FROG PRINCESS Under Protest Already

[FayeW]

Oh for the love of Pete ... half DD's preschool is named Maddy -- Madison is sooo popular now.

Anyone know any Tianas out there?

I know a Tiana...a blond, blue eyed white girl.

Now, everyone jumping on the Maddy bandwagon. NOBODY SAID Maddy was a "racial" name. THEY SAID it sounded similar to Mammy. I think the political correctness is over the top but you can all simmer down now.

Oh yeah, as to "why are we concerned about offending the French?" Well, why wouldn't they be? Why would ANY company knowingly offend a segment of the population they hope to sell their product to? Just good business sense if you ask me.

 

[Kim&Chris]

I know a Tiana...a blond, blue eyed white girl.

Now, everyone jumping on the Maddy bandwagon. NOBODY SAID Maddy was a "racial" name. THEY SAID it sounded similar to Mammy. I think the political correctness is over the top but you can all simmer down now.

Oh yeah, as to "why are we concerned about offending the French?" Well, why wouldn't they be? Why would ANY company knowingly offend a segment of the population they hope to sell their product to? Just good business sense if you ask me.

Wow, thanks for letting us all know we can simmer down now. I was waiting for someone to tell me it was OK.

For the record, I just can't see how Maddy could ever be seen as "similar" to Mammy. And I doubt there's a 7 year old alive right now that would ever seen a similarity between the two.

 

[FayeW]

Wow, thanks for letting us all know we can simmer down now. I was waiting for someone to tell me it was OK.

For the record, I just can't see how Maddy could ever be seen as "similar" to Mammy. And I doubt there's a 7 year old alive right now that would ever seen a similarity between the two.

MaDDy ... MaMMy. Sounds similar.

Just clarifying that nobody said MaDDy was a racial name. Several posters have commented about it and it was a false interpretation of what was said in the article.

 

[Kim&Chris]

MaDDy ... MaMMy. Sounds similar.

No wonder this nonsense persists.

 

[FayeW]

No wonder this nonsense persists.

Hey, I was only answering the poster I quoted who said she "can't see how Maddy could ever be seen as "similar" to Mammy". I wouldn't confuse them, but they are, in fact, similar words. It would be a stretch but I suppose if I were drunk I could confuse them, or if I had a speech impediment.

For the record, I think changing the name was a stupid, and does nothing but demonstrate political correctness at it's worst. Making up descrimanation where there is none is some how worse than being ignorant of it in the first place.

 

[Tantor]

Good grief is right......

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

Hey, I was only answering the poster I quoted who said she "can't see how Maddy could ever be seen as "similar" to Mammy". I wouldn't confuse them, but they are, in fact, similar words. It would be a stretch but I suppose if I were drunk I could confuse them, or if I had a speech impediment.

Actually, you quoted me. YOU put those words in MY mouth. If you see above, I said absolutely no such thing. I just pointed out I know a bunch of kids named Maddy. Perhaps you got me confused with another poster?

 

[FayeW]

Actually, you quoted me. YOU put those words in MY mouth. If you see above, I said absolutely no such thing. I just pointed out I know a bunch of kids named Maddy. Perhaps you got me confused with another poster?

I quoted two people. You first, when I answered your question asking if anyone knew anyone named Tiana. I put no words in your mouth. I just answered your question, and then added a few more thoughts of my own.

My second post I quoted Kim&Chris, it was to her that I responded with Maddy & Mammy being similar words, not you. I know you "said absolutely no such thing".... I never said you did. What I didn't realize is the poster I was answering was also the poster I had quoted (in my third post).

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

No worries.

 

[djm99]

Actually, I am pleased that Disney Execs are thinking ahead and being culturally sensitive. I see absolutely NOTHING wrong about thinking about how stereotypes can impact generations to come. Disney movies can be really powerful. Especially in the young minds that love them most. When I first heard this movie was taking place in New Orleans I was ecstatic!!! Finally a non-stereotypical black princess. Then I read what it was about. Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah!!! Because I love the 'rich' history that New Orleans holds, I just knew this Princess would be grand from first scene. In my opinion, no other city could pull this off during this era but New Orleans. New Orleans had MANY affluent Creole women (of African Decent) that by the 1940's would not have a clue what a slave life could have been like. But you want to talk about stereotypes. Disney will offer a black princess but you can bet that having a black prince isn't even fathomable in those Execs mind. The Prince would have to be white. Same ole story. They did this with Cinderella (a non-black Prince was used). In all fairness the Prince wasn’t white either, he was from the Philippines – I think. I guess I got the last Black Prince. I digress.

I am at least proud that Disney execs are during their research and thinking ahead. My hats are off for the Disney Execs.

 

[JoeEpcotRocks]

I hope they eliminate any references to "Dixie" in the film. Afterall, Disney felt it necessary to rename "Dixie Landings" in order not to be offensive.

Yeah, what was that all about?

 

[Kim&Chris]

Disney will offer a black princess but you can bet that having a black prince isn't even fathomable in those Execs mind. The Prince would have to be white. Same ole story.

Wow

 

[djm99]

Wow

Not too sure what your "wow" and sad simile means, but Disney has NOT had a starring human role (animation or non-animation) of a black man since "Song of the South" in the 1940's. This does NOT include the recent Tween "The Proud Family" (where a Dad actually lives with his family) or Disney's latest "Jump In". I forgot about the Let's So Raven friend Cory. It just doesn't happen often at all. Black men are donkey's dragons or some other creature. They give jokes and laughs, etc. This is not just Disney, its all those that make Family Movies. For whatever reason, it just can't be a normal black man just being a person or a phenomenal prince – all tall dark and handsome (like my husband).

I will agree without hesitation that Disney is making some GREAT strives toward cultural diversity. I appreciate that sooooo much about Disney! This is why they get my money every time a film is released, I'm there opening weekend. This Frog Princess will be no different. I also want to add, that I hope the Execs do not do that sassy black girl thing either. This is a stereotype too. Common in some circles, but its often stereotyped that it’s the norm.

 

[Kim&Chris]

Not too sure what your "wow" and sad simile means, but Disney has NOT had a starring human role (animation or non-animation) of a black man since "Song of the South" in the 1940's. This does NOT include the recent Tween "The Proud Family" (where a Dad actually lives with his family) or Disney's latest "Jump In". I forgot about the Let's So Raven friend Cory. It just doesn't happen often at all. Black men are donkey's dragons or some other creature. They give jokes and laughs, etc. This is not just Disney, its all those that make Family Movies. For whatever reason, it just can't be a normal black man just being a person or a phenomenal prince – all tall dark and handsome (like my husband).

I will agree without hesitation that Disney is making some GREAT strives toward cultural diversity. I appreciate that sooooo much about Disney! This is why they get my money every time a film is released, I'm there opening weekend. This Frog Princess will be no different. I also want to add, that I hope the Execs do not do that sassy black girl thing either. This is a stereotype too. Common in some circles, but its often stereotyped that it’s the norm.

I can't really recall any Irish princes, Italian princes, Polish princes, Russian princes etc either, but I don't really keep score. You say that black men are all donkey's dragons - I don't really know what that means. I guess you're referring to Eddie Murphy being black and voicing the donkey in Shrek (the same movie where a white man voices an ogre and a Spanish man voices a kitty cat?). Sorry, I don't mean to go back and forth with you, but it seems like Disney made an attempt to do something special, and it's turned into a circus before it even starts. I'll leave this one alone.........

 

[djm99]

I can't really recall any Irish princes, Italian princes, Polish princes, Russian princes etc either, but I don't really keep score. You say that black men are all donkey's dragons - I don't really know what that means. I guess you're referring to Eddie Murphy being black and voicing the donkey in Shrek (the same movie where a white man voices an ogre and a Spanish man voices a kitty cat?). Sorry, I don't mean to go back and forth with you, but it seems like Disney made an attempt to do something special, and it's turned into a circus before it even starts. I'll leave this one alone.........

Leave it alone - or ride it til dawn - that's your prerogative. In all the ethnic groups you mentioned (other than Italians) I can't think of one well known NEGATIVE stereotype. Yet I would bet YOUR paycheck that you can recall plenty of negative AA stereotypes. And I'm NOT keeping score and if you READ my post, I mentioned my appreciation and RESPECT for Disney's attempts at a Black Princess and its sensitivity toward stereotypes. IMO, you confusing keeping score with stating facts. You are writing as if you are bothered by Disney’s sensitivity. Like cultural sensitive is ridiculous.

Remember, I'm a Disney fan. I would see this movie if this was about ANY NEW princess, so you can keep the race card in your own ethnic pocket and not impose it on me. And you can play nonchalant like race doesn't exist, if that makes your world pretty, but it does. Like I stated in my post, I look forward to this movie and I hope that Disney does a good job putting this movie together. The same hope I've wished for any of the early announcements from Disney.

ETA: All the those Ethnic groups - if I had all of them in one room (all dressed in jeans and a shirt) and an AA - which one could you clearly pick out? You might be able to pick out an Italian - MIGHT. But one you'd likely have no doubts about - is that AA. My point, I couldn't tell you what Ethnic group any of the 'white' princesses are? But I bet you can tell what Ethnic group The Frog Princess will be - not just because Disney said so, but because we can see her.

 

[Kim&Chris]

Leave it alone - or ride it til dawn - that's your prerogative. In all the ethnic groups you mentioned (other than Italians) I can't think of one well known NEGATIVE stereotype. Yet I would bet YOUR paycheck that you can recall plenty of negative AA stereotypes. And I'm NOT keeping score and if you READ my post, I mentioned my appreciation and RESPECT for Disney's attempts at a Black Princess and its sensitivity toward stereotypes. IMO, you confusing keeping score with stating facts. You are writing as if you are bothered by Disney’s sensitivity. Like cultural sensitive is ridiculous.

Remember, I'm a Disney fan. I would see this movie if this was about ANY NEW princess, so you can keep the race card in your own ethnic pocket and not impose it on me. And you can play nonchalant like race doesn't exist, if that makes your world pretty, but it does. Like I stated in my post, I look forward to this movie and I hope that Disney does a good job putting this movie together. The same hope I've wished for any of the early announcements from Disney.

ETA: All the those Ethnic groups - if I had all of them in one room (all dressed in jeans and a shirt) and an AA - which one could you clearly pick out? You might be able to pick out an Italian - MIGHT. But one you'd likely have no doubts about - is that AA. My point, I couldn't tell you what Ethnic group any of the 'white' princesses are? But I bet you can tell what Ethnic group The Frog Princess will be - not just because Disney said so, but because we can see her.

NO one is playing the race card, except perhaps you. Enjoy the movie, I won't be seeing it.

 

[Nom]

I think that djm is making some good points. I was dissapointed to read in that link that the prince, who seems to be the love interest of maddy (I assume) is not black. I wish disney would have taken the full plunge and made both leading characters black.

Other than that, I agree that the films seems to be a good thing.

 

[djm99]

Enjoy the movie, I won't be seeing it.

I wonder why?

 

[djm99]

From Contactmusic.com ... which quotes Jim Hill...

I'm wondering why you didn't mention the more written about portions of this article. Since you didn't I will.

To explain: What the Mouse was hoping to do with this completed sequence from "The Princess and the Frog" was when people would then raise objections to "Song of the South" and its depiction of blacks, Disney officials would then be able to point to this excerpt from their studio's upcoming traditionally animated feature and say "Look, back in the 1940s, we may have depicted African-Americans in a sometimes clichéd, often despicable fashion. But we don't do that anymore. Look how even-handed we are with the characters from 'The Princess and the Frog.' How we don't use any stereotypes with this film."

It was hoped that -- by doing this -- Disney officials would then give those who would automatically hammer on "Song of the South" because of the way that film depicts blacks much less to complain about. Defuse the situation, so to speak.

The only problem with this plan that it was dreamed up prior to "The Frog Princess" being consumed by its own PC controversy. Now, there are those at the Mouse House who wonder if it's wise to link these projects. Thereby making both "Song of the South" and "The Princess and the Frog" bigger targets for politically-correct types.

However, should the complaints about Ron'n'John's newest project actually be defused by that statement that Disney released to the Web earlier this week ... Well, the company might (And let me stress that word again: might) try putting "Song of the South" out in stores in time for the 2008 holiday shopping season.

And just so you know, Jen ... Disney's supposedly considering making "Song of the South" a title that they'd then release under their recently resurrected "Disney Treasures" line. Which could possibly mean a very small production run for this particular DVD. Something along the lines of 150,000 to 500,000 units tops. Just to sort of test the waters. To see if there'd actually be an uproar if the Walt Disney Company were to make this 60+ year-old film widely available for sale in the U.S.

If that Disney Treasures version of this film does well ... Well, look for the Mouse -- a year or so later -- to make another, wide-open edition of "Song of the South" available for purchase. But only in the Disney Blu-Ray format. Which would (in theory) provide consumers with yet another incentive to invest in HD technology.

Of course, a lot of things can happen between now and the 2008 holiday season, Jen. Disney could get cold feet about "Song of the South" and/or decide that "The Princess and the Frog" is already far too controversial. Which is why they then wouldn't dare to do anything to link these two films.

But -- that said -- this shows that the Walt Disney Company is once again looking for ways that they can then release "Song of the South" to the U.S. market. Which should give all you animation fans out there some reason to hope again ... I think.

So this whole thing of being PC (according to this writer) would be to justify releasing Song of the South. So in reality (according to this article) Disney really does NOT care about political correctness, just finding a way of releasing another movie? This article had little to do with the Frog Princess itself - but more about a strategy from Disney. It amazes me what people 'take' or disregard from a particular article. Or better yet, others can read this thing themselves.

http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2007/05/11/why-for-is-disney-already-doing-damage-control-on-the-princess-and-the-frog.aspx

 

[Nom]

I'm wondering why you didn't mention the more written about portions of this article. Since you didn't I will.



So this whole thing of being PC (according to this writer) would be to justify releasing Song of the South. So in reality (according to this article) Disney really does NOT care about political correctness, just finding a way of releasing another movie? This article had little to do with the Frog Princess itself - but more about a strategy from Disney. It amazes me what people 'take' or disregard from a particular article. Or better yet, others can read this thing themselves.

http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2007/05/11/why-for-is-disney-already-doing-damage-control-on-the-princess-and-the-frog.aspx

The thing that I don't get about it, if this really is the strategy, is why do all this just to justify song of the south re-release? Is the possible revenue from song of the south that big? Because it seems like a lot of trouble to go to (doing a whole new movie just to have ammo to defend a re-release).

I can't imagine that is really the driving force, because who besides disney fanatics is going to buy song of the south anyway? I would think there would be a lot more possible revenue is making a black princess and expanding the appeal of the wildly popular princess line to a new demographic, and making this new movie as good as it can be, with no link to an old controversy that could possible reduce the income.

The fact that the creation of the film is only to justify song of the south just does not ring true to me.

I'm not saying that disney really cares about minorities... I think this is just a business desicion to expand the princess line. And it would not make sense, business-wise, to link this new princess to a controversy that could turn off a large number of the parents of black children.