Angelina Jolie Argues Cultural Rights vs Disney Princesses

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

05 Jun 2008 07:51 AM

I love Angelina Jolie, I really do. She's socially minded, she's active in refugee and orphans' rights and she's not remotely hesitant to speak her mind. But in a recent article in OK! Magazine, she's described as feeling let down by the lack of different cultures featured in children's films.

"There still isn't a Disney princess that's African and it's very difficult because our daughters' getting into princesses right now and it upsets me." Jolie is quoted. I get what Jolie is saying, she wants cultural diversity to be in the mainstream attractions so that her kids (culturally diverse as they are) can find something to relate to. I get it.

However...yes, you knew a however was coming. I would argue that Disney is not the homogenized white bread that people make it out to be. Sure some Disney princesses are more popular than others, Disney doesn't do that - the fans do that. Some Disney princesses have been around for decades and others are just making it out of the box.

`The Frog Princess, anyone?

Remember that's an upcoming feature from Disney and it's generating a lot of buzz because it will feature the first African American Princess character. The film will be set in New Orleans and will feature a singing crocodile. What makes me laugh is that there are a lot of people complaining that there are no crocodiles in New Orleans. Folks, this is Disney - not a history, geography or zoology lesson.

Disney makes films that help people dream. When little girls watch these movies, they aren't looking at the color of their skin. They are looking at the magic of their dreams coming true. Disney Princesses are not limited to just those with the title 'Princess' in front of their names. Any quick scan of the 'Princess' merchandising can tell you that.

Mulan is considered a 'princess,' though that is not her title. She is a Chinese heroine, but not a titular princess, but to Disney - yes, she's a princess. Tinker Bell is a fairy from Neverland. She isn't a titular princess either, but to Disney? Yep, she's a princess. Pocahontas, Jasmine, Lady, Perdita - these are all Disney heroines who could legitimately qualify for Princesshood. Cinderella, Aurora and Belle are very recognizable iconic figures, sure, but then so is Ariel, Tinker Bell and Mulan. I have a feeling The Frog Princess will be too and not because she's African-American and not because she's culturally diverse but because she's Disney.

In the realm of Disney animated films it's not the heroine alone that's the appeal, it's the story, it's the music, it's the artwork and I'd even say it's a little bit of Disney magic - you put those together and whether she's got a title or not, the heroine is going to be a Disney 'Princess' - title or not.

So Angelina, I appreciate the thought and I get where you're coming from, but maybe slapping them for doing what they already are isn't helping?

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger