Ethiopia Adoption Blog, Ethiopia Adoption Blog

11/03/06

A Black Disney Princess

Posted by : Mary Owlhaven in Ethiopia Adoption Blog at 09:40 am , 145 words, 322 views
Categories: Transracial issues

Like most families, we own the full collection of Disney movies. Many of them - Little Mermaid and Pocahontas and Mulan - we bought more than a decade ago. Even back when all my daughters were blonde, it bothered me that none of the Disney princesses were Black.

Now that I have two Ethiopian daughters it has become even more troublesome. My beautiful 4 year old loves to play princess, and yet Pocahontas, the princess who looks closest to her, skinwise, has stick-straight flowing hair. I'd love it if Disney would get with it and create a beautiful Black princess--maybe even an Ethiopian one!

That's why I was so thrilled to hear about a petition being circulated for people to sign, to encourage Disney to make a princess who looks like so many of our beautiful daughters.

I hope you will consider signing this petition yourself!

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5 comments

Comments, Pingbacks:

Comment from: Jenna Hatfield [Member]

· http://birthparents.adoptionblogs.com/

Both D and I signed the petition this week! :)

Permalink 11/03/06 @ 09:36

Comment from: Rebeccakbingham [Member]

I am going to sign too... my questions is....should we also suggest a "story" for them. I don't know of any folk tales or stories that they can "do".

Even if Disney doesn't make the movie.....I would love to know of some stories to tell my daughters. That way they can play "princess" with out Disney. :-)

Permalink 11/03/06 @ 22:34

Comment from: Mary Owlhaven [Member]

· http://ethiopia.adoptionblogs.com/

Great question, Rebecca! Later today I'll post some ideas.

Permalink 11/04/06 @ 10:30

Comment from: isualum [Member]

I saw this earlier today and thought it was in the same area as the above post.
weird name cool stuff.
http://www.itsablackthang.com/AfricanAmericanChristmasDecorations-Black-Santa.html

Permalink 12/04/06 @ 14:43

Comment from: buffra [Member]

I may be too late to be helpful at all, but I know that there are lots of books of African folktales available. They just require some looking.

Off the top of my head, I know that Alexander McCall Smith (known for his Number One Woman's Detective Agency books) has collected some in a book called "The Girl Who Married A Lion." It's interesting to me how many story points and conflicts repeat in folk stories across cultures -- some of the stories sound very familiar. Keep in mind, though, that this particular book isn't necessarily a "children's book" and so some of the stories might be a little harsher than what you'd some children.

Permalink 01/05/07 @ 16:47

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