Monday
Apr202009
Walt Disney "Consults" with African American Leaders About Princess "Tiana"-"Strongest Princess Ever"
Monday, April 20, 2009 at 8:55AM The Blogmother
Neely Tucker of the Washington Post did a lengthy article about Princess Tiana, who will be the First African American princess in a Disney cartoon. I vaguely recall Brandi playing a Black Cinderella in a television version. I am looking forward to the movie, however,there were a number of quotes in the article that had me giving the side eye to Disney. First the Disney honchos in charge of the project said that Princess Tiana will be "the strongest" Disney Princess EVER!
And how about this tidbit that Tiana is learning...
Memo to Disney, can we please let go of the concept that Black women are inherently "Strong" in the words of Sojorner Truth:
Why can't we be as helpless as Belle or as dimwitted as Ariel? Never mind!
The most glaring issue of concern is Disney stating that they consulted with African American"leaders" about this portrayal which likely explains why Tiana apparently is goign to be chastened for pursuing a career:
My question is WERE ANY OF THESE LEADERS BLACK WOMEN? We have a pretty good ides what SOME Black "leaders" think about the appropriate portrayal of Black women if the number of red carpets they stroll to celebrate the Regime of Bullets Booty and Bling.
The Washington Post article then goes on to quote a bunch of African American noteables about Tiana's significance and remind us that the average Disney Princess brings in $300 MILLION dollars. Of course we get some foolishness thrown in for good measure.
The comments over at the WAPO are of the type I would have predicted. Black people complaining about the Prince not being "Black" and others complaining about political correctness.
Tiana will be one of the "strongest" Disney heroines yet. The criticisms the film got over the character's name in early drafts ("Maddy," short for Madeline, was perceived by some to sound like a "slave name"[some ppl are so ig'nant- what does a "slave name" sound like? Why don't you complain about Tangaray and Alize and Christa]) were only hiccups on the way to a finished product.
And how about this tidbit that Tiana is learning...
The message that Tiana learns in the film -- Disney characters always learn something by movie's end -- is that balance is important in life. Jazz Age woman that she is, Tiana needs both love and a career to find happiness.
Memo to Disney, can we please let go of the concept that Black women are inherently "Strong" in the words of Sojorner Truth:
That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Sojourner Truth,Ain't I a Woman
Why can't we be as helpless as Belle or as dimwitted as Ariel? Never mind!
The most glaring issue of concern is Disney stating that they consulted with African American"leaders" about this portrayal which likely explains why Tiana apparently is goign to be chastened for pursuing a career:
John Lasseter, chief creative officer at Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, who is overseeing the project. "But we have also worked very closely with a lot of leaders in the African American community, all across the nation, to make sure we're doing something African American families will be proud of. It's very important for us to do it right. We've been very careful and cognizant about what we're doing." Washington Post
My question is WERE ANY OF THESE LEADERS BLACK WOMEN? We have a pretty good ides what SOME Black "leaders" think about the appropriate portrayal of Black women if the number of red carpets they stroll to celebrate the Regime of Bullets Booty and Bling.
The Washington Post article then goes on to quote a bunch of African American noteables about Tiana's significance and remind us that the average Disney Princess brings in $300 MILLION dollars. Of course we get some foolishness thrown in for good measure.
Murray says she was pleased the studio is portraying Tiana with skin of a "darker hue" and slightly full lips. Tarshia Stanley, says that the character's hair -- straight and pulled back in early images released by the studio -- seems to be the appropriate, middle-of-the-road bet, too.
"They might as well make it straight so little girls can comb it when the doll comes out," she notes, wryly. "We as African American women haven't fully dealt with how sensitive the subject of our hair can be, so I certainly wouldn't expect Disney to know what to do with [that issue]."
(Prince Naveen, for the record, is neither white nor black, but portrayed with olive skin, dark hair and, need we state the obvious, a strong chin. The actor who plays him, Bruno Campos, hails from Brazil.) WAPO
The comments over at the WAPO are of the type I would have predicted. Black people complaining about the Prince not being "Black" and others complaining about political correctness.
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Yep. Why am I not surprised that the lovely Tiana is being hailed as the 'strongest' princess ever? God forbid she be the prettiest or wittiest or even most powerful -- but she's strong. And the truth, maybe why I have such a deep reaction to the statement, is that unfortunately successful black women (we are all princesses and queens) have to be particularly "strong" or at least adept at masking "weakness" or disassociating from our "vulnerability."
I am curious to see what Disney's version of a strong princess looks like. I wonder what makes Tiana stronger than the average princess battling evil and fighting for love?
We'll see.
Is there anyone that can be contacted about this?
I am with mekare. I am going to find a way to get through to these fools if it kills me (not to be taken literally). I want to be able to take my younger sibling to this movie without a bunch of bullcrap contaminating things. And also, the thought of them using black leaders who are most likely male is one thing, but I honestly believe there might have been some really dunce black female up in there saying silly stuff as well. I how I wish we outnumbered them...gotta make our voices heard just a bit louder darn it!
I found contact info ladies and gents:
General Inquiries
Pixar Animation Studios
1200 Park Avenue
Emeryville, California 94608
Telephone: 510 922-3000
Facsimile: 510 922-3151
The Name of the guy who was quoted in the Washington Post is John Lasseter. Say his name when you hear the automated message and it takes you directly to his line. I left a message praising them for having an African American Princess in an interracial relationship, and voiced concern of them calling her "strong." I hope you all call in as well and voice your concerns. Turning things around to the way we want them would be a sight to see! I also mentioned that I intend to go out and see the film.
*blinking in confusion* @ "worked very closely with a lot of leaders in the African American community, all across the nation, to make sure we’re doing something African American families will be proud of. " Um, okay. What in the blue blazes does that mean? I don't think I want to know, so never mind.
Gina said:
WERE ANY OF THESE LEADERS BLACK WOMEN?
I'll go out on a limb here and speculate that IF there were any women, they were very likely in the minority of this "consulted" group.
I, for one, would like to take the "strong black woman" concept around the back and beat it down with a bat. It has not served us well at all.
ummm ok, I'm an admitted lurker on this site and I usually write, call and make my voice heard on the important issues brought up on this blog.
But on this one, I have to wonder. I, being an educated black woman (EBW) and wife find it to be a daily struggle to choose between love and work. It is something that I do every day when I decide if I should bring work home as I leave the office at 7pm. Yes, the image of "strong black woman" is a heavy burden we carry. And Tyler Perry and his EBW bashing hasn't made it any easier. I get it!
So, we're up in arms because she is described as strong? A black princess with substance, a mind, a will?
Someone please tell me what is the problem with a Disney princess finally showing some strength rather than ultimate weakness and dependency on prince charming or her father or any of the other themes that are raised? If she was weak or dumb or silly, you would be upset too.
Think about this, the white princesses are totally helpless (Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel). It's the princesses of color who actually have substance (Jasmine, and maybe Tiana). If I were white, maybe I would have a reason to complain.
I understand the concern, but maybe this is why we don't see more studios including black stories. Someone is going to march, write, boycott about anything they make so maybe they just decide to make nothing?
They are not going to change the movie at this point, so before you start filling up people's voicemail and email, maybe someone should actually SEE the movie and then make an educated critique.
Lurker,
People have every right to express concern about what Gina posted.
Also, the label of "strong" in regards to black women means that black women will carry everyones load, doesn't need any help, will save everyone, ect, ect and personally I'm not trying to hear it. Strength isn't a bad thing but everyone knows that strong = dump your crap on my lap when it comes to black women.
In regards to balancing a career and love life...I really don't see the big deal. I have a job/career because I have to take care of myself and it's just that simple. I have no idea why people are up in arms about this.
I'm pretty turned off at this point because people always want to soil something that is good for black women because they are downright hateful, evil and destructive.
There are too many people who want to control the black women. I've had enough.
I don't know if Lassiter is the guy you guys should be calling.
Try Ron Clements and John Musker, the directors and two of the SIX screenwriters on the project.
What I find interesting is that Disney found a token black screenwriter (Ron Edwards) to join the team to "police" the project. Edwards used to write for In Living Color, The Fresh Prince, Roc, The Parent
Hood, etc. He is a very talented writer and story consultant so hopefully he did a good job of "policing".
All the other writers are old-guard animation writers from Disney/Pixar.
Ron Clements last directed "Bolt" which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I cannot wait for the screenings of this film to start. There is so much fear surrounding this project and we haven't even gotten to the marketing stage, LOL.
I don’t understand why Disney needs to consult with black leaders in order to create a cartoon movie. Are we that damn complicated? Are they really telling us that they are incapable of creating images of black people without it turning into some sort of science project? This is precisely why you need diversity in the workplace at all levels. Black people have been in the country for hundreds of years, are we still so confusing that people need to “research” us. A focus group of your target audience is one thing, but reaching out to “black leaders” sounds insane. Is this a film about civil rights or something? Disney is really just displaying their own ineptitude at creating characters that aren’t white. I guess I should be happy that they are admitting it de-facto, but I can’t help but to be disturbed by the fact that media company as established and large as Disney, still can’t create a movie about a black princess without having her loaded down with agendas.
Furthermore the prince is racially ambiguous because an identifiably black prince would make this a “black movie”. Disney may not know a lot about black people, but they know enough to know that even in 2009, the stories of white people are still the only ones considered to have “universal appeal”. Maybe one day our stories will “transcend race” as well, but until then you will continue to see black characters sprinkled in films in an effort not to “scare non-black folks away”.
As for her being “strong”. Most of the stories of past princesses have really sent damaging messages to young girls. There are still grown woman who grew up on Disney pictures that are waiting for a prince to save them. If Tiana’s strength can create a more modern and realistic storyline for young girls than that’s a good thing. The questions is, whether future Disney princesses will follow the suit.
The prince should be black.
The fact that he's not is beyond problematic. Every other princess has a prince who looks like her...Tiana should too. What kind of message does that send that a black princess can't be saved by a black prince?
Of course Tiana is "Strong" apparently black women can't be anything else.
*Shrugs*
Add in the toothless, shuffling firefly and I think this is one Disney Princess that won't make it in my house.
I must say that I agree with Curious Lurker. We have not even seen the movie and we are already trying to figure out who we need to write and complain to.
Yes the idea that they talked to black leaders sounds a little weird especially since we don't know who they are. Hopefully there were women leaders involved in that discussion.
Why are we so mad that she is portrayed as strong? Jasmine was strong, Mulan was strong, Belle was helpless being locked up with a beast but she did take a stand in her movie....she voiced her opinion.
Would you rather her be a Cinderella; a slave to her step sisters and step mother, forced to ignore her own happiness, freedom and be the mammy of her family? Then there would really be problems.
The issue of balancing love/family and career is something that women have struggled with, especially this day and age.
Let's actually see the movie and if we don't like it, let's send emails and complain and then write our own fairy tale script. But let's do so after we have seen the finished product.
I kind of agree with Curious Lurker, I don't consider "strong" a negative word. However, when it is used for black women it does become negative. A "strong black woman" always puts others' needs over her own, she takes care of everybody in lieu of herself, she carries everybody's burdens.
"I understand the concern, but maybe this is why we don’t see more studios including black stories. Someone is going to march, write, boycott about anything they make so maybe they just decide to make nothing?"
Part of me does feel that way, however the studios wouldn't get into so much trouble if when they wrote black characters they wrote them as people instead of stereotypes and symbols.
@JJ - "The prince should be black. "
Why? I don't see the necessity.
Do we protest Will Smith movies when his female superhero side kick is white or otherwise? Or when the Rock's love interest is white? Or when all of these other-made-in-hollywood-movies-with-a-black-male -star casts him next to white women, etc.
As for everything else, who cares? As long as she is intelligent, beautiful, and not a push-over; and isn't acting like the Video Vixen or an episode of "I love New York", why complain?
We're always complaining about not being the princess or not being desired in film. Now here's our chance.
Black women are loved by many more than just black men. Sit back and enjoy.
I like the idea of Tiana having a white prince. Everytime I look up there is some celebrity black man with a non-white woman s.o. Let's let our young ladies see that beautiful black princess can have a wonderful prince in any color and vice versa. As far as, consulting black leaders of the community, well their disney what do they no about black people!!!!
To me, the first interracial Disney film was Beauty and the Beast. And no, I definitely did not see him as black. He was just a Beast, which made the whole story tongue-in-cheek for me.
As for Disney's women, Belle was written as "strong" or "feisty", so she wouldn't be portrayed as helpless, and slave-like, as the original Brother's Grimm character. Disney is just keeping up with the modern times....
I am just so thrilled that FINALLY our young Black girls will be able to go to the theatres and see a fairy tale with a princess who looks JUST LIKE THEM, that I am willing to give Disney a bit of a pass for the other foolishness. I just want to thank them for taking this step that will go a LONG way towards helping a whole generation of our young Black girls dream big and feel better about themselves. I hope Tiana is not rlegated to this one film. I hope she gets the full Disney treatment in books, internet games, dolls, etc that the other Disney princesses get.
I too am happy that the prince is White/non-Black. It is about time. How long have Black females of ALL ages had to endure movies with Black male heros and non-Black female heroines/love interests at his side? For those who don't like it, I say tough. Deal with it.
I truly hope all the black women complaining about the white prince made sure that first and foremost their childs father is someone who is 1. present in their kids lives 2. someone their kids can look up to.
I bet Disney used the crew from Essence magazine as consultants. And who are these black leaders b/c these days there aren't any real movements going on by the usual cast of characters. I don't hear of them rallying behind any young criminals since Jena 6
"I bet Disney used the crew from Essence magazine as consultants."
Why was I going to put that in the post, but I caught myself because they actually do read this blog and I feel bad after I ding them :)
It depends on the connotation of the word "Strong." I can understand the concern some may have that it will once again cast us in the light of the long suffering pack mules of our race-Strong enough to carry all the burdens foisted upon us.
I prefer to see the positive side of Tiana being portrayed as "strong." I agree with those who posited that had she been portrayed as many other Disney princesses have been, there would have been even MORE complaints!
My question is why didn't Disney just hire a team of black writers? I personally know for a fact there are plenty of black writers, who would have loved the opportunity to add this project to their resume.
Does anyone remember HBO's "Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child" They were a re-telling of traditional Fairy Tales with a multi cultural twist. The multi-ethnic, multi-racial casting was excellent. It CAN be done without the need for a NAACP consultation. Just ask Robert Guillaume, who narrated and (I believe) was one of the show's producers.
When I heard they were going to call her "The Frog Princess (Guess they had second thoughts and scrapped that!) I thought "Oh brother, can't they JUST give us a black female princess without her being associated with something as unattractive as a frog?
I mean we had "BEAUTY and the Beast" "Sleeping BEAUTY" I'm telling you I truly had a "Why the black princess gotta be all froggy and what not" moment!
I too like the fact that she has a non-black Prince. Not because I feel the need to get even with black men for dating women of other colors.
It is because I want to see young black women explore ALL dating and mating options. Too many are settling for less than they deserve because they have been raised to believe that "nothing but a brother" will do to "Save/preserve the Black Race." As if this is our sole purpose in life.
You mean to tell me if I marry and raise a family with a White, Asian, Hispanic or other Non-Black mate and produce the next Barack Obama, that I am leading to the downfall of the black family/race? Give me a break!
...and forgive me I digress...I am going to go out on a limb here and off on a tangent: Tyler Perry is ignoring the elephant IN THE CLOSET. He needs to go on and let it out before it stampedes!
They say "a writer writes what he knows", maybe he has a bone of contention with EBW because of something he has experienced in his past. More than likely, by focusing on what many perceive as what's wrong with black women, he is avoiding a topic that sheds light on something he has yet to deal with in his personal life.
How can Tyler Perry address prostitution, Crack/Drug abuse, spousal abuse, infidelity and NEVER seem to tackle the issues of Gay bashing/homophobia in his movies? This problem isn't just prevalent it is RAMPANT in the black community. The black church, where TP seems to receive a great deal of his inspiration, can be especially supportive of this seemingly "acceptable" form of bigotry and bias. Yet a successful black woman can't catch a break. I think it's time he dealt with his own issues about homosexuality and put that issue on blast in his next play or film
Just my 2 cents...
Well in Essence world all BW have these great jobs where their careers are just so full and busy they have no personal time and can afford to buy Yves Saint Laurent fashions. I swear ever since Waiting to Exhale every black woman in most movies and books fits this exact profile. I know many black women have great careers but if you looked at some movies and books you would swear BW were the most wealthy and powerful people in the country behind white men.
Can I get one of those high power and high paying jobs please, b/c the cost of living in NYC is kicking my behind.
I am glad that Disney decided to get POC input while making the movie(now who they asked is a different matter.) They're finally learning after the controversey from Native Americans about Pocahantas, from Middle Eastern Americans about Aladdin and from Asian Americans about Mulan. Now they finally admit that POC aren't just white people dipped in a different color. They have their own issues and cultures that the creators (white) of Disney aren't privy to. If you don't know, ASK!!
White people admitting that they're ignorant of something and admitting that they're ignorance will hinder them, that's progress.
**
For polictically correct purposes, Disney has been making their princesses stronger with each successive movie (from giving up her entire way of life for a man Ariel to follow her own heart, able to protect her family, soldier Mulan). However, because black women have been traditionally been portrayed as "STRONG" characters, for them to EMPHASIZE Tiana's strength doesn't seem exactly as a breakthrough so much as a return to form.
With that said, remember people this is Disney. When they say "strong", usually they just mean "feisty." As in female leads says smart aleck remarks, does a couple of cool tricks, then her man still has to save her at the end of the day. (if i criticize my "white" princesses for this folly, i'll have to critcize my sisters.) So take this all with a grain of salt.
**
Finally, I am a black woman who supports (and practices) interracial relationships, BUT...I would have preferred a black prince. And I also love animated features. I am so excited to see this movie, because it is so very rare to see Black characters in animated form. Seriously, I'm still able to keep count of which animated shows have black characters. Now we finally have a Black Disney princess, (that's mainstream representation, ya'll!). but no black prince - it's like Black people are never allowed to be totally shown in completeness. Forget notions of showing your daughters that she can date the rainbow, what about your sons, your brothers, uncles (boys watch Disney movies too - don't deny it) being seen as fit enough to be rendered as a Disney prince!
**
With that said, I wonder if they'll mention the fact that he is another color/race? Will they have to overcome class/race/culture conflicts? Mmm, sounds a bit too complicated for a Disney movie doesn't it.
The movie is about the princess. Nobody cares about the prince not being black. Sorry.
mekare
Speak for yourself.
Every other princess has a prince who looks like her.
EVERY OTHER ONE!
Disney couldn't make a black prince? If they're so progressive am I gonna get a blond blue eyed princess with a chocolate prince?
Spare me. This isn't about some interracial relationship coup de gras.
This is about Disney not believing black men are worthy of being princes and about me wanting my daughter and sisters to see people on the big screen in happy loving relationships that look like them.
They should be able to dream of a prince charming that looks them and their fathers, uncles, brothers etc.
Disney can keep their black princess. My girls won't be seeing this film.
JJ
To be honest this really isn't about a Tiana or a black prince. This about giving some more power to black men. Our "fathers, uncles, ect" stuff is just a smoke screen. This about black men using a cartoon to boost themselves into a spotlight that they didn't earn. You "may" care about the image it sends to black girls but it's not that deep. Just give black men some more power so they can futher advance an agenda that doesn't deal with black women. If you want to help them then knock yourself out. I'll watch.
Well, despite supporting IR dating/marriage, I am happy when I see the depiction of a black man and woman in love in a positive light. I see it every day
with Barack and Michelle Obama.
When he was elected I said to a friend who has been married IR in the past but is now divorced that the second black president, and the the third can be married to women from different backgrounds, but IMO, it was IMPERATIVE that the FIRST Black President be married to a BLACK WOMAN.
However, my strong feelings about this are because black women need and deserve this boost, not because I feel IR dating destroys the black family/community.
Do I think that Disney has some agenda fostered by an inability to see black males in a positive light? Probably not.
Do I care that the prince? No.
Do I think that this will destroy the self esteem of little black boys who will not see themselves as "Prince-ly" material? No.
Do I think they watch Disney. Yes.
I just don't think they identify with the role models in Fairy Tales as much as little girls do.
Naveen is not white, he is not black, he is most likely "other" or "ethnically ambiguous." Why, I don't know, but I am not about to read a conspiracy into this.
The male lead opposite Brandy in the TV version of Cinderella is actually Filipino. ALL of the characters in that version were ethnically diverse and I think they were trying to say race was not the point of the story.
I say "go on Tiana and Naveen." I don't think there will be too many little black boys crying because no one thinks of them as "Little Princes" Far too many of them are already given this complex by the BC that treats them as such, even when they do nothing to warrant such treatment. In fact even when they behave in a rather "Un-princely" manner they are STILL celebrated as such.
Somehow I think they will survive.
I meant to write: "Do I care that the Prince is not a black man?"
The answer is still no.
@JJ On the one hand, I seewhere you're coming from. I'm not generally an advocate of IR because it is usually used to push a greater agenda by the MSM and white liberals to the detriment of Black people. These types of relationships are rarely shown with any real intentions of good and decency and are usually just being used to keep BM and BW at each others throats. I agree.
But...that said...I don't see where the one or two times that Black women (cartoon or real) are casts besides someone non-black (although Brazil is HEAVILY influenced, genetically and culturally, by black/african) is a big deal. On a daily basis, many black women have men of all types of ethnicities sweating us - no matter what lies the popular media tends to tell - and I don;t see where it's wrong to point this fact out. Black men rarely argue against being cast next to Latinas, Asians, etc. but don't even let a Black woman think about being cast next to a fine Puerto Rican, etc. (by the way, as much as we talk about the invisibility of Black women,have you all noticed that Hispanic men have mostly disappeared from popular media as well? I figure the two most threatening groups must be Black women and Hispanic men - can't have us getting together!).
Every other ethnic group of women can be portrayed in a dwsirable light, why not us? We're as good as anybody else. On this one, I say stop complaining - it's a better portrayal than the typical lies we get of being the "face of HIV/AIDS", "STD-ridden", "emasculating", "unlovign and hateful" black women. Instead of buying into that crock, we should encourage more Princess roles where we're appreciated instead of condmened.
@mekare
WTH?
You have black man issues obviously.
If it wasn't a problem for the Chinese princess to have a Chinese prince and the Arab Princess to have an Arab prince...why oh why would Disney make a black princess without a black prince?
Any argument that can't answer that question is pointless. Like I said this has nothing to with IR dating. This has to do with the fair representation of black folk and black folk in relationships.
Can't wait to see the movie. It's about time and long over due. It don't bother me if her love interest is not black, black men have been dating interracially for years, while sista's stand in attention with their fist in the air saying, "Black Love." LOL
Sorry JJ. A Disney cartoon is not the time to teach black boys about being princes. And it's just not that deep from my observation. Disney is a big company and the people complaining are upset that they can't use this opening and a black prince to take over a movie that has nothing to do with black men. This "issue" is all about drawing attention to black males, not about black boys not feeling like princes because they aren't in the movie. They really don't care.
Look, animation is expensive. I mean like crazy expensive. Disney is all about the dollars. Black prince/black princess = black movie and who's going to watch it again? Disney relies on little girls relating to the princess and wanting the insane amount of merchandising that goes on with the Disney brand.
You don't see little boys running around with Ariel backpacks, and that's for a reason. These movies are specifically targeted to little girls. My little boy is almost five and I couldn't get him to sit down to watch a 'princess' movie if I tied him to the chair. I'm hoping he'll watch Mulan because there's martial arts in it, and since watching Kung Fu Panda he's all about kung fu. But Beauty and the Beast, the Little Mermaid? Please.
As for this 'strong' business, I have little doubt that there are far too many cooks in this soup. I agree it would have been a simple matter to hire black writers and animators in the first place. Of course, that's no guarantee that you won't get garbage (witness TP), but I can't imagine anything scarier than consulting 'black leaders' about something that pertains to black women and girls.
With the folks at Essence on board you can guarantee there'll be at least one scene where Tiana will lament about how much she 'loves the brothas.' Screw this 'strength' nonsense. She's a princess I want to see her treated and act accordingly.
Why are we even complaining? I was upset that Disney had not created a black princess by 2005 so I wrote "Princess Sapphire". I tried to get help getting it out and without an agent or insider, Disney and Viacom were simply out of my reach. I got reject after reject from publishers and agents alike. That didn't stop me though. I finally got an editor (last year) and agent (this year) and hope that it will be out in 2010 (book only folks, no movie even remotely in the works). My motivation came from my own daughter who colored her Cinderella and Snow White coloring sheets brown and they looked like Mommy (me). If my 4 year-old could envision these characters brown (black) then why couldn't I?
I had another reason too....If I had to buy one more Hannah Montana or Disney princess product I was going to scream. I don't take anything away from Disney's marketing because it is one heck of an empire. I just wanted my daughter to have a princess that looked more like her. Princess Sapphire is geared more toward tweens who are coming of age because that is a key time we girls are starting to take notice of their appearances and can be make or broken depending upon how they are treated or percieved (self-esteemwise). So I say go ahead Disney. But I also so go ahead to any of you to want to create the princess and prince you want. My Prince Carnelian is black, but subsequent stories may include princes of other races paired with other black princesses.
My intent is to empower young black girls. Princess Sapphire has all the glamour and fantasy of a fairly tale or Disney princess but is obviously and very purposefully black in a black setting but for a mixed audience. The good thing is that Princess Tiana will spark a bevy of other dark skinned princesses. There is room for all of them.
If you don't like what you see or how you see us portrayed, do something about it and produce your own work, stories, movies, characters etc. Just my 2 cent contribrution here.
PS: I do however wonder who these black leaders are who speak for all of us.
Big ups to you, Lorraine. When my son was about two-years old he told me he wanted to be an astronaut, a super-hero and a bird. (No, I haven't broken it to him yet that his chances of being a bird are slim to none. Doesn't help that he saw Happy Feet and for a while he wanted me to feed him the way mama penguins feed their young. Uh, no.)
Anyway, I wrote the Rocket Prince just for him, about a little boy he wants to 'drive' the rocket, but whose father the king fears that if he goes in space he won't come back because it's so beautiful out there. I haven't submitted it for publication, (My illustration skills are nonexistent) and probably never will, but to this day he says it's his favorite story.
I've had a hard time finding stories for little brown boys that aren't heavy-handed 'teaching' stories. Little boys want adventure stories about slaying the dragon and rescuing the princess from the bad guys. They're not interested in hearing black history lessons at this age, but I have a hard time finding any books that I think he'd be interested in. So I'll probably end up making more of my own.
@Roslyn H. You are right, it is mostly about money. However, (paraphrased) "Hiring black writers and animators you don't know what you might get-witness TP"
I think it's possible to hire competent, talented black writers and animators to reach a broad audience. It is a matter of choice. TP is in a category unto himself--HE is the one doing the hiring on HIS films.
@Lorraine: GOOD FOR YOU!!! I say keep shopping it girl. If you do not have animators, there are plenty to be found in the many Art Institutes around the country. Don't count out cable, on line, and DVD direct sales.
Regarding marketing and acceptance of black characters to a broader audience: Witness "The Secret Life of Bees" and this article in WaPo about how many 'tween girls see the Obama girls as more desirable to meet than Miley.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/17/AR2009041703536.html
Slowly the tide is turning, there is a shift of consciousness happening that will alter the
zeitgeist as we know it. Hopefully for the good of all.
After I used to decapitate my pink colored, yellow haired dolls, my Mom made me a brown colored and black yarn haired Raggedy Ann-like doll.
Thanks Roslyn and Mod1 for the encouragement. You know I called on Bob Johnson's (new) company for help and got through to someone in a creative dept. out in LA. He was bothered that I got his number and brushed me off with a quickness. I thought now, someone helped Bob get BET, why can't he help a sistah out trying to get her work seen. All I wanted was someone to look at my manuscript. No use. He has good guard dogs firmly in place. The same with Disney's Jump at the Sun imprint specifically aimed at a black children's audience. You had to be very connected to get in the door. Any messages taken are thrown right into the trash if taken at all. It has been an experience.
I realize there has to be safeguards and protocols but people need a dang on break. I decided I was on my own and am still working diligently so again thanks for the encouragement. I also hope you can publish "Rocket Prince" too.
I also think the Obama girls are more "real" than a Hannah Montana type superstar character. And the girls may be able to more identify with the wee Michelles. Although my daughter wants a play date with all of them.
Betty, I'm scared of you girl. I dismembered a couple of dolls myself by pulling the arms and legs out of the sockets (lol). Do you still have the doll your mom made you? Maybe you can pass it on to your daughter.
Unless the story explicitly states that the Prince is not black, I don't feel upset by the "casting".
Real-life men self-identifying as black range from TJ Holmes to Djimon Hounsou and even further in either direction.
I am happy about the interracial theme of the movie. The truth of the matter is that black women are not rewarded like other races of women for their loyalty to men of their race. Other races of women get picked first by their own men to be wives and mothers. Black women stay single and get older. Hopefully, this movie will be the first step in black women forming an identity apart from black men.
I find it rather disturbing that Disney had a Middle Eastern and an Asian princess when they are an American-based company, and at the time of release for those films (1992 and 1998 respectively) Black females represented the second-largest group of females in the country. Anyway, they are forgiven because it is better late than never.
As for the consulting in Black circles about Tiana. Disney should have consulted with Black women who are ardently Black-female firsters first, or Black females period if they wanted to do it right. I disagree that they should have hired all Black writers though. If they had did that, we might have had Tiana being played by a Black boy in drag, if you get my drift.
I very much agree with you Mekare & TMD. It is good that the prince is non-Black. There has got to be a time to acknowledge the FACTS when it comes to romance in the lives of Black females, and to stop sending the same damaging, waiting in vain for something that will never come garbage messages to our young Black girls, and that time is NOW!
Lorraine, why did you name your princess Sapphire? That name comes with a lot of negative baggage for black women. I do like your idea and I hope you find a publishing company.
Hi Michele,
Thank you for the well wishes. I realize that Sapphire was a name given to Mammies and stereotyped but all the characters in my story have the name of a precious gemstone, semi precious stone or mineral. Sapphires are really beautiful and is perfect for princess. It really does fit with the general theme. I really am hoping that young girls can relate.
@Michelle - Sapphire is a beautiful gemstone. Just because other people tried to devalue its worth and beauty doesn't change what it really is. I say keep the name Sapphire, Lorraine! I would name my child Sapphire any day.
I remember long ago the Arab community were not happy that Disney made Alladin sound so American.
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I also invent characters and tell my kids stories. There is an apparent market for non-heavy handed teaching stories (as you put it, Roslyn) for kids and animators.
Once I actually contacted Kadir Nelson, the illustrator for the book Please Baby, Please (by Spike Lee). But as soon as he heard I had no sponsors, that was it. (also it didn't help that I wasn't in the USA).
If I could I'd like to create corny science teaching videos for kids w/the science teacher and sidekick both being black. lol
I didn't realize the prince is non-black.
I'm feeling the same slight annoyance I felt when I learned Brandy's prince in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella wasn't black. I understand the socio-political reality that black women should consider men of other races as potential mates (for those who make mating a priority), but I'm still annoyed.
Years ago Dr. Pepper released a commercial depicting a young black girl (maybe 9) being wooed by a young black boy (same age) at a church picnic. "Son of a Preacher Man" was the commercial theme song, and it ended with him offering her a Dr. Pepper. Two things that struck me about the commercial: one, the innocence of it all; there was nothing lewd or licentious or objectifying to be seen. Just the innocence of young love on a Sunday afternoon. The other thing is that they were the exact same skin complexion. Usually a black man or boy's "love" interest in MSM is many shades lighter than he. Now, I'm not religious, nor am I militant with an unappreciated and misguided sense of racial loyalty (anymore). But I found something…I don't know…satisfying about that commercial. The way I find it satisfying to see the Obamas sincere adoration of each other.
I think it would be sweet if there were an animated story of a black prince immediately smitten with a beautiful black princess and they lived happily ever after. I know we'd have to suspend belief to enjoy this, but I'd appreciate a bit of escape fiction (since, apparently, the only black man in America who loves his brown-skinned black wife is our President (grimace)).
"I’d appreciate a bit of escape fiction (since, apparently, the only black man in America who loves his brown-skinned black wife is our President (grimace))."
I don't think that this picture is the time or place for "escape" fiction. Why does everyone else have to suffer over the black man's choice? And when the time comes to actually move, everyone wants to say "hold up what about black men/boys?" It's ridiculous.
A Disney cartoon for girls is not the time or place to teach black boys about being princes or kings or whatever. It's not the time to ingrain more stereotypes in to black girls heads.
I really thought this movie was about uplifting the spirits of black girls but based off of the responses...it is not. I'm concerned about the level of control that people want in regards of to black girls and women.
Maybe this is the time for people to make their own stories. You can show a black prince but if your goal is to show him to reinforce some outdated notions in regards to black male/female relationships...then I don't know what to say at this point.
If anything, I'm glad the prince was not black just to once more show what people really think.
Miki, the only problem with that scenario is that is sets up unrealistic expectations for our young Black girls that the man who will love her looks like that. Sadly, that is not reality. We cannot approach fantasy for our little Black girls in exactly the same way as other races do for their girls. Those other races of girls are not going to grow up and face a 70% single rate if they choose to only date males of their race. It is what it is, but it's not the fault of Black females the choices certain males make when they pick wives and girlfriends.
Yep. I feel she should be just as normal as any other portrayal of a princes. HOWEVER, I am very disappointed that this prince will not be Black.
I was pissed at their "Cinderella" with Whitney Houston and Brandy where the prince was Asian. Sure, no problem with interracial relationships, but can we show some regular ole BLACK ones before we get there? And before anyone goes off on me, I said the same thing to the people at Marvel Comics back when Luke Cage (Power-man) got paired with Jessica Jones (white female super hero) and when DC Comics had John Stewart (the Black GREEN LANTERN) with Hawkwoman (another White female super hero).
All for the hold hands and sing kumbya, but I would like to see some healthy Black on Black relationships displayed in cartoons and comics before we get to the "We are the world" phase...
This cartoon is about Tiana. The Black princess. No one else! The black males complaining are doing so for one reason and one reason only. They want to be the centre of the universe for any issue concerning black women. The black women complaining are the one's still dreaming that 'Toby is coming back', or secretly, they are worried that 'the brothers' would get mad AT A CARTOON and use that as an extra reason to not date their behinds.
And to those people saying 'why did they have to use a different race male' for the black one, this is not the first time it's been done. Pocahontas anyone? (And yes, she was a princess, her father was the Chief of the land). Her love interest was white, both in part 1 and part 2. In fact, they were from another country. So to any of you foaming at the mouth at the casting, I say....eat some cake!
I find it amusing that the same males who have no problem with a black male being cast opposite a white, asian, latina, native american woman in films has a problem with it being done in reverse IN A CARTOON!
I also find it funny that women who let any sort of low value/no value man into their lives and as a result, their children have no real/loving/present/providing father in their lives want to use a cartoon made by somebody else, to show to their kids an image that they were too inadequate to provide themselves. And to those women(and men) who are showing their kids a stable, loving black couple as parents, why do you worry about them seeing a black princess being wooed and loved by a non-black prince in.......a.........cartoon? Or do you know that deep down, despite the fact that your children are being raised in a two-parent home...sorry house, they aren't really being given the best image?! If one cannot be the best role model to their children, they have no right, none whatsoever, to expect someone else, least of all a CARTOON CHARACTER, to do their job for them! So to all those complaining.....LET THEM EAT CAKE!
PS: Let's not be naive and pretend that the black males gnashing their teeth over this cartoon are doing it due to any notions of 'black love'. And let's not pretend that the black women moaning are doing it for reasons other than 'waiting for their black prince/king/chief/emperor'(any other titles?), 'support the "brothas" at all costs, even to their own detriment, even over a CARTOON', 'worry that black males would get annoyed and somehow "punish" them(these type of black women) for it'.
Once again, LET THEM EAT CAKE!
Well, the debate of the Frog Princess's non-Black boyfriend has gone international. Check out this story from the UK's Times newspaper:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6163710.ece
@Jallimaster:
"This cartoon is about Tiana. The Black princess. No one else! The black males complaining are doing so for one reason and one reason only. They want to be the centre of the universe for any issue concerning black women"
Oh for the lova mike, get a grip. You know, there are other problems regarding race in America than Black Woman issues. This is an issue about the protrayal of Black Love (or lack of it) in Hollywood and in media in general.