Tiana: Princess For All People

In the recent Disney movie, Princess and the Frog, the main character Tiana has all the same qualities as Disney Princesses from the past. Tiana  is a strong, independent woman who finds her prince and fairy-tale ending against all odds, the only difference is that she is African American. The story begins with Tiana living in New Orleans as a lower class waitress who dreams of owning her own restaurant. After trying to help a Prince who was turned into a frog by voodoo, Tiana finds herself battling the New Orleans bayou and various voodoo spells to ultimately realize that hard work pays off, and love conquers all. The movie’s theme is about the struggle of a woman moving up from their present social standings and achieving the American Dream. Intersectionality is a huge theme in the movie because Tiana is both African American and a woman yet she lets neither stop her from achieving her dreams. She works extremely hard for what she wants in life and achieves much more than she ever dreamed.

Having an African American Princess is a 70 year overdue step forward for Disney. It is important for the 21st of the century because girls of all ages and races now have a Princess to look up to. Tiana is hardworking and even when people try to discourage her from pursuing her dreams, it doesn’t stop her. With one line in the movie, said by two white bankers who are denying her a space to rent for her restaurant, “Exactly, which is why a little woman of your… background…. Would have had her hands full with a space like this,”  shows that Tiana overcomes racism and won’t let anything- even dark voodoo stand in her way.

Many people were upset that the first African American Disney Princess was only human for a portion of the film, but by doing this, Disney is showing children that real beauty, no matter what color, size, shape, or creature it is in, is only skin deep. Disney is attempting to convey the message that race is irrelevant, and it’s whats on the inside that truly counts.

Despite everything said about The Princess and the Frog, it is a huge, important step forward in all aspects of equality.  She is an empowering role model for women of all ages and races to look up to and she shows that with a little hard work, anything is possible.