Princess Tiana and Drama

Apparently, people are still complaining about Princess Tiana being a frog for the entire movie...

Last week, I got into a heated argument with a woman on Facebook in this page called "Mixed Chicks" (not the hair product). This Facebook page celebrates people who are mixed along with celebrating interracial couples, families, etc. One day, as I was scrolling my newsfeed, a fan posted this question:

I think it's time to come out with a "mixed" princess. We have Pocahontas, Mulan, Esmeralda was a gypsy, Anastasia was Russian, Tiana, Ariel and Merida with red hair, Jasmine, Cinderella and Aurora with blonde hair, Belle with brown hair, Snow white with black hair, Sophia, you catch my drift. 

My daughter is Sicilian, Moroccan, Ecuadorian and Puerto Rican. I will teach her about all of the different diversities, etc. But who does to have to "look up to" be able to have things in common with? She says, "Mommy how come none of them look like me?" I mean, they don't have to go deep into making a mixed family, even just a "black & white" mix just to start. I think its time... interracial families and mixing are here to stay. Thoughts?

(Yes, we all know Anastasia isn't Disney).
I agree with this post along with many others who are members Mixed Chicks. And sure, I know some of you are thinking "why does it even matter"? But let's face the facts because to a majority of people, it does matter. It's sad, but true.

Now, as I was scrolling to read some of the comments, I came across a fan, who we'll call 'Jane', and she mentioned that even though Tiana is Disney's first African American princess, she was a frog "the whole damn time in the movie. There were so many stereotypes in this movie too."
Seeing this comment really got to me because of two reasons:

1. I felt that she was unappreciative about the fact that Disney actually decided to make an African American princess.
2. She didn't really see the bigger picture of Tiana's character being a woman; especially being an African American woman

I'm denying that there are stereotypes in Disney movies, especially in their past movies, but there are stereotypes in EVERYTHING, no matter what the case and it only bothers us because we allow it to. Also, what child is going to notice the negatives when clearly there are positive lessons to be learned in Disney's The Princess and the Frog.

Here were some of Jane's observations/negatives:

• Tiana didn't have a dad growing up
• The "ethnic" people in the beginning didn't believe in Tiana's dreams
• Tiana only married Naveen for his money.
• Dr. Facilier (The Shadow Man) wanted to take a "rich white man's money" (stereotype)
• Mama Odie, Tiana's Mom, and Ray were all stereotypes 
• Why couldn't Disney make an African American Prince?

These are some of the positives of Princess Tiana's character that I had pointed out to Jane:

• Tiana is independent and hardworking
• Could care less about partying.
• She doesn't get saved the Prince; she's the one that steps up. 
• Tiana agreed to help Naveen if he kept his promise about helping her build her restaurant in the beginning and throughout their journey. However, the two ended up falling in love through their journey and learned from each other. Naveen showed Tiana how to live a little and let loose. Tiana showed him how to mince; do things on his own. She didn't marry him for his money at all.
• The Shadow Man is the ANTAGONIST and is supposed to do bad deeds. 
• Tiana had a father but he died  WHILE she was growing up. 
• Just because they gave Ray a southern accent doesn't mean that it's a stereotype, most people (not all), who live in the south have accents. 
• Jane never did explain to me how Mama Odi and Tiana's Mom were stereotypes. 
• Maybe Naveen was black, but is just born in France. Maybe he was mixed? I honestly have no idea what his ethnicity is, so you'll just have to ask Disney. 

It's strange how people who are mixed or African American can get angry about how Disney had stereotype characters for The Princess & the Frog, however, you don't hear anyone complain about the stereotypes since the years of Fat Albert or Disney Channel's The Proud Family, or anything that's shown on BET! So, exactly, WHAT is there to complain about? Why is Disney's The Princess  & The Frog a big deal?

All I have to say is, relax! Stop being so overly sensitive! It's just a Disney movie for the whole family to enjoy!

How do you feel about The Princess & the Frog?? Do you agree with Jane? Feel free to post your comments below. I'm curious to know how you all feel about this as well.