Comic Strip (1)
Storyboard Text
- I heard that Disney is working on a live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid. Have you heard anything about it, Jane?
- I did, Bea. The news have been spreading for quite sometime now. Why?
- Well, I went and did some further research about it and discovered that they are casting Halle Bailey, who is a black girl.
- I’m also aware of the fact. But what about it, do you have a problem?
- Nothing. I was simply wondering why they selected a black actress to portray Ariel, who is universally acknowledged as a white character. I just assume that the casting decision will derail the movie.
- I agree with them because isn't that racebending?
- And the thing is, I'm not the only one who thinks this way. I saw one Facebook post where absolutely everyone in the comment section were outraged about a black person playing a canonically white character.
- Listen. Only recently has Hollywood taken much-needed measures to become more diverse and inclusive, thus we’re seeing more actors of colors step into roles previously held by their white counterparts.
- The tale of The Little Mermaid resonates not because Ariel is white; it's a story about a girl discovering her voice; this remains true regardless of Ariel's ethnicity, and Halle Bailey doesn't make the story any less relevant. It does not ruin a franchise, but rather adds depth to a long-lasting legacy.
- But, as your elder sister, I’m here to tell you that a character’s legendary status isn’t tied to their whiteness. These characters are beloved because of their reliability, struggles, and personal quirks.
- You’re right. It's only a matter of time until Hollywood casts non-white actors in leading roles. I've just realized that casting Halle Bailey will allow young girls to physically see themselves in her after literal decades of purely white Disney princesses.
- I’m glad you understood my point. Now, you want to ask permission from mom that we'll see it at the cinemas next year?
- THE END.
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