Disney, Ariel, and the Debate Over Racial Identity in Animation

Recently, there has been a heated debate surrounding Disney's choice to cast a woman of color as Ariel in the latest adaptation of 'The Little Mermaid.'

Why the Media's Fuss Is Unfounded

First and foremost, it is essential to address the false narrative that Disney is under fire for this casting choice. This notion is a lie perpetuated by mainstream media, who have fabricated a significant outcry to make it seem like a contentious issue. If we were to trust the sheer volume of negative comments purportedly flooding the internet, we would quickly discover that the backlash against Disney is minimal compared to controversies surrounding other franchises like EA’s Battlefield V or the release of Ghostbusters 2016.

The idea that Disney is a victim here is a myth. The character of Ariel is explicitly European in origin and has been portrayed as a white character in every iteration since its inception in 1989. Thus, changing the race of Ariel would not only challenge the traditional storytelling established in Disney's animation but also misrepresent the cultural and historical context of the character’s creation.

Why Keep Ariel White?

Often, critics argue that a character should fit the role regardless of her race. However, this logic is flawed. Filmmaking is more than just skin color; it is about the role's context, the character's development, and the story's authenticity. Casting a black actress as Ariel simply because she has darker skin would not address the essence of the character. Moreover, the Marvel Studios does not cast actors based solely on their martial arts abilities; they choose the best fit for the role irrespective of their ethnicity.

The graphic elements and animation style are crucial in bringing characters to life, and forcefully altering a character's race without revisions to the narrative would not make sense. Why choose Halle Bailey for the role, for instance? Bailey’s acting skills have not been widely recognized, and there are many accomplished black actresses who might have been more suitable.

Does the Story Purport to Be Race-Neutral?

Another argument centers around the notion that the story of The Little Mermaid does not preclude a black protagonist. However, this claim is demonstrably false. The original story of The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen, written in the 19th century, explicitly describes Ariel with fair features and white skin. The text itself states, 'He fixed his coal-black eyes upon her so earnestly that she cast down her own and then became aware that her fish’s tail was gone and that she had as pretty a pair of white legs and tiny feet as any little maiden could have.' Furthermore, the Little Mermaid herself raises her white arms to dance, emphasizing the whiteness of the character.

One might ask why a European author would even consider making a POC protagonist in a story published during the era of pronounced racial prejudice. This would have been highly unusual and likely perverted the intentions and original context of the story.

The Impact of Casting and Narrative

The debate over casting a woman of color as Ariel extends beyond the realm of entertainment and touches on deeper issues of racial representation and diversity. While diversity and inclusion are not inherently detrimental, the manner in which these narratives are presented and the divide they create are problematic.

When Disney and the media make up stories just to appear as victims, they are not promoting inclusivity; instead, they are exacerbating the divide. Labeling critics as racists without context further polarizes the conversation and discourages genuine dialogue. Moreover, films like The Little Mermaid should resonate with a global audience without artificial divisions and forced racial narratives.

In conclusion, while the issue of casting and racial identity in animation is complex, critical thought and historical context are necessary to understand and contextualize these decisions. Disney must balance the desire for inclusivity with the preservation of existing cultural narratives to meet the evolving expectations of its diverse audience.