By Bill Matthews
Naysayers question how Disney would dare center an animated movie around a black woman
(HOLLYWOOD) Disney has done it this time, making a movie about an African-American princess who doesn’t conform to the individual ideals of every black person in this country.
Critics say the portrayal of Tiana in The Princess and the Frog shows that Disney is not only racist, but evil. That the critics haven’t seen the movie is irrelevant, they say. About a minute of footage has been released, as well as stills–enough, they say, to formulate a complete assessment.
“She wears a perm. That’s saying our natural hair isn’t beautiful,” said Alandra Mitchell, a film critic who has dreadlocks. “They should have asked me what I thought.”
“The prince is lighter than she is. What’s that say about black men? Sure, Boris Kodjoe is fine, and we come in all shades, but to be truly black, a character can’t be any lighter than Denzel Washington,” said cultural critic Hensley Jameson, who notes that he is darker than Washington. “They should have asked me what I thought.”
“Have you heard the firefly talk? He sounds like Uncle Remus. Black people don’t be talking like that no more,” said Wilhemina Forrest, a minister in Waverly, Ga., who, in fact, does sound a little like Prissy from Gone With the Wind. “They should have asked me what I thought.”
Tiana is Disney’s first African-American princess. Other movies have portrayed white characters like Snow White or Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Native American, Chinese and Arabic princesses have also had lead roles.
Disney felt the time had come for a black princess.
“We’ve been making movies since Steamboat Willie in 1929. After 80 years, we felt it was finally OK to do something that focused on black people,” said Disney executive Kristin McMurphy. “Plus, with Obama in the White House, it was time to replace old black stand-ins like the crows from Dumbo and the jive-talking monkeys from The Jungle Book.”
Some critics say it’s insensitive to set the movie in New Orleans–an obvious, unforgivable slight since the city had a hurricane four years ago and an animated film will only make things worse. Others are angry that Tiana spends much of the movie as a frog.
“Why does the black princess have to be a frog the whole time? Are they saying black people should be green instead of black?” wondered Shirley Wilson, a waitress at Rob’s diner who plans to boycott the movie. “They should have asked me what I thought.”
Anika Noni Rose gives voice to Tiana, while Oprah Winfrey plays her mother. Disney consulted with Winfrey on racial aspects of the movie, figuring she would have valuable insight since most blacks are billionaires who own production companies.
Winfrey said she’s satisfied with Disney’s due diligence.
“They asked me what I thought. That’s most important,” she said. “And you have to applaud them for finally having their first African-American princess. Sadly, though, given all the complaining folks are doing without even seeing the movie, Tiana will probably be Disney’s last black princess.”
Note: This article is satire, brought to you by the creative minds at The Peoples News.
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Why does the movie have to focus on voodoo? Are they trying to say all black people are into witchcraft? They should have asked me what I thought.
Posted by KJohnson | June 3, 2009, 12:01 amThey should have asked you in particular because you’re THAT important? Get over yourself. It’s JUST a movie. Entertainment, nothing more.
Posted by Debbie Peters | November 29, 2009, 12:47 pmwow really. did you not read the article? If you had you would have realized that was a satirical joke.
Posted by Sabrina | February 14, 2011, 1:13 amOk-since it is just entertainment…lets make a cartoon movie for white kids focusing on inbreeding hicks in the south…entertaining right?
Posted by Mera Louise | August 21, 2011, 3:09 pmNo, you are saying that all black people are into witchcraft. What if it focused on Tiana being a cleaning girl or having her raised by a single parent like the majority of the disney films. Would you still have something to say about that? You’re making us look bad. Stop with the ignorant remarks.
Posted by Lynzy | December 13, 2009, 10:26 amPerfect answer.
Posted by Jen | January 6, 2010, 2:04 pmI’m pretty sure that it was a joke. At least I took it that way, since everyone in the article is bashing the movie on things that are completely absurd.
Posted by Amanda | June 29, 2010, 4:04 pmWhy do you think ONE black person has to represent EVERYONE?! That’s ludicrus! Are you an excellent cook? Do you work very hard because you share your father’s dream? Do you prefer the color turquoise over pink?
Voodoo is part of New Orleans culture, and I, as a person with Creole heritage, am happy..no, thrilled! to see New Orleans and its funky ways featured in a disney film.
Creole folks are a mix. Cajun folks are a mix. Some people have white skin, some have tan, and some have black.
Did I still see some racism in Disney’s ways? Yep, I did. But I also saw a return to the ridiculous, true heart, soul, and feeling. It’s not perfect, which is what makes the human element of the movie so strong.
We’re all smart enough to know one black face doesn’t represent every black face. And if people are dumb enough to think that, they will live life less richly.
Posted by Emily | December 20, 2009, 12:19 amYes, they’re saying that all black people are into voodoo and turn into frogs…its the whole point of the movie
Posted by Sep | January 5, 2010, 10:27 pmmm hmm– tell umm girl…. speak the truth!
Posted by Caylen | January 17, 2010, 4:12 pmNO THERE NOT?!?! ur just some random person wanting to start touble now! cuz if they had used a white person or some chineese or a euorpean would that mean that they were saying that all chineese or whites or euorpeans are into voodoo and turn in to frogs, yes you make so much sense and sound so wonderfully smart!? gosh u people are all just idiots!
Posted by *** | March 1, 2010, 6:47 pmWell smarty, I’m and exellent cook. I do shar my fathers dream! And It hurts when disney’s racial ways are thrown away for what is right. If disney were alive today this movie and its creators would be locked in a dark wet hole with eachother as food!
Posted by bobby twoshoes | April 6, 2010, 8:12 ami agree with u people shouldn’t always be racis about black folk,because thats what is making our world coming to a end and also making our lives shorter.So the people who is still talking about white and black folk,continue because your only making your life shorter.
Posted by Kamari.E.Williams | July 5, 2011, 1:28 pmI’m guessing you’re kidding. Ooops for the rant! But hey, before you posted that joke, you should have asked me what I thought.
Posted by Emily | December 20, 2009, 12:20 amThe prince isnt black! You can tell by his acent. And another thing is that you people are taking this WAY out of perpostion. Im blck and I happen to really like this movie. And why would disney even have another black princess? There isnt going to be another arabian one or chinese one either. Some people thought that it was racist that Disney had only white princesses. And you cant blame them becauce theres five! Disney obviously say this and tried to fix it. So dont be critizing Disney over this movie. If you dont like the idea of it then dont watch it. Its that easy.
Posted by Caylen | January 17, 2010, 4:09 pmsomebody smart in this world exsist!!
Posted by *** | March 1, 2010, 6:49 pmThank you for speaking the truth. Haters only care about hating- not the truth
Posted by asdfghjkl;' | April 28, 2010, 10:20 amim black and i love this movie! you say that disney is racist cause the have only princesses of differents races and then they finally do a balack pricess and everything goes crazy and im only ten!
Posted by johana | November 23, 2011, 11:14 amthis article is some crap thats all im saying
Posted by Caylen | January 17, 2010, 4:14 pmAre you people stupid? IT’S A JOKE!
Posted by Katherine | March 22, 2011, 12:47 amI appreciate your irony and wit, despite the ignorance of other commenters.
Posted by Acthrower | September 22, 2010, 10:21 pmMy god you are surely one of the most ignorant people to walk the planet. If everyone thought like you I would think all autistic people are great at blackjack (Rainman), all french women are into beastiality (Beauty and the Beast) , all old ladies are evil witches (Snow White), All people with mental disabilites are fantastic ping pong players (Forrest Gump), all redheaded girls are smart (Harry Potter), all white people are stupid (Dumb and Dumber). I can go on FOREVER so please stop displaying your ignorance and stupidity to the world and enjoy a movie for what it is…..A MOVIE. Bitter asshole.
Posted by Daniel Fragata | January 22, 2011, 4:15 amOMFG are you serious there not saying all black people are into witchcraft. Here are the stupid comments that people make there is a certain culture around the world were people practice voodoo and guess what they do it in new orleans its part of the story its not saying that all black people practice voodoo. And right Disney is going to knock on your door and say please tell me what you think. there just telling a f@#$ story get over it people read way to much into crap
Posted by loki3069 | April 4, 2011, 8:39 pmYes, they are saying every single black person does voodoo and are witches! wtf are you talking about?? Thats OBVIOUSLY not what theyre saying!! Its just a theme like every other princess movie!! So i guess i can go and watch all of the other disney movies and say “OHHH OK! There saying that white woman are always born poor or slaves to there step mothers!! Right? Why the white girl gotta be the slave? I didnt see Mulan/Pocahontas/Jasmine as slaves!!” Which it pretty much the equivalent of what you’re saying!
Posted by Rachel | April 28, 2011, 1:47 amits stupid ones like u that keep all this bs going………………..u should pray for happiness from within , let go of your pettiness and GET A LIFE………good luck 2 u my friend
Posted by annette | August 4, 2011, 10:39 amKJOHNSON “Why does the movie have to focus on voodoo? ”
Yes they are! Not a christ-like bone in our bodies! Yes remember said sardonically'” We are inferior to them! IT will never change and it has never changed! We are the only race that have been beat down through out the centuries .. constantly being raped! Mentally ( mind games you aren’t pretty enough with your dark skin and coarse hair etc.) Psychically ( we were apparently breed for hard labor) Soul ( also is black and witchcraft is just another way of them saying you are not will never be G-d loving nor fearing!” Jesuit and Draconian LAWS to all of the Human race enslaved…I will never chase After the White mans dream… my Hope will always be upon the Lord Yeshua to One and Only G-d!
Posted by Cho | September 23, 2011, 10:29 pmIt focuses on voodoo because its set in New Orleans.. THats supposed to be the big thing there
Posted by Shanice | December 10, 2011, 12:25 amMy daughter just stumbled onto this article and showed it to me. As a single dad, my two girls (at the time ages eight and eighteen at the movie debut) couldn’t wait to see this movie. And they were as excited about it as I was taking them to see it. As three long time Disney channel fans, my oldest replied, a Black princess…it’s about time. As far as the Black people into voo-doo? I’ll put this as mildly as I can…”ARE YOU ON CRACK???” The theme of the movie is its setting, which lends to that sort of thing as history lends itself. It’s not a Black thing or a White thing…it’s a cultural thing of that area and environment. At the same time, my oldest says now Disney has something to add to it’s February programming schedule. I love that that Disney is multi-cultural in its programming, leaving no race behind. And as a Black single father…and a long time Disney fan, I’m looking for the first Disney animated Latina princess. (a.k.a. The Princess Protection Program, Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez) I’m just greatfull no one as made you the moral compass for the Black race…or any race!!!
Posted by amusingmuse | December 18, 2011, 11:22 amThe movie has voo doo because it’s really big in Louisiana. Remember that’s where this movie takes place. I have been in Louisiana and their is voo doo everywhere on the streets. It had someone in front of the Catholic church doing voo doo when I went.
Posted by lina | December 24, 2011, 12:18 amVery funny! Of course, they should have asked me what I thought.
Posted by CandyKay | June 3, 2009, 3:22 amThis may be Disney’s last princess…but Halle Berry was the first BP!
Posted by Leroy | June 3, 2009, 10:29 amHailey Berry is half white and had a baby with her own white guy She should have been Tiana ( since she is)
Posted by Gene | November 29, 2009, 7:50 pmHey Leroy…good call! I had forgotten about Halle Berry being the original BAP 🙂 They should have asked her what she thought! But, I’ll reserve my comments until I see the movie. Maybe they’ll ask me what I think…
Posted by Deborah | June 3, 2009, 12:19 pmIn my own world, I am a little black princess. They definitely should have asked me what I thought!!!
Posted by Leila | June 3, 2009, 2:35 pmDid anyone notice BRANDY (Norwood) has already did the Cinderella thing? 1997? Anybody? It wasn’t Disney but Whoopi was there. Whitney was there. Black Princesses are nothing new and we don’t need Disney to set a new standard. Oh and by the way, I am pretty sure, under the new definition, Halle Berry is white. Ya’ll should have asked me what I think!
Posted by Renee Bell | June 4, 2009, 2:29 pmactually you meant ‘done’ the Cinderella thing. learn to speak propper english, because it’s embarrassing.
The Peoples News responds: You mean ‘proper,’ right?
Posted by mike | December 22, 2009, 11:57 amHey – thanks Mike. I choose my words carefully. I wasn’t intending to use proper vocabulary. Rather, I desired to invoke a vernacular fitting for satire.
Posted by Renee | December 23, 2009, 9:53 amThank you for correcting this jerk!!
Posted by BJB | March 7, 2010, 2:02 pmHey Mikey…
I’m glad you included your picture. Not only did that comment make you sound Gay…you even look Gay!
Posted by amusingmuse | December 18, 2011, 1:30 pmThey just mean the first black one for Disney
Posted by Shanice | December 10, 2011, 12:27 amJapanese? Which Japanese princess had a lead role? I sure hope the author isn’t referring to Mulan, because she was Chinese.
It is a bit disappointing that an article pointing out stereotypes being played out by Disney movies misses another stereotype pervasive amongst the American public: that all Asians look alike and come from the same place.
The Peoples News responds: We, uhh, just wanted to see if you were paying attention, Jacki
Posted by Jacki | June 5, 2009, 4:08 pmChinese and Japanese don’t come from the same place?
Posted by realist | December 2, 2009, 7:51 pmur a retard. it says Chinese not japanese LEARN TO FKING READ.
The Peoples News responds: Calm yourself, roxanne. We changed it after she pointed out our error.
Posted by roxanne | December 5, 2009, 10:07 amI always thought that Disney had messages that they sent out to the kids that watched their movies, like listen to your parents, don’t get in trouble kind of thing. It’s upsetting how so many people can get so irritated and angry at Disney for trying to make a movie with an African American main character. Would they rather Disney never create a movie with an African American character and then raise hell about it, saying that Disney is racist for never making a movie that included such a character? I think it’s ridiculous.
Posted by JakJak | June 8, 2009, 10:10 pmIt is not about choosing what color or gender did Disney use in their character fantasy world. It is how they send the message and if you ever get to be an employee! you will have a taste of their ugly side.
You haven’t seen anything yet.
Posted by Romeo | July 25, 2009, 1:10 amI agree with you entirely~ I’m African American and I’m looking forward to seeing it myself =)
Posted by E.C | November 24, 2009, 9:52 pmI completely agree.. I am a proud black woman and i love the movie. A lot of African Americans just looking for something to point out. “Why was her hair permed” That sound so stupid how the hell can they tell a cartoon hair is permed..lol.. Its just ridiculous. And y would she not be a frog most of the movie if she wasn’t y would she fall in love WITH A FROG!!! People just ignorant honey
Posted by Shanice | December 10, 2011, 12:30 amI absolutely love just about everything Disney. From the weekly movies when I was a child in the 70s, to The World my daughter and I have been able to visit twice, to the Channel and ABC Family that provides some of the best original content on the television.
And Disney gives so much! An uncountable number of first class movies and series provided on the small screen makes it an easy decision for me to drop a few bucks to see a Disney movie on the big screen or to purchase a DVD. As expensive as a trip cross country to stay at the parks is, we were always just overwhelmed with the service and the class that made these trips the best money I’ve ever spent with my child.
The naysayers are Unhappy? Well, that’s the natural state of naysayers! Miserable human beings are, well, miserable and I would prescribe a week or two in the Happiest Place on Earth to cure what ails them!
Shine on you crazy diamonds; you’re all Princesses!
Posted by TD | June 9, 2009, 8:52 amthe movie isnt so much what im upset about. its things like Disney Legends. they have yet to honor a single black person, mostly cause they dont hire blacks for any important role that one could get recognition from.
im hoping this movie changes that.
Posted by alwaysright101 | June 23, 2009, 10:20 pmI worked for Disney and they honestly do not have a good track record of honoring people of color. I have my own experience so to speak.
Posted by Romeo | July 25, 2009, 1:12 amI’m pretty sure they don’t have a good track record with anyone! The art department regularly gets shat on, temp hired, let go randomly, etc.
Posted by Emily | December 20, 2009, 12:22 amYou know what!!!
Black people make fun of white people all the time, give it a rest!!! I am excited about seeing this movie and so are a bunch of my friends and see most of my good friends are black so shut up!!! You just want another reason to bitch, Go for it Disney , I bet it’s going to be a fun movie…How about you bitch about something that make’s since like the ozone layer, or PEACE in this world, Watch Comedy Central once in a while black people are always making fun of white people, so again
Shut UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Kim | July 15, 2009, 11:29 pmkim, look in the mirror, you are more guilty than anyone else. get off your high horse, and get a life. you are the one bitching.
the blacks that are upset at the movie, probably have good reason, since they know what is racist to their own race.
yet people like you, kim, say you hate those who bitch, then you totally be a hypocrite and dont take your own advice. people like you are annoying. you have the problems. take your advice and go find something else to bitch about.
and what does having black friends have to do with anything?
why do white people think, that saying they have black friends makes it okay to say anything they want about blacks?
you need to get over yourself kim. you are the problem. not the black people upset by this movie. so grow up and get over yourself.
keep your pathetic pity party to yourself.
Posted by alwaysright101 | July 20, 2009, 10:22 pmI think that the “my best friends are black” is simply a shield equivalent to “I’m not racist, but”. As you say, in their minds it gives them the right to say what they like – after all, they manage to keep black friends, right? Insert long and weary sigh here.
Posted by Ophelia | September 1, 2009, 3:06 pmi find u to be wrong and an idiot.troll
Posted by B-rad | July 7, 2011, 3:31 pmamen
Posted by johana | November 23, 2011, 11:22 amFirst of all , alwaysright101, Kim brought up her black friends cause she said her and “her friends” were excited to see the movie.. reread and understand the statement before cussing someone out. And have u even read the ridiculous complaints of this movie?? They want a freakin pity party..
Posted by lina | December 24, 2011, 12:34 amI don’t what Disney had feed you with but am not sure if you have seen their ugly side. I am man of patience and respect for corporate, civilian and federal governance. From personal stand point and experience.
Disney/ABC has poor track record of honoring people of color both on screen and of screen. Simple, plain and clear. I am never afraid to mention that no matter how old i get in my lifetime. They need to come clean. Now tell me to shut up so u cover their dirty side of business. Lets see how you accomplish that.
Posted by Romeo | July 25, 2009, 1:18 amomfg i love u, u actaully make sense instead of evryone else taking in here!!
Posted by *** | March 1, 2010, 6:56 pmi will bitch about what i want.
you are being hypocritical. you are upset at people that are “bitching” yet you are doing the same thing. you are the exact problem.
and what does having black friends have to do with anything? pepole who have racial issues, are the only ones who make it known that they have black friends.
in the end, black people know more about racism towards blacks than any white person.
if they have reason to be upset, then they should.
you are just as bad as the people you claim are bitching, so you have no room to talk. you are just as bad, if not worse. get off your high horse. if you hate people being upset by it, then stop looking up the stuff.
Posted by alwaysright101 | July 20, 2009, 10:16 pmYou dont need to be up set over individuals who are blinded from the facts of life. She has a long way to go or she might never learn. Time will tell. How abt that!
Posted by Romeo | July 25, 2009, 1:19 amI think everything everyone’s saying on the site is being racist. You, I believe, are infringing on my God given rights, which is what racism is based around. So, if you feel one person has insulted you based on the color of your skin, hair, eyes, etc., you have a complaint.
As I sit watching this movie, I find the scene I’m watching as more racist than any part in this entire movie. Three white males are completely ignorant and moronic. That’s not only racist to me, but sexist too. All the men in this movie are portrayed as morons, greedy, sexist, even the prince is a womanizer, and that to me is racist AND sexist.
When people look for it, they can find these issues everywhere. Just try to enjoy the movie at face value, what ENTERTAINMENT is meant to be used for.
Lets look at the start of movies, to help cope with the declining economy and help support for the country. Just stop trying to point out racism in ever little thing you see. This was not directed towards anyone. AND before opening your mouths, do research on that topic, like who exactly did voo-doo first, New Orleans culture, the time frame this movie is from. I personally think Disney has done what a company throughout the ages have done. WHATEVER IT TAKES TO MAKE MONEY.
Just thought of this also, what if Disney come back and said this movie was made by an all black staff, from New Orleans, all of who knew the legends behind the stories and culture to make a ethnically correct movie for entertainment purposes? Is the fact the face of Disney thought to be white the reason it would still be racist or is it complaining for complaining’s sake?
Posted by Michael | December 12, 2010, 10:04 pmI said a little prayer just before I checked out the avatars. Hoping and praying. Darn it!
Posted by Renee | July 22, 2009, 10:00 amAt least its not computer animated.
Posted by kentuckycactus | July 24, 2009, 1:27 pmOmg really people, im black ok so really disney isnt racist. they created this movie since they dont make much movies with blacks as main charector. they arent racist they are trying to do something about it. they said that they thought making this would make ppl realise they arent racist but now since the reaction people are giving this will be their last black person movie. Ppl ask why most of the movie shes a frog, well i mean have u ever read a book about a white prince or princess whos been a frog who wasnt a frog most of the movie or book. so really Disney isnt doing anything bad ppl just say this stuff because they dont know. i dont want to get in a arguement but disney is best channel, most channels are boring as hell. disney has shows with black ppl as 1 of the main charectors so they arent bad at all. dont hate them for crap like this.
Posted by Angel | August 2, 2009, 8:59 pmI totally agree. Save us from the haters!
Posted by asdfghjkl;' | April 28, 2010, 10:21 amamen amen speak the truth
Posted by johana | November 23, 2011, 11:25 amThis is stupid. I know and see tons of black women with perms, and only a handful with dreads.
These people have nothing better to do than pick out dumb stuff.
Posted by sq4life | August 6, 2009, 10:57 ami agree with you fully!!! stupid people totally bored with their own lives
Posted by megan | August 16, 2009, 9:09 amI’m black and I perm my hair every couple of months…our hair is all fluffy and dfficult to manage and whoever is pointing out that meager fact that Tiana’s hair is permed is mentally disturbed.
Posted by Cal | January 6, 2010, 2:12 pmI didn’t even realize she had a perm. I thought that was her natural hair color. Of course, if she had had hair that wasn’t really curly, people would have said that she didn’t look black enough.
I really don’t understand people who complain about this. I mean, there are people being murdered and raped and discriminated against because they’re black, and you’re complaining about a stupid movie? Go fight real racism.
Posted by Ashlee | November 5, 2010, 7:24 amI know! Its so dumb that people are even noticing the hair! Theyre just trying to pick out anything and say its racist! And i heard this complaint about her hair before! Black girls almost always have their hair permed! And has no one ever heard of the saying “Disney Gave Me Unrealistic Expectations About Hair” see? Disney has always been making there princesses perfect looking cause ITS A CARTOON! Do you think every white girl has hair like Aurora? Or Ariel’s? Of course not! Disney always portrayed the heroines as perfect as can be! No matter the race.
Posted by Rachel | April 28, 2011, 2:02 amthis is very stupid!!! there is absolutely nothing wrong inter racial relationships!!!
And the fact that black women wear perms isn’t because they are ashamed of their natural hair, it isn’t written by law that all black women need to have dread locks it depends on the individual preference of that specific women.
Posted by megan | August 16, 2009, 9:08 amWow, I can’t believe how many people still haven’t figured out that this website is all about satire…even when it clearly states it at the end of every article. Hey I’ve got some contracts for y’all to sign…
Posted by LOU | August 17, 2009, 11:17 amThere is no pleasing black women. Disney finally decides to do a movie about a black woman and now all we hear is complaining. They would have been upset if she was a shade brighter than night with hair like wool. Saying that “they were trying to stereotype us.” Not all black women are the same. There are some with straight hair, and light skinned (without being mixed), and talk proper English. There is no standard for what a race looks like, or does.
Posted by D. Johnson | August 18, 2009, 2:49 amI think black people are a diverse and beautiful group of people We range from the darkest of shades to the lightest, from the kinkiest of hair to the straightest. I see this new Disney movie as a story about one individual person and her experiences. I don’t see this princess representing or speaking for the entire population of black people. I do understand that it can be concerning for those of us who are concerned about others who have limited perspectives, who easily buy into stereotypes, and those of us who do not have a fully developed sense of self as black individuals. How will this movie come across to them? In my humble opinion, it is not helpful to censor this movie? My husband and I will take our children to see this movie and encourage them to think for themselves. We will explain to them that black people come in many colors with a diverse array of cultures and experiences. This movie/story is representative of Tiana’s experience, but it does not represent the life experience of all young black girls. Most importantly this movie will generate dialogue about race color, the impact of Hurricane Katrina in Louisianna as well as many other topics. I believe dialogue is good and that perhaps with dialogue another Disney movie will be made with the unique experiences of another little black princess with a darker complexion and wavier hair.
Posted by Lolo | August 21, 2009, 11:51 amI agree. The way people are complaining, Disney will be too afraid to make another black princess for fear of stepping on toes. But if we encourage Tiana, maybe we will see some more black princesses, and more Asian and Native American and Arab ones as well.
Posted by Ashlee | November 5, 2010, 7:31 amIt’s the very people that cry racism that are the same ones that continue to stir the pot and enforce this racist belief by denying their children to see nothing more than entertainment. Get over your self importance and your self inflicted racism. I believe that people who aren’t happy and comfortable are the ones that continue to cry racism. Paranoia at it’s finest. Stop looking for a reason to single yourself out. Get on with your life and then you might find happiness. The only thought crossing my mind when I saw the previews for this movie was, Wow – it’s about time Disney created an original concept for a movie – nothing more.
Posted by Debbie Peters | August 30, 2009, 11:31 amIf black women want to do something about racism in this country, they should stop complaining about mundane things such as a Disney movie or about shortage of good black men, and go and marry African and Caribbean black men, move them and their families to this country and make whites a minority as soon as possible. Power comes in numbers. Unfortunately, more white women than African American women marry black men from Africa and the Caribbean and move them and their families to this country and contribute to making whites a minority in this country as soon as possible. In my office at least three white women are married to black men from Africa while the African American women sit and bitch instead of making their own contributiion to reducing racism by marrying black men from Africa or the Caribbean! Sad state of affairs!
Posted by George | September 6, 2009, 10:47 amWow. No-one wants to be racist at all… So the princess has to be the darkest shade of black with an afro… I’m pretty sure that comes under stereotyping. Let people make films, and if you don’t like it, don’t watch. I don’t complain when every white male in a film doesn’t remind me of myself, why do you have to define yourself by race these days anyway if you’re intelligent enough to deconstruct what someone else has made online? Make a film the way you want if it really is so important, just don’t say i have to watch it or im racist.
Posted by alex | September 6, 2009, 10:09 pmI soo agree!! They finally do something that African Americans have been complaining about forever an all they do is complain! I mean I don’t feel like every white princess was any reflection me so like many others said this is not about YOU an I’m sure they had plenty of input from african Americans. All these people sayin they shoulda asked u write them, I don’t care! You are not in the movie business or you would make your own so if you are complaining keep your ass at home!
Posted by Michelle | December 13, 2009, 8:27 amNote: This article is satire, brought to you by the creative minds at The Peoples News.
Really guys. You should read the fine print before you start an internet argument. The stuff in this article was meant to poke fun, not incite an angry racial debate. In my experience, no matter how a person of any race is shown on film of in literature, someone will take the message as racist.
Posted by Steve | September 14, 2009, 1:53 pmI’m excited for this movie!!! The Prince is suppose to be hispanic. There are biracial people in New Orleans. This goes to show you can’t make anyone happy. Someone is gonna find something negative with this film. People should let it go and enjoy the film.
Posted by Ervin | September 28, 2009, 4:00 pmOne of the saddest elements that perpetuates the self hate of black people is the constant negativity that we thrive on… Too be honest we as people focus on all the bad things. Yes, other races may opress and discriminate against us, but we are the most racist towards ourselves. This is beyondf stupid ppl have to nit pick about every little thing. I’m honored that they finally made a sistah princess, now my nieces have something to relate to, and yall forget disney has the power to shape the minds of little girls around the world, that’s why their disney “princesses” is a billion dollar entity. can u even fathom little white girls wanting to be like princess taina? That in itself speaks numbers! You should get to talking when you hear white people boycotting the movie, then you have a problem! And on another note disney like the rest of the world ( but unbeknownst to us) probably recognizes the plight of black women obtaining black men. Its not secret blk man rarely appreciate sistahs like they should, its beyond apparent. They can only use what they are given (hint hint blk ppl)
Lastly sigh, did anyone stop to think that disney was paying homage to NO inspite of the hurricane and that the prince could be creole????
Posted by karyn jenius | October 6, 2009, 9:15 pmActually, I can fathom it. My next door neighbor is white and her 7-year-old daughter watched the movie and was Princess Tiana for Halloween.
Posted by Ashlee | November 5, 2010, 7:38 amI participated in an Online Petition where the authors and I threatened to boycott Disney for their refusal to add a Black Princess to the lineup. Since having my own Princess, now 5, I only allow her to choose characters from shows that have predominate Black characters that ACTUALLY appear on the merchandising. Needless to say, we have piles of Tinkerbell crap because she’s good and obvious friends with Iradessa, the beautiful Black Fairy that wears yellow… We don’t have a lot to choose from. It’s important to me that my daughter Lila sees beauty and grace and strength in the characters – she emulates them in her play. It is important that she sees the someone who looks like her on the screen, on the shelf, and printed on her bedspread. Imagine my surprise when the Disney response was that they had not done a movie featuring a Black Princess because they had no STORIES of actual Black Princesses to base a movie on! This was complete BS as The Little Mermaid is a freakin fish girl! And were our actual living Black African Queens not little girls (Princesses) in their youth? What a cop out, Disney.
I’m also glad to see that Tiana has parents. You might notice Disney’s hatred of mothers, Belle’s mother is missing and she’s raised only by her short-a$$ daddy, Ariel’s mother is MIA, Mulan’s Mommy may have committed hari-kari, Snow White’s mother is a possible lawn ornament, Cinderella’s Ma had already been replaced – hell, the only one who has a Momma is Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) – and SHE gives her to 3 witches who take her to live the forest! I am glad to see that Disney has finally caught a clue and produced what I hope is only it’s FIRST movie featuring a Black Princess. I don’ t care what shade she is, a look at my own family finds beautiful Black women as light as well-creamed coffee to as dark as 12:01 midnight! Our entire Country is learning to see the beauty in Black, and it’s time Disney did as well. My baby & I will be there opening day, with tiaras!
Posted by Lenice Y | October 12, 2009, 2:11 pmoh my, how sad that you don’t have “a lot to choose from” when it comes to toys targeted at your child and mass produced in china by big corporations.
Disney is a company, they’re in business. If black princesses don’t sell, they’re not gonna make em. I dont know why everyone is looking at Disney or television/movies in general to provide positive images of their culture for their children to look up to/buy dolls of. Let’s not forget, Disney is a giant company that owns BET through which is blasts gangster rap at the black people of America.
Create your own positive culture, don’t look to corporate America to provide it. Their number one goal is MAKE THAT MONEY!
Posted by Ruth | November 13, 2010, 9:10 pmthis is hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!
i dont think its racism its comedy…they shouda asked me what i thought!!!!!!!!
SEATTLE ALL DAY;) ahahah
Posted by tangi | October 26, 2009, 5:27 pmOkay I ran out of patience trying to read the rest of the comments. All I’m going to say is that yes, Disney is racist, and they have been for a long while. I wasn’t really aware of this at the time, but I’m in a cultural diversities class and it’s really opened my eyes about all the underlying racism in society.
It’s not the fact about the perm thing that bothers people of color, it’s the fact that they are basing it on stereotypes. First, their setting it in New Orleans, second, I heard some complaints that Disney gave her a “typical african american name”, and there are sooo many other problems…
Also, look in all the other Disney movies. Notice how the villians always seem to have a darker skin tone than the “good guys”? Let’s see, there’s Jafar, Scar… those are the only two I can remember the names of but I know theres more I just forgot there names.
Anyway, I think you get my hint.
I know people prboably don’t care but as much as I would love to say “Hey let’s end racism” and stuff, it’s not gonna happen.. Because there are so many screwed up mixed up people in this world that believe they are better than others. And people just love to live in ignorance.
Sorry if this made no sense…
The Peoples News responds: It made sense. But I had to delete your profane screed at the end. That really wasn’t necessary.
Posted by Hello | November 3, 2009, 10:28 pmWhy is it racist to set the movie in New Orleans. I don’t get it. Are you aware that the black mayor of New Orleans called it a “Chocolate City?” Now that might be racist. But black people live everywhere and New Orleans provides a great background for a story. I can tell you I haven’t heard anyone here in New Orleans complain about the movie. Most people seem to love it, black and white.
Posted by Ruth | November 13, 2010, 9:15 pmThese people are reading into things too much. She has a perm? So what she’s a princess. Princesses get perms Newsflash that aint natural hair for white people either. If she was white would people call it racist?
LOL. I think its so funny how it keeps calling her “African-American”. Shes NOT an American. Unless the movie takes place in a Kingdom(or Principality or what ever) in America she’s not technically an American. She could be African-European or Native African though.
Posted by Ardoran | November 11, 2009, 12:13 amlol notice how no one has said, “hey, its the first AMERICAN princess! yay us!” plus it says something that Disney made their first American princess black *shrug*
Posted by Sasha | January 6, 2010, 2:24 pmMy bad. Just read it takes place in New Orleans but the prince is from some mystical land. So she is an African-American.
Posted by Ardoran | November 11, 2009, 12:16 amI saw a billboard here in Los angeles and it shows a croc and a frog, why not show a BLACK princess which this is about? Are they (disney) not proud? false advertising. I will NOT see this movie
Posted by mike | November 16, 2009, 8:05 pmA green ogre was a princess in the movie Shrek before an African American became a princess.
That is racism.
Posted by Ace Flashman | November 18, 2009, 7:30 pmTECHNICALLY if you watched the first movie, she was just another redhead princess so um….NO. plus she spent the VAST majority of not just the movie, but the 2 sequels as an ogre…do white ppl complain? No. Are black people complaining that Tiana spent over just half of the movie as a frog? YES. Plus I’m black and I think it’s just as stupid as it sounds.
Posted by Tes | January 6, 2010, 2:28 pmAs a black woman I must say that I am very disappointed with and deeply offended by Disney’s new “black” princess. The quotation marks because she does not look “black.” Since when are slightly cocoa women with ideal caucasian features “black?” Racist Disney does not want to acknowledge the true ethnic appearance of a black woman. Where are her big, thick lips and wooly hair? Why is she dressed all up like some kind of rich white girl? How come her true ethnic background is not acknowledged? Where is her leopard-print mini-dress and gaudy jewelry? Hell, why isn’t she a true, lovely African princess wearing a grass skirt, garish facepaint and a big plate in her lip? How come she does not live in a mud hut and eat bugs? And her man!!?? Where is his black skin? What is Disney trying to tell my young daughters? That a black man isn’t who she should be with? Why is he WHITE!? I WILL NOT allow my daughters to see this film.
Posted by Lakeisha | November 29, 2009, 3:48 amShut up.
I’m black right, ALL black…African. I’m her skin tone. I have caucasian features. We live in the 21st century; I WOULD NOT wear “a grass skirt, garish facepaint and a big plate in her lip or wear mud and eat bugs.” neither would any sane person. You obviously beg to differ.
Posted by Rita | January 6, 2010, 2:32 pmAre you serious?
Posted by Ladesha | February 6, 2010, 1:55 pmOkay, everyone here who says this movie was any bit racist is a MORON. there, it had to be said and that’s what I’m sticking to.
i loved this movie, it was great to see another “musical animated” disney film.
Tiana, is black. Not spanish, not anything else, black.
I thought that when I saw here, and i still think so. Not all black people are super dark, most of the black people i know have the same skin tone like Tiana. And of course she’s a frog most of the movie. ITS CALLED THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG. thats the freaking plot, its not a “racist” thing.
Some people have complained about the villian being black, well duh. If we’re having our first black princess, why not have our first black villian. and i gotta say, the villian was super bad ass! He’s definently one of the best Disney villians.
But this was NOT RACIST. Disney finally thought, hey it’d be nice to give the black their own Disney princess, and not even that pleased all of them. I’m just so shocked that there are actually people slandering this movie, its disgusting that you’re so obsessed with finding racism in everything in life.
Posted by rs356 | March 30, 2010, 9:37 pmLook, your racist chick… You think white men shouldn’t be with black girls? It’s 2012, we need to except each other. Also it’s putting black girls down when u say they should chow on worms and Biggs and stick a plate in there lips! You know they did that in slavery to make the women less attractive! Also, they portrayed her as a lovley realistic character. You are so unbelievably racist twords whites and blacks. I hope your children disagree with your actions and find a nice man white or black… Disney did a good job so far. The writers of this article just try to stir us up. You are to idiotic to notice so shut up!!!!!!
Posted by Definitely not you | December 30, 2011, 12:23 amDo you guys notice how little mexicans bitch about things? I mean, did you see those old looney tunes with speedy gonzalez??? that mouse would cross the border to bring cheese back to his drunk cousins! seriously though, this movie is racist trash and I strongly advise you not expose your kids to it unless you want to keep them hating and fearing each other.
Posted by hugo | November 30, 2009, 11:06 pm“…little mexicans bitch about things?” What is that suppose to mean?
It isn’t racist trash you moron. I’m 13 years old. I’m still a kid right? Most kids, unless raised by racist parents who can’t seem to stop being so idiotic, don’t even notice other peoples’ race. I don’t even notice my friends’ race. All I care about is their personality. Wait! Didn’t Martin Luther King say, “I have a dream where my four little children will one day not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
That man that said, “Sure, Boris Kodjoe is fine, and we come in all shades, but to be truly black, a character can’t be any lighter than Denzel Washington.” He is doing the opposite. As are many of the people is the article. People really need to stop looking for anything that seems even the tiniest bit racist when anyone with a brain can see it is not. This article is completely ignorant and racist itself!
One day this movie will be considered a Disney classical if not already! I willl one day allow my children to watch this wonderful movie as much as they please. They will hate nor fear others because they seem different beacuse of one movie that is clearly not racist. You my dear sir are mistaken.
Posted by A. Arroyo | July 6, 2010, 7:44 pmOk, lemme get this straight, WHO F*CKING CARES IF ITS BASED AROUND A BLACK PERSON. Damn!
Posted by -_- | December 1, 2009, 10:36 pmBlack people are more racist then any other race on the planet, Disney is trying to do something ethical and say that blacks are equal in America. Of course they are going to complain about every little thing. Why was the white king in The Emperor’s New Groove a llama for most of the movie? Because that’s how the movie was written to go,not because they were trying to bash the white race. If The Princess and The Frog wanted to be realistic the princess would have 6 kids from 6 different princes. The truth hurts, GET OVER IT.
Posted by a realistic person | December 5, 2009, 5:11 pmgotta give you kudos on that comment.
thumbs up all the way.
of course, it should say that not all black women have that whole “6 kids from 6 fathers” going on. But the rest of what you posted is so true, and so sad.
Posted by rs356 | March 30, 2010, 9:39 pmA realist person,
Ha ha ha! Yep, Disney tried to do something to show blacks were so equal that they forgot that maybe a young black girl might, just might be dreaming of a BLACK prince instead of a white one.
And we blacks are soooo terrible for wanting a black prince for a black princess. Gee how far would Cinderella have gotten if she was rushing off to see the Prince of Jamaica?
You claim black people are the most racist but YOU then turn around and use some racist stereotype. She should have 6 kids from 6 different princes. That is quite ignorant unless you are saying that THIS represent the majority of black women?
The truth is that white people such as yourself (not all white people) love to sit and complain and then have the nerve to say that blacks complain to much. Get over yourself.
This is why we can’t get over race relations. Too many people who wish to OWN how minorities view racism. You don’t have the right. The movie IS racist just like Pocohontas. I am still waiting to see this white princess with her NON white prince. Disney will NEVER go there.
Posted by theblacksentinel | December 8, 2009, 1:27 pmTiana didn’t dream of any prince at all. She fell in love, unexpectedly. With someone not of her color. Just saying…that cannot be racist at all.
Posted by Ashlyn | December 15, 2009, 8:45 pmI think interacial love is cool, and I like their original concept of a white guy with blond hair. It spoke of the melting pot of New Orleans!
That city is all mingled so I think interracial love is fabu.
Her moms and dad were of the same color, so they show a strong brown man that no one has yet measured up to.
Posted by Emily | December 20, 2009, 12:27 amHmmm, let’s see mr. Realistic…so you begin by stating that black people are the most racist folks on the planet, and then go on to prove your point by typing up a racist tirade.
You are a complete moron— realistically speaking, of course.
Posted by LOU | December 8, 2009, 3:49 pmlol, “realistically speaking” thats funny.
but he has a point, it always seems that black people tend to be a bit racist with many things, which is ironic considering their sensitivity toward the whole issue.
i mean, i 100% loved this movie and saw no racism.
I don’t have any problems with black people, and if anyone cares I’m white, but they need to stop finding racism in EVERYTHING
especially such an awesome disney movie.
nuf said
Posted by rs356 | March 30, 2010, 9:43 pmI am african american and i saw the trailer, i am pretty offended, why the BLACK princess have to be with a white prince? this is certainly not what a lot of blacks want, then why the princess has european features (mouth, nose, etc), why not a real black woman(lips, hair etc)? why is it happening in N.O.(the 911 for blacks, Katrina)? What a poor choice, finally i want to remind that a frog is an animal living in half water, a pretty racist analogy to Katrina blacks living in half water for 1 week. with so much controversy i hope Disney cancels this movie
Posted by jan | December 8, 2009, 8:06 pmNew Orleans is a kick ass city!! So full of life and liveliness made by black and white, Native American and Carribean people together. They’re honoring the city, and all its inhabitants have created. What’s wrong with interracial love? New Orleans is famous for being a melting pot of colors, and people don’t date along racial lines. Hell, siblings aren’t even the same color!
Just because she likes a white guy, doesn’t mean she dislikes black guys…
Posted by Emily | December 20, 2009, 12:29 ami don’t think that disney was making fun of the people of New Orleans. You have to dig REALLY DEEP to think that the frog actually resembles an insult to blacks.
knock it off and get over yourself
Posted by rs356 | March 30, 2010, 9:44 pmIt boggles my mind how people just keep stirring up the racist pot. I’m not saying it doesn’t go around, because it does, but people are finding racist things in every nook and cranny and making a big deal of something when it has no worldly significance, but to cause arguments and debase a perfectly awesome movie. Thats life, look hard enough and you’ll find something your not okay with, racism or otherwise and its usually just in your head.
Okay first of all, to all those people saying Prince Naveen is white, is wrong, he’s from the Caribbean or some Latin country and could very well be creole(cause of Louisiana) or mixed. Most of the Caribbeans population is black, mind you and there’s a ton in Latin America, more so than the U.S. But what he is, is definitely not white.
Second, to those people saying that placing the setting of the movie in Louisiana is such a bad thing, I honestly don’t see why. They are probably honoring Louisiana and all its beauty and culture, ESPECIALLY due to hurricane Katrina. but for all you know, they already had all the movie planned out by then and couldn’t change it because it was so vital to the story plot.
Thirdly, I already touched this subject but why in the hell are people thinking Disney is racist for making the Princess look like how she does. If they were to make her with extremely kinky hair, huge lips, and whatever diction she would have, they would also clearly label that as stereotyping the black community. As someone said, Africans are the originators of life and come in all different colors because they possess all the basic DNA from every race, ethnicity, and thus are the most varied. Just because Princess Tiana doesn’t look like you, that does not mean she is not “Black enough”.
Fourth, her name. Princess Tiana, I admit is most commonly associated with a black person, but what do you expect she IS Black. And if Disney were to name her Jane or Elizabeth, or some other typically distinct white name, those people who are discriminating this movie, will have a bitch fit and never cease their ‘your a racist’ tirade.
and lastly
and to those who adamantly say they’re not going to let their daughters/ children watch this, are just making their self- induced racism continue.
ohh yeah and to “hello’, you mentioned Jafar, Scar, you forgot to add Ursula, Maleficent, and the Huns. I honestly can’t believe you made that comment… they’re evil because they’re blacker?!?!?!?!? They’re darker because of the whole light versus dark thing, not because they’re more african or blacker in that sense or whatnot your trying to imply.
dang that was long…sorry I just got extremely p-od at some of these comments…couldn’t help myself…
The Peoples News responds: Love your comment. Cruella DeVille and the witch in Snow White were also not brown.
Naveen is actually from Maldonia, a made-up country. The actor who voices him, Bruno Campos, is from Brazille and looks like this.
Posted by sane | December 9, 2009, 1:25 amI think Bruno is brown enough for me to take home….
Posted by Emily | December 20, 2009, 12:31 amthe comment above may be longer, but its all very true.
100 kudos to “sane”
Posted by rs356 | March 30, 2010, 9:46 pmI think it’s excellent that disney has made a movie with an African-American as the princess regardless of her skin tone. The reason this movie probably took so long to come out is because of all of the “they should have asked me” ‘s that would come after it. Nothing seems to be good enough for “us” we want natural hair or darker skin, and what’s wrong with Louisiana? It is home to a variety of tones of african american decent. I will be at the movie theather to see this film and hopefully you will too!
Posted by Satisfied | December 10, 2009, 8:59 pmThis is funny and honest at the same time. Im black and not upset with Disney. Im 32 yrs old and if disney was racist back then, why do people think it will be different? The Lion King is a black story of Isis,Osiris,Set, and Horus. I’ve traveled to asia,africa,south america, and its proof of black men from before Jesus time. Of course they’re not gonna make her prince a fully black man, he’s the alpha man. We as black people shouldn’t be offended, disney is and has always been racist. Also, don’t start looking for anyone not black to understand that. We need to make our OWN stories for our children. The European has lied about us and now since we know the bibical and ancient egypt kings and queens was black, they now say its no big deal, forgetting that you lied to us in the school system. Oprah having a opinion doesn’t matter either, she got paid. Hell, when we’re dead and gone, if the european still runs the show, Tupac,Michael Jordan, all these dark men will be played by a brad pitt. They hate us, but wanna be us. Its cool, what the world gonna do when that Sun keeps getting hotter? God has his way of making his point, if you don’t have large amounts of melanin, you won’t be here to lie,destroy, and steal history anymore. ‘They got money for war, but can’t feed the poor’ Tupac Shukar.
Posted by Linebacker | December 11, 2009, 9:21 ambut what will the black man do when he has no one to blame but himself…
Posted by Renee | December 15, 2009, 9:34 amIt’s not that serious people. Its just a cartoon. No one complained about Pocahantas, or Milian. Skin color doesn’t determine anything, the way you sound, act, personality etc. Just saying.
Who cares that the Prince “white(or whatever)” ha, its called diversity.
“And why doesnt she have black features?”!!!!
WTF not all black people look the same!!! FYI most people most are mixed with a little bit of something, even if its 0.03%
So what if her hair is straight. OMG THE WORLD IS GOING TO END B/C A BLACK PERSON HAS STRAIGHT HAIR!! AHHH. get real people. its just T.V
OHH and the voodoo thing ha!! OOKAYY. what about that creepy witch in Snow White.
You people just wont be satisfied until there’s a movie with every Nationality/race/ethnicity in it, psh but someone would still complain.
tisk tisk
Posted by Kinko | December 13, 2009, 12:27 amkudos to Kinko
Posted by rs356 | March 30, 2010, 9:47 pmIt may or may not be a big deal to people that they have their “first black princess”, but it is a big deal for the Disney company. This is a step in the right direction, one away from the Song of the South characterization, yet it still lays unfavorably racist. All around I thought it was a beautiful movie. I love that it takes place in New Orleans!! it keeps the memory and charm of pre-Katrina N’awlins alive and may create future visitors to boost the local economy.
Posted by Kerry | December 14, 2009, 1:58 amThere are two types of Negros in this country Real and Fake. Real Negros see thru all the smoke that folks at disney, hollywood, fox etc put in there media. What A real Negro see’s is that they use just enough smoke to divide Negros into groups which can never agree. Only Real Negros educate themselves enough to read between the lines. They expect me as a Black Man to be happy with Them making a cartoon about a black FEMALE princess, they put the black woman in front of the black man in many movies and say hey there is a Black person, yeah tru but not a Alpha Black Male. Then to top it off the Saviour looks like your typical white guy that disney likes to use to save the day. I will never spend a dime on disney.
Posted by Damian | December 14, 2009, 2:13 amWTF is an Alpha Black Male? Is this a secret fraternity? A stage name?
Posted by Arlene | December 24, 2009, 2:00 pmthis is the stupidest shit I’ve ever seen. WHO GIVES A FUCK IF SHE’S BLACK JUST SHUT THE FUCK UP AND DON’T WATCH IT IF YOU DON’T LIKE IT
fucking retards
Posted by Not Racist | December 15, 2009, 8:28 pma bit crude, but kudos anyway
Posted by rs356 | March 30, 2010, 9:48 pmDon’t be rude!
Posted by Gozeno | December 30, 2011, 8:35 pmJohn Lasseter of Pixar Animations Studios loves New Orleans. He loves the culture and all the aspects of it. THAT is why the movie is set in New Orleans. I am a member of D23 and i get the quarterly magazine, which is where i read this.
People just want to stir up controversy and make Disney look like a bad guy. Before this movie, people COMPLAINED that there was not an African-American princess. NOW, almost everyone is furious about it. Why is that?!
Posted by Ashlyn | December 15, 2009, 8:38 pmDamien, real talk there. The good thing is, the lies in America is being shown. Disney,ABC, are all together. That’s why Oprah is cool with it, more money for her and Tyler Perry to make negative movies like Precious, but that’s another topic. When I have children and they come home with they’re history books,Im gonna sit down with them and give them TRUTH, not His Story. If someone gave me the bootleg copy from a flea market, I still wouldn’t watch it. Black parents need to tell they’re children that they’re Gods and Goddess, not these, wack ass lies. I can see it 100 yrs from now ‘Of course 50 Cent and Wesley Snipes are white, look at the painted picture’. The lies are played out, thank god the statues and drawing in Egypt and North America and other places are still here.
Posted by Linebacker | December 17, 2009, 6:09 pmohk you people need to stop. really though. some of you are being really absurd. ohk first we, including me, complained about all the white princess[indian and chinese princess] but no black princess. i honestly didnt know why there wasnt one as long as disney princess has been around. but hey im young so whatever. but then black people complain that their is one because of everything thats centered around her. GROW UP!!! as you can see there has not been a disney princess that has had it all. cinderella cleaned houses and was poor. sleeping beauty sleeped all the time and was crappy. pocohontas ran away to find love. mulan cut off her hair and pretended like she was a boy to go into the army for her father. people cut them some slack. and a white prince. so what. at least she falls in love. there are plenty of interracial marrages with BLACK WOMEN AND WHITE MEN. come on you guys.
Posted by Shadaria | December 19, 2009, 9:20 pmI agree
Posted by Miya | February 19, 2010, 4:31 pmI loved the movie. Go see it!
Posted by Emily | December 20, 2009, 12:33 amBlack people you know that we don’t all have the same features so asking for her to be darker with wool hair, and “black features” is also a stereotype. Not all black people have kinky hair and full lips. I could identify with her looks because I am a brown black woman with sometimes wavy or straight hair. So what it she had a perm, white women perm their hair all the time but they call it weave, and what we call weave, they call hair pieces. Usually black women on tv real light skinned or looken homely which is whats unrealistic.
Posted by T | December 23, 2009, 12:07 amI had not really paid attention to this flick, did not feel a connection. Now that I have had a chance to review the story premise, I have to say a big ‘WTF,’!!!! I don’t care about the hair, lighter skinned prince or the whole New Orleans connection, because as we all know, ALL BLACK AMERICANS LIVE IN NEW ORLEANS.’
I am thoroughly upset that in a rush to present a Black American Princess, Black Actors and Media leaders jumped on a band wagon filled with crap. Oh…Disney thought it was time to create a Black American Princess. Does Disney set the standard? God, I hope not! A Black Princess food service worker, working for the ‘man’, because according to this crap, there are no Black Entrepreneurs. Excuse Me…where has Disney been. FYI-Disney is well known for their racism. Do a search, I am sure their Nazi cartoons are around somewhere.
As far as I am concerned, shame on everyone associated with this farce!
Posted by Badestkty | December 26, 2009, 3:30 pmumm, seriously? tiana is an entrepreneur. she’s working in teh food service industry to get the money to put a down payment on a building so she can OPEN HER OWN BUSINESS.
Posted by Ruth | November 13, 2010, 9:05 pmthey should be happy that there IS a dark princess not making it such a big deal. Would they rather another white person for a princess
Posted by bella | January 6, 2010, 8:21 pmWhat a bunch of victicrats
You don’t see white people complaining whenever idiots, murderers or villains in movies are portrayed by white people.
The Peoples News responds: We’ve heard a few Italians complaining about the idiots of Jersey Shore. Italians are white, right?
Posted by LeaveArtAlone | January 13, 2010, 5:50 pmitalians are not white, they’re italian. white is typically anglo-saxon. also, genetically italians have more black ancestry.
Posted by Ruth | November 13, 2010, 8:59 pmNot being funny but could you call this racist yet you winged about the fact of there not being any black princesses and now your making a fuss about silly perms and rubbish it’s so stupid
Posted by Ash | January 26, 2010, 12:04 pmI just saw the movie with my daughter and she loved it. I have been designing Disney products for about 14 years. I have to tell you it’s a big difference between the characters. All of the Princess characters don’t start our rich at all. Most live poor lives. I do have to say that NOT ONE OF THOSE CHARACTERS ever changed into something else. I spent most of the time looking at frogs living in a swap. It held none of the magic that we are pressed to show with the other princess characters. I hated how the Shadow Man (I think that’s his name) started screaming about trying to pay off debts and he just needed a little more time. What debts?? I could have missed something. Was he the towns crack head. Not horrible just didn’t have Disney’s normal magic. I still have to admit my daughter liked it and possible that I am the jaded mother and she has the sweet mind of a 3 year old.
Posted by Head Scratching | January 29, 2010, 11:58 pmlol, i never thought the villian might be a crack head.
Posted by rs356 | March 30, 2010, 9:50 pmWoah. People need to calm down. Why does everyone think this is serious?
“Filed under: African American, Barack Obama, Humor, Movies, Satire, black women, hair”
What is that I see there? Humor and Satire. Yeah.
Chillax, people.
Posted by uuuhhh. | February 14, 2010, 11:58 pmokay….she is black…does it matter what skin tone she is? No yall are getting all worked up over this?! stop complaing. she is black and there is nothing wrong with her falling in love with a prince who is black but with lighter skin. It is just a cartoon people. Its not real. she is a fictioanl charater. Her skin tone is fine. All skin tones are beutifull. And how can you tell that she has a perm?! ITS A CARTOON CHARATER NOT A REAL PERSON!!!!!!!
Posted by Miya | February 19, 2010, 4:30 pmJust not sure about the film. A quick message to Non-Blacks. Please stop telling black people to get over it or try to explain how innocent something is.
The film is good if you’re into that sort of thing but not for me or my kids. Waiting for the day when fantasy doesn’t have that feel of realism for black people.
Posted by El | February 20, 2010, 1:18 pmThe Blacks in the US are screwed up mentally in their heads, period. Either assimilate into the mainstream, and get along with your lives. Frankly most people are fed up with belly aching from the leftists that control you.
I don’t care about your problems, I want you to shut and get a life Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Spike Lee etc……
If you don’t like your conditions go to a west african nation that’ll welcome you. Better than that we’ll make a swap for the same amount of Africans from the area of your ancestors, because I know the Nigerians can make it anywhere. They know who they are and don’t need affirmative action programs to get ahead. all they need is freedom, which they can’t get back in thoses kleptocratic west african states.
The don’t talk they do, unlike the loafers in the US. Thank God our Black Canadians don’t moan like you losers.
Ben
Posted by ben | March 5, 2010, 1:19 amWow, so now that we have a Black president, NOW it’s OK to have a Black disney princess? Kristin McMurphy’s statement makes me cringe; this is just another attempt to exploit Black people.
I’m still waiting for an apology for the blatantly racist images of Black people from disneys past. (see http://www.cracked.com/article_15677_the-9-most-racist-disney-characters.html)
Posted by BJB | March 7, 2010, 1:58 pmYou people have issues! As a black women from Louisiana, I smiled the entire time I watched this. Who cares if she is black! Just watching the culture that only someone who grew up in could understand was amazing. It made me miss being at home (I live in Texas now).
Voodoo is a part of New Orleans, it isn’t racist! The people in the movie spoke like the creoles and Cajuns, it wasn’t offense at all, but it literally made me want to go home, gather up the family, and have a crawfish boil. I loved the little comments made throughout the movie that no one else but a native would catch. Disney did a great job and I can’t wait for the day that people stop trying to dig a racial issue out of everything. It’s so embarrassing…
Posted by PrincessG | March 17, 2010, 6:45 amim glad to hear a sincere i loved this from a black woman. its a shame not everyone agrees with you.
and yes, it too wait for the day there won’t be racism in every little thing.
Posted by rs356 | March 30, 2010, 9:53 pmDISNEY Does not owe ANYONE ANYTHING! Walt Disney was a white man who built a legacy… it is the COMPANIES decision to do what they want. If you don’t like it… don’t watch it.
Blacks… if you don’t like it… Then quit complaining about it… and go make your OWN movies and your own multi-billion dollar production industry.
Blacks would be JUST as mad if Tiana had big lips, fat noses, and an afro. They would say that Disney is stereotyping the African Woman. I think Tiana looks beautiful the way she is. They will NEVER be happy? She will either look too “white” or too “stereotypical black”
You guys claim whites are racist, yet we don’t have a WET tv station like your BET… or a White History Month, or White Only Scholarship Programs, like you guys have. Open your eyes and see racism comes from ALL colors, including YES Blacks themselves (Shocker!)
I am quite sure that after this ridiculous controversy they will never have another black princess… and I don’t blame them. They try to do something nice and awakening, and all blacks can do is complain about it. Go make your own movies then because Disney owes you nothing, k thanks.
Posted by lolaa | March 18, 2010, 2:17 pmYeah because whites only have eleven other months ….dumbass
Posted by Kyra | March 23, 2010, 11:55 pmHilarious. Simply hilarious. I’m a black woman, and you know what? This princess looks like a cartoon version of me with longer hair. So since when is this not considered “black”? What is classified as black?
You’ve got to admit, we’re pretty mixed up, so why not make her look like that? What would happen if they’d put a black (literally) person up there with a big ass fro and a pick in her hair with big red lips? Black people would be offended. They put a princess with styled hair and a mid-tone complexion up there and black people are still offended. What do you want, her skin to be pink and blue with yellow polka-dots? I think Disney did a fantastic job with this princess.
And another thing, how do 90 percent of black people wear their hair as of 2010? Permed, styled, in up-dos. So why is it such a big deal? This is why no one cares to do anything for us, and frankly it embarrasses me.
Posted by Erin | March 25, 2010, 6:58 pmWow. You took the words right out of my mouth.
Posted by Lindsay | May 5, 2010, 6:51 pmOH MY GOD. This article is crap. Just because there’s one or two people who are black or white or whatever, doesn’t mean they represent every person of their race. Whoever thinks that is racist. “Oh this black person is into voodoo, that means EVERY black person is into voodoo!” That’s like saying “Oh, this white girl likes to sing and dance, I guess that means every white girl likes to sing and dance”
Hypocritical idiots
Posted by Maddie | March 26, 2010, 11:23 pmI agree with bobbytwoshoes. He’s totally right!
Posted by josh | April 7, 2010, 8:05 amI wonder why we all just cant get along.. Its so much other stuff to worry about then a disney character… Ask me what I think.
Well I will tell you:
I think that we should not judge one another.
I think we should be more willing to help then to talk about one another.
I think that this world has to much hate and not enough love.
I think that if we stop doing so much complaining and go to your local community to see what you can do to get the teenagers involved in more things it will decrese teenage pregnacies, killing, stealing etc…
I think that we should stop being in other peoples business and lives and worry about our own.
I thing God is real and he is coming back and we need to get ourselves prepared..
Thanks for asking me what I think…….
Posted by Me,myself and I | April 14, 2010, 6:47 amJesus is the reason for the season lets talk about getting ourselves together.
Princess and the Frog was a good movie I liked it. Im also very proud to be a princess to the king of king and lord of lord..
Posted by Me,myself and I | April 14, 2010, 6:49 amMy complaints:
Perm.
Posted by Thegreatpurpleflame | April 16, 2010, 9:27 pmI don’t think this movie was racist but I do think this movie was a little stereotypical. I think people get the two mixed up most of the time. The perm thing is stupid. Most black people do perm there hair. Who cares. Some black people have straight hair. Some black people kinky hair. Some wear it natural and some don’t. I think that people would have complained more if they had her with kinky, thick hair. Of Course, This is just my opinion.
Posted by Lindsay | May 5, 2010, 6:48 pmok I am white and i found this while surfing the web for a project i am doing for school and i have to say the writer of this article is the one who is racist and does not deserve to be writing. It a god damn Disney film!!! WTF is the issue with a black princess.. so what if its in New Orleans and she has a perm, her hair doesn’t look any different then other Disney princesses have had! i think it was about time for a black princess because without her then they would have been racist! so stop complaining and be happy that they have actually recognized that blacks deserve a place in the Disney world
Posted by Douglas | June 9, 2010, 12:48 pmIt is the one of the best Disney films ever and people are deciding it racist a load of rubbish! It is not racist at all I congratulate Disney on a new remarkable film which made me laugh over and ovr again!
Posted by Charlim | June 25, 2010, 2:26 pmA couple months ago, I was finally able to watched the movie with my granddaughters. Several times. They have the shirts and they the toys. They talk about the movie a lot. Not one time have they said, “gee granma, that girl is black”. They don’t notice, they don’t see – it never comes up. It is a story.
I thought the thing that made this movie better than say “The Little Mermaid” was that the protagonist had a mom and a dad, it was a loving family, she worked hard, dreamed big, and followed her dreams. Every child needs to see that.
Surprising to me… the thing they liked most was the music. They dance and they sing with this movie. I can’t think of another movie that gets them moving like that.
Posted by Renee | July 2, 2010, 10:28 amWhy are you complaining about it! She is the first black princess and thanks to people who like that the last. It was another time people. So get over it!
All of the complainers, who are mostly African-American I might add, are being too seintive.(Yes I can’t spell) All of those people need to get a life and not watch things they don’t like. They are honestly making a big deal over nothing.
Posted by A. Arroyo | July 6, 2010, 6:48 pmactually this is racist cuz u think that black people cant have anything u think only white ppl can have everything go back and listen to martin luther king
Posted by Haley | July 18, 2010, 5:39 pmI think “The Princess Frog” is a fine example of Disney honouring black people, sort of. Look we get to be animals and sing and dance. Then we get to show the world the beauty of Voodoo thanks to a gambling Prince who Tiana is lucky enough to meet and marry. Disney formula followed: Not so happy girl, intrigue, drama, dashing male lead, happy ending! So do the details really matter? A Princess is a princess and for Halloween our daughters get to pick Princess Tiana! Okay our boys still have to be spiderman or the hulk, but their time will come…eventually, maybe. Now, they should have asked me what I thought but since Oprah (the vox populi for black people everywhere) has signed off on it: “You get to see it, You get to see it, Everybody gets to see it!!”
Posted by SAS | August 9, 2010, 1:09 pmBwahaha! People are just retards. People are so concerned with being PC nowadays that they’ll pick at anything that might be deemed racist if they twist it enough. Here’s something for ya: quit trying to sound intelligent by picking on matters that’s don’t exist. This movie was not racist. A lot of things people call racist actually aren’t. =V You have to take time and place into question too, ya know.
Posted by Zovesta | August 10, 2010, 1:54 pmI think you are the retard. The article was a joke, it is not serious! It is supposed to be funny.
Posted by Katherine | March 22, 2011, 12:54 ammy friend and i were living in paris, france, when this movie came out. we both cried when we saw it, not because of racial issues, but because it reminded us of home. we are 22 and 23 years old. this movie is not racist, its real for the time period it is set in. as a country we have enough issues to worry about, this movie is not one of them.
Posted by gwendolyn | September 7, 2010, 2:26 amthisis a very ingorant blog i did this movie to be racist at all people really loved princess tiana and many black people loved the white princess so why do everybody have a problem with one black princess
The Peoples News responds: Um…what?
Posted by Loren Greenlee | October 13, 2010, 10:54 pmI’ll interpret:
It is important to discuss this.
I didn’t think the movie was racist.
All the people (who saw the movie) really loved Tiana
Just like they love the other (white) Princesses.
So what is the problem?
Posted by Renee | November 7, 2010, 11:24 pmThe firefly is cajun. Not black. That is a cajun accent, and a good one.
Posted by Ruth | November 13, 2010, 8:35 pmAs a black young woman, I think this is crap. So what she turned in a frog, my niece thought it was hilarious and scary all at the same time.
Posted by DragonBaby | December 3, 2010, 4:44 pmThis is why it takes so long before black people are represented anywhere. You take something like the little things that mean NOTHING in this movie (she has a perm, the firefly’s accent, etc.) and blow them way out of proportion and then wonder why you don’t see a lot black people represented in movies. You represent black people no better than the princess did in the movie. Btw, I’m black myself.
Posted by Vanessa | December 30, 2010, 1:33 pmI think it is great that they finally have a black disney princess. The movie is great. My family and I loved the movie. But it is a shame how black people is always saying that white people overlook us and look down on us and then when they include blacks in something they have a problem with it. Blacks wear their hair permed now not in an afro or natural. People in New Orleans still talk like the firefly how you think you know when somebody is from New Orleans. Everytime somebody talks like that the first thing you say is “I love that New Orleans accent.” Yes New Orleans is recovering from a hurricane and that’s why I think it is great that they decided to center it around New Orleans. People need to quit always talking about something being racist and move on. Its not slavery days anymore. People like you are who make it hard for other black people. You all need to grow up. All the people who are saying this movie is racist are the ones being racist if you ask me.
Posted by mae | January 22, 2011, 6:13 pmWhoever decides to deem this movie “the most racist thing disney has produced” is obviously new to the disney scene. Behold, Dumbo. Yes, we all know about the black crows led by “Jim Crow” himself who smoke endless amounts of cigars while talkin’ jive & dancin all over the place hootin n hollerin at the follies of employed citizens, but the racism doesn’t end there. Dumbo is delivered from heaven by a stork to his mother on the circus train. Upon the storks arrival the other elephants are overjoyed yet the exact second they see his ridiculously huge ears they become outraged and shun him because he looks different. After tripping on his ears enough and being slapped around by children the other elephants huddle together to confirm that he is indeed “no longer an ELEPHANT”. Not “oh dear he’s giving us a bad name” or “what a poor misguided fellow.” They simply say that he is no longer fit to be considered a member of their race. The message here; he looks different so therefore he isn’t one of us and we must treat him like shit. That is Racism, you can sugarcoat it or just take it like it is. Every performance following this scene has dumbo dressed like a clown and treated as such, not to mention he befriends Timothy mouse who is constantly sneaking around for him. The rat works Dumbo into the spotlight by creeping up on the ringmaster while he’s sleeping and wrapping himself up in the bedcovers so that he is wearing a hooded white gown and says “I am the voice of your subconcious…” and proceeds to convince the ringmaster to use the funny lookin’ guy 2 make more $ (this scene always freaked me out as a kid cuz the character dsnt seem exactly friendly but ominous) there is a debate on whether this rat is supposedly jewish based on the very negative “sneaky jew rat” stigma (altho not popular this does stem from a very overt anti-semite.) if you pay close attention 2 the rats shadow upon approaching the ringmasters bed it is not the shadow ofa mouse but of a short crouched-over man with clawlike hands. So I’m not saying the intention of this film was to increase the popularity of these stereotypes or brainwash anybody. I’m simply saying that they do exist, and I’ve seen enough people jumping to old walt’s defense because he’s a “magical mickey mouse creator and spinner of childhood dreams”. The man wasn’t a saint by any means, and had the oppurtunity to have his beliefs infiltrate his work to a noticeable extent.
Posted by catt wiliamson | January 25, 2011, 12:29 amAfrican American, there is nothing African about black people in America, YOU ARE AMERICAN!!!! and if you really want to have the African experience, ill gladly swap places with you
Posted by From Africa | January 26, 2011, 1:43 amHonestly, I read this entire thing, and laughed the entire time. Princess and the Frog is one of my favorite Princess movies, because finally there’s a black princess. The firefly talks like that because he’s Cajun, and not all Cajuns are black. Voodoo is still practiced today, but was brought over by Africans, and New Orleans is one of the hot spots for MANY different religions, Voodoo being most controversial yet vital. It had nothing to do with being black considering many people that practice it are ALL different ethnicities and cultures.
Overall, all you’re doing right now is proving disney right. You would bitch if there wasn’t a black princess just as much as if there was one, and you’ve proved that right here. 🙂 IT’S A MOVIE. GET OVER IT AND TAKE IT FOR WHAT IT IS. An adorable movie that is not only funny, but cute as well. Personally, adore it and know all the dialog and script like all the other movies I’ve come to love by disney and all other producers. Get over yourself and for once stop thinking about Races controlling the world. It’s people like you that see races to begin with instead of seeing yourself and others as simple people, that cause racism. If you simply say, hey we’re all humans, we’re all people, racism wouldn’t exist. 🙂
Posted by Hazley | February 7, 2011, 2:00 pmAre you stupid? This is a joke article!
Posted by Katherine | March 22, 2011, 12:52 amwow, this article is complete ludicris, Bill Matthews, you have ridiculous notions about Disney, how on earth was this even published?
Posted by washizzle | February 17, 2011, 12:52 pmIt is a satire website. Do you know what SATIRE means? (***Hint***this article is the opposite of serious). I guess you not only have problems with reading comprehension, but vocabulary and spelling as well. It is spelled ludicrous.
Posted by Katherine | March 22, 2011, 12:51 amOk fisrt off u take things WAY to personal….just b/c u have dreads she has to have dreads???? but if disney would have made tiana have dreads you would have said they r racist b/c they made her hair nappy or whatever. second the firefly talks that that b/c the movie is based in New Orleans….I’m from New Orleans ALOT OF PPL TALK THAT WAY! ESPECIALLY In the Bayou where HE IS FROM! LOL Stop taking stuff personal ITS A CHILDS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!! It was a cute movie, if you didnt like it then dont watch it! Do some research b4 u try to state your opinion….it just makes u look dumb when u make ignorant statements like this!
Posted by mimi | February 18, 2011, 6:08 amOh my god! What a disgusting racist white American Disney mechanism of sabotage. I was about to go out and buy this new cartoon for our school, but when I saw a white prince in the film and not a black one, I strongly decided against it. Moreover, shame on any African-American actor and actress having absolutely anything to do with the making of this racist film. Where is the Walt Disney cartoon with a black prince and a white princess? I grew up watching Disney and had a great deal of respect for it, but now as an attorney-at-law and judge I will spend the rest of my life using any and every means possible to make sure that black children stay far away from any and all Disney products. The film is a disgrace that immediately warrants legal intervention on the part of the NAACP, ACLU, as well as, the Congress Black Caucus in the form of massive protests and boycotts of Disney stores and company headquarters. Disney, more than ever before, is a clear and present racial danger to the existence of African-American people and global blacks, as it is directly or gross negligently attempting to attack and destroy the African-American family. This is absolutely outrageous, racially unconscionable, and deserves immediate public attention by all critics. Worst of all is the participation of black actors and actresses, for as of now, they are no different than those who weaved the ropes that the KKK used to hang African-American men, WOMEN and children. These black actors sold out their own people…for 30 pieces of silver. How could they sleep at night, especially ENIKA….
Posted by Ozzie Mitchell | February 21, 2011, 5:49 pmGet real…seriously.
Posted by Miss D | August 23, 2011, 12:52 pmI kind of laughed a little…you need to calm down. It is Disney for God’s sake. They are trying to entertain not brainwash people. Personally I think it’s great that the prince is not black. It goes to show you can love anyone you want and not let race get in the way.
Posted by Yankee | October 30, 2011, 9:32 pmNot directed toward Miss D obviously. I had a slip of the mouse.
Posted by Yankee | October 30, 2011, 9:35 pm“Why does the black princess have to be a frog the whole time? Are they saying black people should be green instead of black?” wondered Shirley Wilson, a waitress at Rob’s diner who plans to boycott the movie.
Lol. that’s exactly what they were saying. (srsly, cry me a river)
Posted by some college person | April 1, 2011, 5:40 pmomfg WALT DISNEY WAS RACIST! he lived in the time era where EVERYONE was racist and he didnt live long enough to change with the time, however disney is NOT racist for making a black disney princess, a lot of african americans dont want to conform to the ideals of other african americans. the people who think that this movie was racist are ignorant!
Posted by ZepherRae | April 15, 2011, 3:19 amLOL someone PLEASE tell me this is some kind of joke… just found this while looking to see if there was any complaint of racism about this movie. I’m African American and I LOVE this movie. I think that given the time perios it’s based on, it’s very well done. And if you’re gonna misconstrue racism crap from stuff, here’s one that is at least somewhat viable. Now, I forget exactly which culture it was, I randomly came accross this while doing research in a library for a paper a while back. Now, apparently, when some of the Africans saw white people for the very first time, they believed that they were so white and pale because they had no souls, that they had likely sold their souls to the devil, and their color was drained along with the souls. Ever hear the phrase “white devil” that’s is typically used by black people in racist situations? Apparently it is linked to that idea.
Now, remember how during Facillier’s song he asks Lawrence if he has a soul? lol I was watching the movie with my friends and I nearly died laughing at that. Only one of my friends knew why and he was white… the other two friends, one white, one latino, didn’t even believe us when we told them. None of my friends think it was on purpose, but with how delightfully racist Disney can be, I wouldn’t put it past them.
Posted by Mai | April 19, 2011, 2:29 pmyou are an idiot. The Prince was not black, he was french, hence the accent. Secondly, the firefly was not black, he was cajun…..if you ever been to Louisiana, you would have known that before you opened that trap you call a mouth. Cajuns also do talk like that. Half of my relatives are cajun. As far as tianna, there are a lot of black women in Louisiana that don’t show their natural hair. As far as the Voodoo, this is supposed to be about New Orleans and like it or not, that is a very big part of our culture. The only thing they got wrong in the whole movie is that compared to most african american women in this state, she is skinny and has more ambition. Most African Americans live off the city in this state.
Posted by kris | July 5, 2011, 10:54 pmThis article might be hilarious but the number of people who took it literally is even funnier. If the movie was set in North Dakota there would be an uproar about black culture not being accurately portrayed. But because it was set in an area rich in black culture, people are still in an uproar…wait what? Three white guys are deep south hicks with no teeth, the only white girl is an obnoxious brat, the two real estate dudes are white assholes who screw her over, and the lead character is a determined hard working black girl. As a white girl im not complaining at all because all these examples are realistic. What in the hell are people complaining for? Disney as a corporation might be evil, but using this movie as evidence is grasping. This article was legit hilarious and its a shame hardly anyone recognized the author’s intent.
Posted by loljk | August 12, 2011, 9:57 pmAlso! If the black community would like for us all to celebrate and respect our own & others’ cultures, perhaps we should start recognizing people as individuals rather than direct reflections of an entire ethnicity.
Posted by loljk | August 12, 2011, 10:00 pmI think that noticing these details is in itself racist. It did not even enter my head that the fact she was a frog for the most part of the film meant that black people should be seen as anything like that, its simply the story. There are a lot of stereotypes but stereotypes are there because of past events etc and how else are children going to become educated in culture? It would NOT have had the same effect if some of the characters were played by different actors. I can see why people are annoyed by it all but there are plenty of stereotypes portrayed of white people that are ‘posh and stuck up’ or ‘common londoners’ etc…
Posted by anna | August 17, 2011, 6:38 pmOh my goodness people, its just a movie…for kids to enjoy! There’s always a little magic in all Disney movies. For example, Snow White: ate poison apple. The witch was white, does that mean all white people are witches? No. Little Mermaid had that evil mermaid lady after her and she was white, does that mean all white people are evil? No. Just because they made a movie about a black person being a princess and she wasn’t made the way ya’ll want her to be don’t make Disney racist. Get over it!
Posted by Miss D | August 23, 2011, 12:47 pmso what? its just a black princess! the rest of them are white!! just cuz shes black dosnet mean she cant be a princess!
Posted by kimmy | August 26, 2011, 9:35 pmHmmm.. Let me jus say this will b very long.. So if yu don like what I’m about to say DON READ IT!! Let me jus say DISNEY HAS ALWAYS BEEN RACIST! Dated all the way to the beginning. We as AFRICAN AMERICANS have never been fully recgonized by the hard work we’ve done. YES we FINALLY got a movie that didn have to b snatched bcuz it wasn’t as rascit as any other movie they’ve ever made about us. But let me point out some perticulars that my fellow african americans left out. NEVER has any white princess. Married any other race besides their own! Never have ya’ll referred to havin friends on the other side(wat the f is that??) Are yu referring to deamons? Being turned into a animal being captured by the white man (lion king”animal”,jungle book “animal” dumbo “jim crow and the crows”animals” the skit in brazil only had whites when 88percent of brazil is african americans where are they in RIO? etc) africa/egypt consists of asians,arabs africans and etc. And they all get bashed by disney!! I mean I’m not sayin it wasn’t a good movie but it still left me dissapointed. Finally tianna gits enough money to get the resturaunt she’s always dreamed of and the white man strips her of her dignity! They gave her the resturant to give it a good ending. Yes it wuz very disrespectful to N.O. In a symbolic way. But b/c this corrupted world has ppl brainwashed from seein pure and evil..WALT DISNEY was a racist sorry to say. And disney is supposed to b for the children but not once have ever aired anything w/o demonic ways.(Or should I say illuminati ways??) Were not complainin. Were givin r opinion something we have fought to express for many yrs! So ur dam right were infiriated! We were the firdt here on earth! But yet the last to get a movie. Were’s the reapspect? We’ve been at the bottom ever since we became slaves. African american month is the shortest month! N oprah whinfrey?? Who is she?? She does more for the whites the her own african american neighborhoods! O.W.N oprah whinfrey network? How bout N.O.W new world order! She’s owned by white ppl. So my opinion is “she can’t say a m f’n thing to me!” Read between the lines and stop being so naïve! Let’s give a round of applause for disney NEVER letting ppl down! Stopd trying to justify the reasons we never get intellegent acknowlegment from a white person. (Some whites) look down at us like scum of the earth. Yes we could b worring about real things in the real world right now. But were not! We’re talking about it! Who’s gonna stop me from my freedom of speech? NOBODY! I read EVERYBODIES comments and I really feel where everyone is saying. But it jus doesn’t cahnge the fact that we are still not recgonized as human beings with intellegence! I’m sure ill have a lot of complaints after my long sermon but if u were african or african american u would know exactly how we feel and if you are and u still don’t get it.. Shame on u! You’ve been brainwashed ma sisters and brothers!AMERICA has always instilled in us that whites will always be superior! Recgonize your worth. And correction we are not” BLACK” (another racial slur that the white man has tagged us with) meaning emptiness. Stop bein lazy and be proud to b AFRICAN AMERICAN! Ps. I’m only 19 I come from a family of christians,muslims and rastafarians and neither think this movie is fully acceptable! NOW START!!
The Peoples News responds: If they are in Brazil, they aren’t African-American, a name that, while Brazil is in South America, refers to Blacks in the United States.
Posted by royal EL | August 28, 2011, 12:32 amOMG come on how can you say you are a Christian after this. Why does everything have to be about rascism. You say your nineteen which proves you never went through any of the the African Americans did during the slavery times. Yes it was wrong. I would also like to ask you where in the bible does it say that God is black? Because God was the first on this Earth he made it and second question is Where does it say that Adam and Eve are black? Antoher question is why can you call us Caucasian Americans white and we can’t call yall black! Yall are the ones who are racist, and yall need to learn that yall have nothing to complain about just because the slaves worked hard doesn’t mean the rest of yall have in my home town there are just as many BLACK bums as there are WHITE bums. And i’m sorry but every one has the chance to be smart whether you are black, white, chineese, asian, europeoan, french, ornative american. Look at what happened to the poor indians thye were forced from their home so that American the land of the free could be formed. The jews were forced out of their homes and murdered brutally during world war two, and you don’t see either of those races screaming ‘our ancestors were slaves’ or ‘our we are black and the most superior people on the planet.’ i’m not a racist person, but its things like you posted that make me really not like some BLACK PEOPLE!!! and yes I slurred who yall are cause yall are BLACK not White lol grow up.
The Peoples News responds: I have rarely seen such a holier-than-thou letter filled with so many grammatical and spelling errors. What grade are you in? Does your computer have spell check? R-A-C-I-S-M and it’s “y’all.”
Posted by Katherine | September 29, 2011, 4:50 pmWhatever, I am so tired of the race card. No one cares. I hear about Song of the South or Little Black Sambo.. you know what’s funny? My parents weren’t racist and so I never gave two thoughts to the stories. I thought Uncle Remus was the nicest grandpa kind of old man and thought Sambo was the kids name. I still have those books from my childhood. When you push your racism it is why others like your kids pick up on it. No one seems to care when I hear cracker or honky… Hell I was in an Asian store because I love to cook Asian foods and this little black girl who worked there was like are you married to an Asian guy? Why? Because I’m white and can’t like to cook Asian? Talk about racist comments. I’ve been in college classes where blacks can say you people and it’s ok. We have a white teacher teaching a black college course, that’s right ONLY blacks are allowed in this class.. we have a choir called the black diamonds and only blacks can join, how is that right? She started out the class saying, let’s talk about the elephant in the room, yes I’m white. There is some segregation going on that is on the other hand now. And if the term black is racist, stop using the term white. Also, I had a black teacher who says that you are being rude to actual African Americans by using that term to describe yourself. Unless you are from Africa and have become an American citizen should you use that term. You are discrediting who they are by assuming that title. I don’t walk around demanding people to call me German American because my family came from Germany. To be honest, I didn’t want to watch this movie because I figured it was Disney’s way to try and appease a bunch of whiny cry babies.
Posted by Kat | September 5, 2011, 4:28 pmI must say I so agree with what you’ve said. Its a shame that if whites have a school just for whites its racist, but black people can have only black schools, classes, and other things and whites can’t say a thing. People that are calling the racism card need to grow up and learn that crap is over and done, and now they are switching it around and doing the same to others.
Posted by Katherine | September 29, 2011, 4:38 pmNobody cares. It’s a freaking movie for children. They enjoyed it, they saw talking animals, fun characters they really don’t give a sh*t. The prince isn’t African-American, for pete’s sake he has an accent. They said crap about Mulan too. People please, it’s not that serious.
Posted by Whatever | September 17, 2011, 9:44 pmhell yeaaaa
Posted by ikkidikki | October 29, 2011, 4:42 pmthis kind of made my day…it’s that funny and stupid 🙂
Posted by Vagina Hairs | September 24, 2011, 11:57 pmOME!! you people need to grow up I mean what is it with black people and thinking everything has to do with rascism. I mean come on none of you were slaves and none of you were alive during the segragation. Look at what Hitler did to the Jews. You don’t see them begging for a history month and thinking the world owes them something because Hitler murdered their ancestors. I’m sorry but all black people who do this crap need to realize that the world does not owe them anything because their ancestors were slaves, and new flash February is the SHORTEST month in the year!!!! Maybe thats got something to do with racism to. And for the record I am white and my best friend is black and agree with me on this one hundred percent!!
The Peoples News responds: OME! You’re an idiot, Katherine, and, if your black best friend agrees with everything you just typed, he/she is too. Jewish people have continuously—and rightly—sought relief in courts around the world for what happened to them in the Holocaust. They have persecuted suspected Nazis and rightfully say ‘never forget.’ Secondly, blacks who were slaves went to court for years trying to get compensation for slavery, and the battle was passed down through the generations. Promises were made, but not kept. Thirdly, hundreds of millions of people in this country were alive during segregation (notice my correct spelling). Three words for you: Read a book.
Posted by Katherine | September 29, 2011, 4:34 pmARE YOU KIDDING ME! Your retarded. You can say that about any movie.
Disney rocks
Posted by Joe | October 20, 2011, 8:39 pmi dont know what people are blabbering on about, just because they made the 1st black princess whoop de dooo least they made one instead of them being white all the time! be glad that they made her black and stop blabbering on about “its racist” but if walt disney was black…. suddenly its fine…. why cant people find something better to do than say a CHILDS cartoon is racist … seriously people get out and into the world these films are for children, they dont care if their black white or blue, its got songs they can sing along to so who cares??
Posted by ikkidikki | October 29, 2011, 4:37 pmHonestly, Disney is not trying to imply anything racist. People never noticed anything bad about it until people started making conspiracy theories about it. Disney never intended for the movies to be racist. It was a mirrored image of what was actually going on during that time in history. People will always find a way to make something as innocent as Disney seem corrupted. Why? because they have nothing better to do. For over 80 years Disney has been putting smiles on the faces of ever human being. Black, white, asian, latino, you name it. It is not an evil thing. The princess and the frog was a movie about a hard working black woman who never lost sight about what was important in her life and became a heroine. I don’t understand why that is racist. As for Ray the firefly, he was hilarious. I saw kids of many races in that theater and they and their families were cracking up! I couldn’t help but smile. As for Disney himself, he laid out the blue prints for “it’s a small world.” It was his idea. HIS IDEA. He combined every race in the world to show everyone that we are all humans and we all have hopes and dreams. There are stories of walt Disney being racist. It is a hilarious concept, I get it. But Disney was a good man. He was a family man. Please don’t corrupt it further. p.s. i want to be an animation artist for them. so i will make insure the further protection of the morals Disney had, in future films 🙂
Posted by Yankee | October 30, 2011, 4:22 pmsry for my typo “i will ensure**”
Posted by Yankee | October 30, 2011, 4:27 pmNo lighter than Denzel? It’s a shame that an article meant to criticize bigotry places several prejudices of its own forwards.
The Peoples News responds: Sigh, Anonymous. You came this close to being in on the whole joke.
Posted by Anonymous | December 1, 2011, 8:37 pmJust because ALLLLLLLLLLLLL YOU PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING….THERE WILL PROBABLY NEVER BE ANOTHER BLACK PRINCESS MORELESS MAIN CHARACTER IN DISNEY….NOT being because their racist but because when they actually do try they are called racist…there are plenty other of disney movies with witchs (white people) and servants (white people) how bout everyone shut up and just be greatful one was even made
Posted by Southerner | December 5, 2011, 9:37 amOprah is an educated black woman with an OPEN-MIND. I wish more black people would see it as a form of entertainment. The sh*t some of black whiners say is the most hypocritcial of all. What about the movie ” White Chicks”? That’s ok, right? You don’t see white people whining to take that off the shelves. In fact its in the “favorites” section at the local video rental place. I actually liked that movie because it is just a movie. Coming back to my opinion on Oprah proves my real-life experiences to be true. Til this day I have not met any black person that wants to or already has succeeded in life cry so much racism. Stop being narrow-minded. It doesn’t help yourself in any way! It just makes you look much more ignorant!
Posted by SethSe | December 5, 2011, 4:51 pmOK, all of you guys need to take a chill pill and relax. You guys are making this personal. First and foremost the dang movie is based in Louisiana, and there is Cajuns their… That’s the accent the firefly has, duh!!! He even says he is a Cajun.. And yeah being a frog is suck but it was a good story line to tie to voo doo, which is big in Louisiana… I mean the whole black thing is not the main focus of the movie, it was also Louisiana culture.. and to the critic bout the hair, I really doubt the perm thing was to disrespect ur
natural hair.. most black people I know that are
female perm their hair.. and some Louisiana residents have hair naturally like that, that are black.. Also, they do make fun of white residents in louisana. They were freak inbred family and the frogs outsmarted them.. really just watch the movie before u knock it.. like the saying goes and I’m starting to think it’s true: black people always have to feel like the victims in everything.. they don’t know what a compliment is.. it’s sad.
Posted by lina | December 24, 2011, 12:13 amWhy am I white? BLACK4EVAAAAAA!
Posted by Ryan | December 26, 2011, 11:30 pmLook all you idiots. This is just a stupid article I don’t care if it’s about blacks ok you blacks act like your something better than us. You say oh poor us we have non equate rights yeah not true… Look around you can dis us but it’s jail if we dis you your the most racist of all you black skinned people. ( I’m not racist I don’t mean to be offensive but a person should be allowed to talk about there true feelings =/ )
Posted by Mariah | January 28, 2012, 12:25 amahahahaha ” you black skinned ppl” …dude chill
Posted by blackgirl | February 6, 2012, 7:33 pm