Linda Christensen Discusses in "Unlearning the myths that blind us" how children books like fair tales and movies and cartoons are so influential to how children portray a "perfect life". Christensen mentions that two parents Kenya and Sabrina go off on a rampage about how Disney does not have any leading characters who aren't white. Sabrina wrote in an essay that she will not take her children to see a Walt Disney movie unless there is a leading character of a different race other than white. Kenya mentions " Women who aren't white begin to feel left out and ugly because they never get to play the princess" . Being a hispanic young women This figure of speach made me happy that i wasn't the only one who thought this way. When i was younger I loved Disney movies my favorites were The Lion King, Peter pan, Lady and the tramp,Bambi, & Lilo and Stitch. I had all of those films on the VCR or DVD. I watched princess movies but i didn't own any. My family never bought me princess movies,i was such an animal lover that they thought i was happy with films about animals which I was.But after reading this piece by Christensen I asked my mother this weekend " Why didn't we own any princess movies when i was younger?" and her response was shocking yet understandable now that I am a young adult. She said " Honestly Alexi, there were only princess movies about white girls, asian, native american, and arab.We didn't want you to question why there wasn't any hispanic princesses, and I don't regret not buying princess things because look, after 20 years there still isn't any hispanic princess or character who isn't a servant or help, your aunt and I loved your fascination with animals, dogs dinosoures, you loved every character in the Lion king. You saw princess movies with your friends or even when they aired on TV but we just didn't want to buy you something we didn't agree on" After this discussion I thanked my mom because today I am a young hispanic women who doesn't think She needs to be rescued by a prince or needs a crown or thinks just because there isn't a spanish princess I'm ugly. I am the biggest animal lover in the world and I'd pick animals over being a princess any day.
After 20 years on this earth Disney has finally came to their senses !!!It may not be a big role movie but it is a start !!!!
"All hail Elena! Disney has created its first Latina princess — meet Elena of Avalor! The adorable new royal will make her official debut in 2016, during a special episode of Sofia the First, Disney Junior’s hit show for preschoolers.
Princess Elena, who wears a red ruffled dress and is adorned with hoop earrings and a flower garnish in her long dark hair, “is a confident and compassionate teenager in an enchanted fairy tale kingdom inspired by diverse Latin cultures and folklore,” the network said in a statement on Thursday, Jan. 29. She’s “bold, caring, funny, and clever” and is "the ascendant to the throne in the fairy tale kingdom of Avalor."
"Our creative team has delivered a universal story with themes that authentically reflect the hopes and dreams of our diverse audience,” Nancy Kanter, Disney Junior’s Executive Vice President and General Manager said in the statement. "What excites us most is the chance to use distinctive animation and visual design to tell wonderful stories influenced by culture and traditions that are familiar to the worldwide population of Hispanic and Latino families and reflect the interests and aspirations of all children as told through a classic fairy tale."
I agree that there aren't enough Disney movies with women of different backgrounds, races etc. There is actually one coming out within the next few years that is suppose to be set in the Philippines I believe. It will be interesting to see how Disney treats a 'princess' who isn't white in terms of her personality, upbringing and 'happy ending'.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that in 2016 Disney will be making its first Latina Princess. Thanks for bring it up.
ReplyDeleteIf Disney had came out with a movie with a Latina Princess and your mom let you see it, do you think today you would have a different opinion on these movies and the idea of a prince charming?
ReplyDeleteI did not know either that they were making a movie next year with a Latina Princess. It is at least a start for the next generation.
ReplyDeleteSaw this loved that you knew about the Latina princess coming out as well!!!!
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