With the most recent release of the Disney film Moana, people have been introduced to yet another rich, diverse culture through the power of song, animation, and imagery. However, this isn’t the first time a non-white princess has been created yet it is only now that people are really starting to appreciate them. There is Jasmine, Pocahontas (based on an actual historic figure for Native Americans), Mulan, Tiana, Elena of Avalor (a princess with a T.V. show rather than a movie), and now, Moana.
But why exactly are princesses of color important anyway? Well, Disney affects all generations and all kinds of people and it is now time to truly inspire everyone. Here are just some reasons why that is important itself.
1. They let viewers see different cultures.
Even if some cultural things get changed a bit to fit the Disney mold, there are still glimpses of other cultures that viewers can learn about in movies from Mulan to Aladdin to Moana.
2. They are more likely to break the norm.
Many of the Disney princesses of color don’t really have a love interest that fuels their “happily ever after” ending and that shows that girls don’t really need to rely on men to succeed. #Feminism
3. They can pave the way for more opportunities.
Once one princess of color debuts on the big screen, it could lead to a slew of others from different ethnicities to appear thereby diversifying the Disney princess world even more.
4. More diversity in Disney stores.
5. More diversity in Disney parks.
Once a princess is introduced to the Disney world through film, that princess usually gets added to the Disney park cast. Seeing Tiana, Elena of Avalor, Mulan, Jasmine, and Moana walking the streets of Disney World would be quite an exciting sight for young visitors.
6. Less of the same kinds of Disney Barbie dolls.
The line-up of Disney Barbie dolls on store shelves gets a splash of color and representation.
7. They can attract even more diverse audiences.
Films can cater to specific audiences, but Disney is powerful and has a way to reach everyone in some way. However, with princesses of color, it could attract little girls and boys who may not have felt like they could ever see someone like them in the Disney world.
8. They can inspire different kinds of Disney songs and music.
Different cultures have different kinds of music and thus the scores of diverse Disney films could reflect that uniqueness.
9. They can personally relate to young minority children.
Along with the sight of seeing someone who looks like them on the screen, minority children can further relate to the character culturally, and socially.
10. They can inspire children of color.
Inspiration is a powerful things and perhaps these children can believe that they could do anything and represent people like them like the princess they see on the screen.
11. They teach children of color that they too are important.
Whether it’s seeing a princess like them in a Disney park or in a Disney movie, children of color know that they are represented and just as important as any other child, which can lead to confidence boosts and some pretty great things in their future.
