Post by account_disabled on Mar 10, 2024 6:15:06 GMT -5
The first half of the year has been full of Disney movie releases, which has caused fans of classic movies to become more fans of each story released in a more modern way in movie theaters.
It was recently announced that the Disney classic will also be seen again on the big screen: The Little Mermaid, a film awaited by millions of fans of the mermaid who sings and is conquered by a human prince.
However, the reception of the film has not started off well since hundreds of social media users have criticized Disney's decision in choosing the protagonist for this film: Ariel will be played by Halle Bailey, an Afro-descendant actress and singer.
This is what Disney says after choosing the new version of The Little Mermaid
Disney decided to change the character's appearance to improve statistics on the number of black leading actresses, which until three years ago represented 16%.
Many disagreed and opened a large negative debate within social networks. For this reason, Disney decided to defend her choice and published the reasons why the film will star a dark-skinned Ariel.
Through the Instagram account of Freeform, a cable television channel owned by Walt Disney, the brand published a statement titled “Letter to the poor and unfortunate souls.”
In the text you can read:
“The original author of The Little Mermaid was Danish. Ariel is a mermaid who lives in an underwater kingdom, in international waters, and who can swim, legitimately, wherever she wants (although that bothers King Triton). But for the sake of argument, let's say Ariel is also Danish. “Danish mermaids can be black because Danish people can be black and, genetically, they can also have red hair.”
Likewise, he closes with a punctual France Mobile Number List and accurate speech that could hit the morale of the detractors of the controversial decision: “The character of Ariel is a work of fiction. If after all this, you still can't accept the idea that casting the amazing, sensational, talented and beautiful Halle Bailey is fair, because she doesn't look like the one in the animated movie, we have news for you...about you.
Disney is committed to inclusion
Now all brands are opting for inclusion, however, many critics believe that Disney's decision to include an Ariel similar to that of the classic cartoon is a risky decision.
In a study signed by 4A, it is revealed that 67 percent of marketing managers believe that changing values are making brands more interested in corporate responsibility and values-based marketing, 58 percent of Consumers do not agree that brands involve their marketing strategies with political issues.
For audiences, this decision is welcomed as it is a positive stance on issues such as the fight against racism, inclusion or gender equality.
Furthermore, it is an action with good intentions that will help Disney increase its reputation and its alignment with positive moral values.
About Halle Bailey
The R&B singer is 19 years old. Bailey is known for her Grammy-nominated work for the R&B group Chloe x Halle, which she started with her sister Chloe in 2015. The pair began posting covers on YouTube before being discovered by Beyonce and opening for her on her Lemonade tour. As far as acting is concerned, Bailey has appeared in the series 'Grown-ish', in addition to appearances in 'Austin & Ally' and 'Last Holiday'.
She was chosen for the role of Ariel by director Rob Marshall who said he chose Bailey after an extensive search and praised her "strange combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence and substance, plus a glorious voice."