Rumors about Disney's first African American princess leave some Moms less than Enchanted.
Word of a new Disney Princess is going to make many 3-year-olds we know go totally bananas with ecstasy. But when details about The Princess and the Frog (scheduled for a 2009 release) started popping up on the 'Net, Moms were concerned. According to Wikipedia, the movie was reportedly titled The Frog Princess at first, and featured Voodoo priests and a chambermaid named "Maddy"—a name some Moms felt was a little too close to "Mammy"—who ended up with a white prince. After the blogosphere exploded with anger, Disney spokesperson Heidi Trotta told industry site A-List Magazine that some of the original release information that had leaked online was incorrect. "This American fairy tale is several years away from completion and the creative process is ongoing. No other details regarding the film have been released at this point, and unfortunately much of the information that has surfaced...is inaccurate." Trotta said the name of the film was The Princess and the Frog, and the lead character was named Princess Tiana. "Princess Tiana will be a heroine in the great tradition of Disney's rich animated fairy tale legacy," Trotta said, "and all other characters and aspects of the story will be treated with the greatest respect and sensitivity."
| Essence magazine's editor-in-chief, Angela Burt-Murray, weighs in on the issue. "It's very important that Disney develops characters that speak to a diverse population of young girls. I hope The Princess and the Frog is just the first of many films that will reflect the diversity of their audience." We hope so too. |
|
previous:
This Could Save Your Kid's Life
|
filed under: moms are talking about
Email11 comments so far | Post a comment now >>
It’s just a movie. Get over it people.
- Lynne
I agree that we shouldn’t kill ourselves with political correctness, and I don’t know anything more about this movie than what I’ve read here. That said, if Disney wanted to have a black princess, they couldn’t have based her story on an African legend? African culture is so rich, I’d be amazed if they couldn’t find an engaging and culturally authentic story. You know, one where the kids might actually learn something of value while they’re being entertained and marketed to.
- Becki
My daughter and I love going to a Disney film, even today we both get excited to see what we call our “girlie” films, we love those happy endings. I’m happy to see Disney will be reflecting what I hope to be a positive African American Princess with another happy ending. It will be nice to see something other than The Lion King depicting African culture.
- Florestine Chapple
I actually believe that there is a South African fairytale called The Princess and the Frog. Disney just changed the time and place.
- Sarah
I was so happy to learn of Disney’s latest film. As an African American I longed for the day I could see my face reflected positively in a Fairy-tale. I was over joyed to find out the Princess was named Maddy. My Daughter is named Maddy too.(Madeline) Its a family name that goes back over five generations to Louisiana.(I just a lengthened my daughter’s name) Why are so many people saying this name is demeaning? If the film is set in the 20’s then it is historically correct. I was so looking forward to seeing this film with my child who has the same antique name. Now they want to change it to Tiana? Who came up with that? Is Tiana reminiscent of the south in the 20’s? No way!!! lets be real people and be truthful about our heritage you can’t get mad about a name that is true to the time. With 5 Maddy’s in my family, friends named Madison and other variants of Maddy, lets me know other people think its beautiful. Tiana sounds like some tattoo you want to get rid of when you grow up. Now I went from excited to angry why can’t we(black people) have something with out fighting over if it’s black enough.
- Anonymous
I was so happy to learn of Disney’s latest film. As an African American I longed for the day I could see my face reflected positively in a Fairy-tale. I was over joyed to find out the Princess was named Maddy. My Daughter is named Maddy too.(Madeline) Its a family name that goes back over five generations to Louisiana.(I just a lengthened my daughter’s name) Why are so many people saying this name is demeaning? If the film is set in the 20’s then it is historically correct. I was so looking forward to seeing this film with my child who has the same antique name. Now they want to change it to Tiana? Who came up with that? Is Tiana reminiscent of the south in the 20’s? No way!!! lets be real people and be truthful about our heritage you can’t get mad about a name that is true to the time. With 5 Maddy’s in my family, friends named Madison and other variants of Maddy, lets me know other people think its beautiful. Tiana sounds like some tattoo you want to get rid of when you grow up. Now I went from excited to angry why can’t we(black people) have something with out fighting over if it’s black enough.
- dione
I wish everyone would make up their mind. Do we celebrate the diversity in our world, or attack people with it at every turn? Are we all different *YES!* And our children need to understand there IS a difference… and how to properly adapt, address, and often embrace these differences. My friends and I understand we are different races, creeds, religions, etc… AND we understand there are VERY different cultures between races, no matter where the birthplace. Lets not forget - we’re all one human race - but all original. EL _________ Everyone’s a little bit racist Sometimes. Doesn’t mean we go Around committing hate crimes. Look around and you will find No one’s really color blind. Maybe it’s a fact We all should face Everyone makes judgments Based on race. —From Avenue Q - “Everyone’s a little bit Racist”
- Erick
disney is great people are just jealous and trying to bring disney down
- payge
Its funny because i was just thinking a while back that none of the disney princesses were black and they should make another Princess movie that wasn’t a crappy remake. I have to agree with Becki, it probably would have been a good idea to make it based on an african legend. To be honest, i have not heard too many and I am sure that african american children should learn about their ancestors culture. I myself am not african american but would love to learn about some stories whose orgins are from africa.
- Anna
black people are going to happen. so are black cartoons. why make a big deal?
- Anonymous
Sorry but it does paint a negative picture when the FIRST ever black disney princess does nothing but feed negative stereotypes of black women. And if that wasnt enough her rival would have to be some voodoo chanting witch doctor. Come on people!
- Eli
| ||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||
|
advertisement
|
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||
 Win a $5000 Hershey's Diamond Pendant!
Enter Here |
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
