Elsa, the newest Disney princess from the animated film Frozen. Photo courtesy of http://kidscreen.com/2014/02/06/frozen-and-infinity-help-heat-up-disneys-first-quarter/
Disney’s newest movie Frozen introduces moviegoers to another caucasian princess. In light of its release, people are beginning to evaluate the possible effects the characters are having in the young audience’s life. Disney has ten official Disney Princesses and only four of those characters represent minorities. Is the franchise being unfair?
Although it’s obvious that the majority of the Disney princesses are white,Disney is not being prejudice intentionally. Originally all princesses were white, which speaks to our culture back then. Over time our society and morals have changed and Disney adapted by beginning to introduce characters that represented other races.
Young audiences are obviously affected by the entertainment and environment they are around. So, if a child is brought up on movies that largely represent only one race, it is expected that there could be feelings of superiority towards one group of people, which is completely unfair and untrue. Disney is realizing this and is taking steps toward equally depicting all types of people.
For example, in 1992, Disney introduced Jasmine, an Arabian princess. In 1995, Pocahontas was released and it starred a Native American princess. In 1998, Mulan hit theaters and featured a young Chinese princess. Then, in 2009, Princess and The Frog was released which starred Disney’s first African American princess.
The fact that they’re newest princess is white is contributing to feelings of racial
prejudice towards the Disney brand. The creation of the newest white princess is purely the use of creative license on the animators part.
Freshman Megan Farrell said, “Obviously I think there should be more princesses that are of different ethnic backgrounds; and I can see how some people are upset by it. However, I don’t think that its a huge deal. Its clear that Disney isn’t racist and they are taking steps to balance things out.” Rumors have circled that the next Disney Princess movie features a Polynesian princess and is titled Moana. However, this has not been officially confirmed by the corporation. Disney is doing their best to create movies that will portray strong and well rounded princesses and they are giving young viewers great role models.