Disney's First Black Princess

[Psi U MC Vito]

But the thing is this. The average American, even African Americans, don't know squat about the culture and history of Africa. And the Cajun and Creole culture is something most Americans are more familiar with that is a unique culture in it self. I saw somebody said the use of voodoo was stereotypical, but it is still identified with New Orleans to this day.

[BabyPiNK_FL]

I'm glad she's American. They already did a movie in Africa, and I don't think they wanted to "go there" again or even try to figure out how to deal with the complexities involved in that.

I'm just so excited for Princess Tiana. I saw the movie poster and took a picture with it! I can't wait until the merchandise comes out. My sisters will be getting Tiana everything for Christmas (and something for me too). I can't wait to go to Disney World and have my picture taken with "Princess Tiana". I'm beyond thrilled.

[SWTXBelle]

Originally Posted by BabyPiNK_FL

I'm glad she's American. They already did a movie in Africa, and I don't think they wanted to "go there" again or even try to figure out how to deal with the complexities involved in that.

I'm just so excited for Princess Tiana. I saw the movie poster and took a picture with it! I can't wait until the merchandise comes out. My sisters will be getting Tiana everything for Christmas (and something for me too). I can't wait to go to Disney World and have my picture taken with "Princess Tiana". I'm beyond thrilled.

You don't have to wait or at least, not until December! Princess Tiana is already making plans:

Disney's upcoming animated feature The Princess and the Frog will not hit theaters until December 11, 2009, but its star, Princess Tiana, will be featured in her own show at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland much sooner. Called "Tiana's Showboat Jubilee," the new Mardi Gras-themed musical debuts on October 26 in Frontierland at Walt Disney World and on November 7 in New Orleans Square at Disneyland. In both parks, the new show will be performed on the riverboat while it cruises along the Rivers of America. Guests will be able to sail with Tiana, Prince Naveen, Louis the alligator, and others, as they make their way down the river, occasionally stopping to perform songs from the movie. The show will be presented several times daily and is slated to run through January 3 at both parks. Disney's first African American princess, Tiana will also be featured in a specially themed area in the Magic Kingdom for a meet and greet opportunity.

http://land.allears.net/blogs/dnews/2009/08/disneys_newest_princess_tiana.html

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by Psi U MC Vito

But the thing is this. The average American, even African Americans, don't know squat about the culture and history of Africa. And the Cajun and Creole culture is something most Americans are more familiar with that is a unique culture in it self. I saw somebody said the use of voodoo was stereotypical, but it is still identified with New Orleans to this day.

The average American doesn't know squat about Arabian or Japanese (or Neverlandian for that matter) culture, and that didn't seem to mean a hill of beans.

[Psi U MC Vito]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

The average American doesn't know squat about Arabian or Japanese (or Neverlandian for that matter) culture, and that didn't seem to mean a hill of beans.

I would argue that point. I know a lot of people who have at least heard of the story of Alāʼ ad-Dīn, and the Cave of wonders. And for Mulan,a large part of it was them trying to get back on China's good side. And Asian Americans in general are a lot more in touch with their history then other ethnic groups.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by Psi U MC Vito

I would argue that point. I know a lot of people who have at least heard of the story of Alāʼ ad-Dīn, and the Cave of wonders. And for Mulan,a large part of it was them trying to get back on China's good side. And Asian Americans in general are a lot more in touch with their history then other ethnic groups.

My point was that Disney movies are not made for Historians. Otherwise, Pocahontas would have been a huge flop.

[Psi U MC Vito]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

My point was that Disney movies are not made for Historians. Otherwise, Pocahontas would have been a huge flop.

oh agreed. I never argued that. But Disney tries a lot for name recognition and if they can't get it they try to appeal to the people in some other way.

[PhiSigmaRho]

The little girls in my family are just excited to have another Disney princess to watch. Ariel, the mermaid, is by far their most popular Disney princess. But they love playing dress up and pretending to be any of the princesses, including Mulan, Jasmine, and Pocahontas. So I am glad Disney continues to add more diverse princesses! I would also love to see Disney have a spanish or latino princess.

[Psi U MC Vito]

Originally Posted by PhiSigmaRho

I would also love to see Disney have a spanish or latino princess.

It would be interesting to see how they would do that I think, because it is hard to think of what they could do for that.

[LeslieAGD]

Originally Posted by PhiSigmaRho

So I am glad Disney continues to add more diverse princesses! I would also love to see Disney have a spanish or latino princess.

Ditto. I can't think of any Spanish folk tales, but I am sure there is something they could use from Aztec/Mayan/Incan culture.