During these 60 years of Disney producing films, there have been a variety of Princesses including Asian, Native American, and Black. However, a Hispanic Princess has not been publicized, until now. However, there is an issue on how she has been aired compared to the rest of the Princesses. Sofia The First: Sofia was first mentioned as the first "Latina" Princess. However, many argued in the Latino community that Sofia did not have Latin features. Sofia has auburn hair, light skin, and blue eyes. After many controversies of Sofia, Disney directors clarified that Sofia was mixed race. It was cleared up that the mother was from Spain and the father, Scandinavia (white). Although, Sofia does have a bit of Spanish blood from her Spaniard mother, Sofia is still considered "full white". Disney's intention on saying Sofia was mixed race, but still looking white, shows me the dominance of white supremacy. Why did they not change her color of hair to black or the color of her eyes to brown. In addition, the person doing Sofia's voice was a white women. Other princesses like in the film Aladdin, Jasmine's voice was also casted by a white women. Elena of Avalor: Elena Castillo Flores has been officially nominated by Disney as the new Latina Princess. She was aired on Disney Channel on July 22. Elena's background does not specify what her culture is. Everyone is assuming by her given name and features, that she is Latina. In Disney Channel they just mention her as the new ruler of the Kingdom of Avalor, after her parents die. Mostly, the Disney princesse's of color had a non-fictional based culture. Haiston, for example, states "Mulan was based on the Chinese warrior woman Hua Mulan. Pocahontas was based on the Native American woman of the same name, the daughter of a chief. And Tiana was partly based on New Orleans chef Leah Chase, who also started out as a waitress and later opened her own restaurant" (Hairston). What is Elena based on? Hard question. Elena does not have a certain culture base. In fact, it seems to be a mixture. As stated by Tahirah Hairston, there is a mixture of both "influences from Chile (“an elf-like shapeshifting creatures based on a Chilean peuchen myth”) and Mexico (“a spiritual guide based on the beliefs from a Mayan tribe)." (Haiston.) Take for example, Moana Waialiki, she is a Polynesian "Princess". The Moana film, takes place in the Islands of Southern Pacific. She is the only child and her father is the Head Chief, similarly to Pocahontas. Although she is not considered an actual Princess with a kingdom, she does become the Head Chief after her father. This film will be added directly into the Disney Films. The movie will be releasing November 22, the day of Thanksgiving. What about Elena, you may ask? I ask myself that question as well. Elena is being aired as a TV show, but why not as a Movie Film? All the official Princess's of Disney have their own Movie Film. Elena being aired simply on Disney Channel makes it seem less of an importance compared to the rest. Even though, she is the first new Hispanic Princess. Some people do not have access to Cable which prevents, specifically Latina girls from viewing their new Hispanic Princess at home. A film gives it an easier access. For example, watching it at a movie theater, where the whole family can enjoy it.
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AuthorI am Leslie Belmontes a student in Asian American Studies. This Blog will emphasize in Racial issues, that occur frequently on daily basis. Archives
December 2016
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