pathetic, to say the least. Some people honestly need to get a grip on life and stop making everything–and consequently themselves– out to be so miserable.
I find this movie to be absolutely charming! :-) Yet another Disney classic that makes me smile and feel warm & bubbly like I did as a child watching Cinderella and the Little Mermaid. What’s even more of a bonus is that this little princess is Black… I’m so excited for the DVD release when it comes and look forward to sharing this movie with my future daughters.
^^You can always find a negro who is willing to take table scraps and smile about it not understanding their owed the whole kitchen.
*yawn*
done enough angry black man b*tching for the day, love? nvm, that was rhetorical. I already know the answer to that… you have a wonderful evening hun. This conversation is finished.
^^^ I’ll take that title it means my eyes are open. Id tell you sweet dreams but it looks like you have been sleep walking your whole life.
actions speak louder than words. All you’re doing is the common run-of-the-mill flapping of your gums complaining and pointing fingers vs productively producing a tangible counterproduct you deem an acceptable reflection of your vision of blackness. It’s so tired sweetheart. But evidently thats all you have to offer.
No Im not the problem, the problem are weak minded blacks who are willing to accept anything fed to them because it is better then nothing and it fufills what ever hole is missing in their lives. Then have the audacity to dismiss the views of others who decided that they have enough pride not to accept what ever is thrown at them. Thats the problem, it’s not black vision it’s called self respect. As for me I am doing something, Im calling them out for it before they drown us all.
I mean, other than making you the average complaining blogger on your narcisstic soapbox and fulfilling requirements for your college sociology papers, what is it that all of these self-loathing enlightening “visions” of yours have physically accomplished for the general American public?
btw, I find you such an entertaining character, so please feel free continue your empty angry diatribes…. (while the Princess and the Frog is still playing in hundreds of theaters nationwide)
“self-loathing enlightening “visions” ”
Really? Self loathing? Self loathing are for those who get happy when there thrown a bone. As for my contribution here it is the pebble in the water that cause a ripple that causes a wave. What the hell are you doing besides accepting the bone?
hahahaha, this whole conversation is giving me the chuckles ;-) you are arguing out of your league love….Beyond being a published researcher and statistician on actual important black issues– such as victims of Hurricane Katrina and well-being of Black girls in America– for a prominent nonprofit organization, I’m serve as a mentor for young black women transitioning from hs to college….
Forgive me, if I’m simply not as bitter of a person as you….
“I also serve as a mentor for young black women transitioning from hs to college….”…..*typo*
Oh the movie will do just fine, the world is full of suckers.
Ok, now I officially can’t be bothered with anymore of you’re verbal shenanigans this evening. You bore me. Besides, I have an early appointment with my aesthetician so I need my beauty rest.
Good night love. I look forward to more of your verbal bitchings in the comment section of future Clutch articles. :-)
Your right I have wasted a lot of time on you, people from a might start to think I am as clueless as you.
And yet for all of that you still cant see the obvious, I wish the best for those girls.
I was laughing at first cuz you were straight clowning her. Then after a while I started to feel really sorry for her cuz I think is really deeply rooted in those beliefs. You should probably back off. She deserves your compassion, not your ridicule.
damn, i meant to say “she is deeply rooted.” Hope you catch my drift. Can’t be mad at people who think table scraps are the move:)
Okay … though you are dead on about the issues and watching this with BOTH eyes open … you all had me laughing (LOL) at my desk reading this article. Though nothing about its delivery is funny, but factual – but in relating to exactly how the writer would have said this if we were all sitting around having “girl chat”. Honestly, more articles of substance like this should be featured, with the sense of humor necessary to make you both laugh because you understand, yet also pay close attention because someone is sharing some insight with you in a “girl chat” facet. BTW – I love all the writers … keeps you engaged!
Ive not seen it, but can already gather that age old adage… Corporate America will let black women climb the ladder, but not the men, we have been accepted and allowed to progress for years, always a little harder for our male conterparts,.. Despite that fact I am still very pleased that the institution that is Disney has even bothered to acknowledge our royal existence….
you all are taking this too serious. its only a cartoon for christ sakes. i’m sure some young black girls wont even be affected by this movie. they will just see a princess and be amazed. theres a time and place for everything. Disney decided this was the time.
and famous fya needs a teddy bear hug lool
http://www.cracked.com/article_15833_9-most-racist-disney-characters.html this are also just cartoons!!!
wow! I thought that they moderate personal attacks on this site. You guys need to calm down…attacking people’s character in a debate about a cartoon movie is a bit much.
When I was younger I did not look at disney and look at race i didnt see a spec ethnic group i saw princesses…Not all kids grow up with complexes.
These comments are so FUNNY to me!! Why people go around quoting “Willie Lynch” when the letter was found to be a FAKE still surprises me!! I am a New Orleans native and will be at the movies to see Princess Tiana and her PRINCE on Friday! I think what some of you are turning this into is not a race issue but a COLOR issue. So her prince although isnt White has to be dark skinned for him to be consisered worthy?? Are you serious?? My father is lighter than Naveen and his name is ADOLPH and I know my mother considers him her prince. My husband and my son both are not dark skin but I consider them my handsome Black princes.
@faymous fya
&
@Clnmike
I love ya’ll.
It’s like beating a dead horse around these here parts, isn’t it?
With all the, “It’s just a Disney movie.” and “So what the prince isn’t Black?” <<< *smh* WOW.
:-|
Can I point out that the prince is Brazilian (most of them are mestizo or of African descent)…
Really? Who said that?
That is very possible that he could be Brazilian. They come in every shade. Also, my Palestinian friend was like why can’t he be an Arab.
@Clnmike, you must not have many Arab American friends. I asked 10 out of 15 I am close to and they do identify with being AFRICAN but not black. To them there is a difference bc they have their own racial category… just sayin since you want to be an ass to the young lady.
@Shan
Reading comprehension is something you should look into, the quote by me was
” You might want to ask Arabs about that cause they sure as hell dont consider themselves black.”
Your quote “I asked 10 out of 15 I am close to and they do identify with being AFRICAN but not black”.
Now who is the ass here?
As for the Arabs as friends part. save it I have them in my family and in my bloodline, I know exactly what they think.
…and if he was Arab, he would still be of partially African descent being that many Arabs are from the Northern Regions of Africa (Egypt, and the surrounding countries are often considered Arab nations).
Just saying.
Your really pushing it with that one drop rule. You might want to ask Arabs about that cause they sure as hell dont consider themselves black. The question isnt really about the race od the prince it’s wjy did Disney choose this movie to hold their social experiment when they had countless chances to do it before.