Disney's Princess Tiana Adds Real Life To Animated Films

Looking at this timeline of "Disney's multicultural royalty," something seems off. The "Princess" movies started in 1937 with Snow White, and the first non-white princess was Jasmine, in 1992. Then Pocahontas in 1995 and Mulan in 1998. More than ten years later, Princess Tiana, of The Princess And The Frog. Why did Disney have a Middle Eastern princess before a black princess? Or an Asian princess before a black princess? Sure, the Disney films tap into fairy tales, folklore and myths — most of which come from European sources — but there are plenty of myths and fables involving black people. American stories, tales from Nigeria, Egypt and South African/Zulu folk tales. Yoruba goddesses of love, Caribbean legends. Why has taken Disney 72 years to come up with a black princess? And will this movie — especially the toothless firefly character — insult, or uplift?

Disney isn't known for its culturally diverse set of princesses, but that is changing with the release of The Princess and the Frog.

The movie's heroine, Tiana, is clearly different than her blonde-haired predecessors. Not only is Tiana Disney's first black princess, but she is also the starring personality in a major film that brings the dream of living happily ever after to children and adults of all races. It's taken until 2009, but finally the dream -- albeit an innocent and animated one -- is becoming more accessible. And Disney's brand stands to benefit from expanding its sense of humanity.

All brands, from McDonald's to Wal-Mart, want to secure brand loyalty from consumers at the earliest age possible. For many Americans, Disney is synonymous with childhood. And now, Disney is increasing the number of people who will feel that connection in the future.

Science has proven that media influences girls at a very young age. Unfortunately magazines, television, and other media sources can cause girls to develop a negative body image. But Disney and its animated ventures are not part of this trend. Time writes:

"In a new study from the University of Central Florida, nearly half of its 3-to-6-year-old participants fretted about being fat. About a third said they would like to change their appearance — adopt a new hair color, for example, or lose weight. Surprisingly, the study — unlike other research that has linked little girls' concern about their body image to an increased risk of eating disorders down the road — did not observe the young participants' self-esteem taking a hit after watching animated princess movies."

Disney's website describes Tiana as a "smart, tough and determined" waitress from New Orleans who "can hold down three jobs and still have time to dream." It appears Disney is bringing a bit more reality to its fantasy films, which gives the brand new credibility.

Source:

BrandChannel: http://www.brandchannel.com/home/post/2009/12/15/Disneys-Princess-Tiana-Adds-Real-Life-To-Animated-Films.aspx

Jezebel: http://jezebel.com/5156501/why-has-it-taken-so-long-for-disney-to-create-a-black-princess#c