DISNEY

Here’s a political piece, don’t get too feisty now.

-editors note

Diversity casting in Disney’s the little mermaid

by Kim Huong LAM

Today, I want to share a concern that's been on my mind as a long-time Disney fan. Disney's recent decision to cast Halle  Bailey as Ariel in the live-action "The Little Mermaid," a character originally depicted in the animation, has left me questioning the company's creative direction. Let's dive into why this choice has sparked so much debate and what it means for the legacy of our beloved classics.

First, let's talk about sticking to the original vision. The 1989 "The Little Mermaid" is a beloved classic for many of us, featuring Ariel as a white, red-haired mermaid. This isn't just a small detail; it's part of who she is according to the original creators. Changing Ariel’s look for diversity's sake messes with the story's authenticity and the nostalgia many fans feel. To someone like myself who grew up loving “The Little Mermaid” and was extremely excited about the live-action version, it is truly disappointing and confused why this sudden change happened. 

This makes me wonder why Disney, a top film company, would make this substitution without clear reasons. If Disney wants to promote inclusivity and colour-blind casting, why haven't they said so? We have yet to hear from Disney about why they chose a diverse lead. Is it about representation, or are they just trying to profit from the media attention?

We also need to talk about tokenism. While diversity is super important, it shouldn't come at the cost of the character’s depth and development. There's a worry that diverse casting, if done just for appearances, can lead to tokenism, where minority characters are included just to check a box rather than for meaningful representation. As important as it is for the film industry to be inclusive and diverse, to represent all of their audiences. True representation goes beyond just checking a box. Wouldn't it be more impactful to create new, original stories that authentically reflect diverse experiences? Instead of altering existing characters and risking a half-hearted representation, we should focus on developing new, meaningful narratives that genuinely resonate with diverse audiences. This approach not only honors the original stories but also enriches the media landscape with fresh, authentic perspectives. We have heard of people commenting “Why isn’t there a more diverse princess and character?” but has anyone ever asked, “Why isn’t Cinderella Asian?”. I haven’t and don't think that I will.

In conclusion, while pushing for diversity in media is crucial, we also need to balance this with respect for the original vision, character consistency, and audience expectations. Disney’s choice to cast a diverse lead in "The Little Mermaid" brings up important questions about authenticity, tokenism, and fan reception. Let's aim to promote diversity in ways that enhance storytelling without compromising the integrity of our favorite classics.