Last week, I went to see “Whole in the Wall,” an exhibit of graffiti art at the Helenbeck Gallery, accompanied by my designing friend, Christian Francis Roth, and my gorgeous, non-designer friend, Maggie Kneip. I wrote more about the show on my brand-new Francis blog today. [UPDATED TO ADD: That blog is now defunct.] As a bonus, you can also check out my new dress (from Christian’s Francis line), new shoes (Manolos, just like Princess Poochie’s) and new hair (courtesy of Keith Carpenter).
While I was at the gallery, I took a picture of this sign by the elevator. I was amused by the warning at the bottom.
I thought of the sign while reading a story about Disney’s The Princess and the Frog movie in the New York Times Sunday Styles section a few days after the show. I think photographer Bill Cunningham is the only reason I even bother with that section anymore. The rest of the pages are exploding with craziness. (For previous instances of Sunday Styles insanity, click here and here.) The Princess and the Frog doesn’t come out till the end of the year, and it is Disney’s first movie with a black princess. Woot! But the article was about how some people are claiming the movie is racist sight unseen, based on photos of Disney merchandise taken from a toy industry event and a one-minute trailer. Shit like this is why I have an issue with people. Really, how can you form an opinion — and worse, share it — based on practically nothing? The Times points out that, “Few people outside the company have seen footage of the movie.” Among those who have? Members of the NAACP … and Oprah. OPRAH, bitches! In Oprah we trust. That’s what it should say on U.S. currency. (Neither the NAACP nor Oprah commented for the Times story but Oprah voices the princess’s mother, so I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest that she’s cool with things.)
Princess Tiana from The Princess and the FrogPhoto from Walt Disney Pictures, via the New York Times
My favorite part of the story — and by “favorite,” I mean the part that made me most want to slap a fool — was a quote from former Charlotte Observer columnist William Blackburn, who last year told a U.K. paper, “Disney should be ashamed … this princess story is set in New Orleans, the setting of one of the most devastating tragedies to beset a black community.” WTF, Bill! The movie is set in the ’20s against the Big Easy’s blazing jazz scene. I don’t understand why we should erase memories of the cultural importance of New Orleans because of Hurricane Katrina. It’s the other way around! We should revel in its history. (Here’s the original, full quote from Bill B. What does he have against alligators? Gator hater! As my gorgeous stepdaughter points out, “The Little Mermaid had a flounder and a crab … Disney always takes random shit and makes it talk.”)
I was relieved that the last paragraph of the Times story was a quote from a voice of reason. Floyd Norman, who is African-American and a former Disney animator, wrote this in a 2007 essay Jim Hill Media: “Overly sensitive people see racial or ethnic slights in every image. And in their zeal to sanitize and pasteurize everything, they’ve taken all the fun out of cartoon making.” You tell them, Floyd!
I’m not even going to get into the other foolio story on celebrity weight in Sunday Styles that day, except to state that if Kirstie Alley wants to say that she feels unhappy about weighing 228 pounds, she should not have to censor herself for fear that a random 228-pound lady whom Kirstie doesn’t even know will then feel bad about her weight. Jebus, people! The world doesn’t revolve around you. It revolves around Oprah! Deal with it.
The Princess and the Frog opens in New York and Los Angeles on November 25, and in theaters everywhere on December 11.
That art show is represented by some major, major names!
I agree that any criticism about this movie should wait until the movie actually comes out, because until then it's all speculation. But I have huge, huge problems with this sentence:
"And in their zeal to sanitize and pasteurize everything, they've taken all the fun out of cartoon making."
Ok, Disney has a MASSIVE history of racism in their movies. Obviously much more obvious back in the day – Songs of the South, the Crows in Dumbo, the Siamese cats in…I think it was Lady in the Tramp? And while those could be chalked up to being products of their time, look at some of the more recent movies – the blatant rewriting of history in Pocahantas, or their basic portrayals of race in their movies – the heroes, no matter where they come from, tend to have more caucasian features – think Esmeralda's green eyes, Jasmine and Aladdins paler skin, whereas all the villains tend to have darker, more "exotic" features (the most obvious being Jafar, but even the non human forms like Scar or Ursula).
Now, you can dismiss this as looking "too far into" things, but it is much easier to objectively view a movie when your an adult. Disney is geared towards kids, who tend to relate to what they recognise in themselves physically – just like my redheaded friend's favourite princess was Ariel and my blonde friend liked cinerella. I remember being so excited when Jasmine came out (I take more after my east Indian mother, and I always felt like a freak because my brother and sister took after my Irish father more), I was so excited that somebody had long thick dark hair like me, because I wasn't pale and blonde and I'm never going to be. It seems silly, yeah, but when you're a little kid and the only people who look like you in the movies are the villains or the comic foils or just plain nonexistant – I mean, shit, it's 2009 and we're only getting a black princess now?
So yeah, I hope people do criticize and that people do analyse the way race is portrayed in this movie because it needs to be done. You can still enjoy the cute cartoon – I grew up on Disney and will always love the movies despite it's messed up properties.
I really hope this doesn't come off as hostile, because that wasn't my intention – I love your blog and usually agree with you, but I felt i should say something here (and yeah, I'm writing a novel but that's what I do ;)). This isn't even really directed to you (because like I said, I think people can hold off their criticism till they see the movie) but a response to that one line. I would rather people be too sensitive and critical than blase and treat the portrayal of race in pop culture like it isn't an issue because, well, it is. Especially with such an influential audience (little kids)
AFitz, thanks very much for your thoughtful comment. I totally agree with you that these issues should be thought about and discussed, and that the past was bad. My main point is that people should always see a movie before they start complaining about said movie or else they risk sounding like damn fools. (I do see that you see that that was my point. We're all in agreement!) My reaction to the animator's statement was to think of these focus-group-like, groupthinking, politically correct, self-appointed committees of complainers who DO shoot their mouths off without seeing anything or knowing anything. It's those people who make creative types start self-censoring and that DOES pasteurize things and make them weak and boring, IMHO. As someone who worked with focus groups in the corporate world, and as a designer now, I firmly believe that too many cooks turn the soup into bland, saltless chicken broth.
haha "sensitive people"
people are overly sensitive, sometimes its almost worse when everyone is so race sensitive, you cannot even breathe without offending anyone which is just ludicrous and not worth it.
in response to your maxi dress question, I'm 5'2" so anything long just drowns me out lol, but Wendy, I'm sure you could rock one of course 😉
People like the ones you go off on really make me tired.
how can you base a valid opinion on something you haven't seen?
I always think "STFU, STFD, and stop inflicting the stupid on everyone." when I hear of things like that.
I hate shit like this. Truly. People are so quick to shoot off at the mouth with no basis and right after, Al Sharpton is organizing a protest of some sort.
Ugh.
I'm happy they finally decided to include a black princess in the long line of Disney animated features, and I will withhold my feelings about the actual movie and its portrayal of said princess AFTER I see the film.
I love that sign. I don't know if you've seen Lagerfeld Confidential but there is a bit in it where they film a sign in the bathroom which says 'Pissing on the seat is not very Chanel' it's genius.
Oh gosh, people are all overly sensitive and politically correct these days. Whatever happened to 'don't judge a book by its cover'?! You can't shoot down a Disney movie just because of a couple of screen shots. People need to wait til they see it, then and only then can they rubbish it. Idiots!
Love reading a rant before I've eaten my breakfast!
If only Kirstie could shut the hell up!
Wait, am I reading this right?
People are criticising Disney for having a black Princess, because it's racist, as it's set in New Orleans?
I am not sure I have understood it right as it is, as you put it, just so insane. And also beautifully ironic, in keeping with your reference yesterday about Disney vs your blog, being suitable for minors and sensitive people… did you have today's post in mind yesterday? x
Well, now I HAVE to see this movie, and see for myself.
And by the way — Oprah apparently recently decreed that it's okay to only tip 10% in restaurants, since times are so hard these days. This is Not Cool. What, times aren't hard for the waiters & bartenders? I'm sorry, Oprah is officially dead to me — I'm sick unto death of all her "I'm just regular folks" posturing.
Hi there-I look forward to seeing the film, if it turns into a classic, then Disney will have a film to be proud of!!
I wish people would just be excited for the movie for what it is. 20's New Orleans is an amazing backdrop for a movie and has nothing to do with Katrina or racism.
Was there this much criticism when Mulan came out? I was too young to notice…just enjoyed it!
goodness, some people are just ridiculous. sunday styles has gotten more and more insane lately. ugh. i actually really want to see the movie since its the first animated (non pixar) one in a while and being a disney fanatic its kind of necessary…
I agree with everything you said! I read that Disney article as well and I, too, thought "Yeah Floyd!" There's a fine line between being politically correct and thinking everyone cares what you say.
people are willing to make a big deal about nothing, obviously racism is real, but i hate when people jump the conclusions that everything is racist. i for one, am excited for the movie, it's beent too long since a classic 2-D princess movie, and i think it's great that they are moving away from the blond hair blue eye princess image. And isn't it a good thing that they are trying to bring to mind New Orleans glamerous cultural past rather than soley focusing on the tragedy.
-indigo
PS. I adore Bill cunningham, i always look forward to his on the street slideshows
The sad truth is that if race (or gender) stopped being an issue, a lot of people would be out of business, or at least lose credibility that extrapolates into $$$.
This is your typical false indignation for the sake of creating a controversy in order to make money.
I happen to have a multi racial family, white, hispanic and black, where there is no issue of race, because we don't make it into one.
Such is the post racial American family,
The sad truth is that if race (or gender) stopped being an issue, a lot of people would be out of business, or at least lose credibility that extrapolates into $$$.
This is your typical false indignation for the sake of creating a controversy in order to make money.
I happen to have a multi racial family, white, hispanic and black, where there is no issue of race, because we don't make it into one.
Such is the post racial American family,
That sign is hysterical! I can't believe we are at a point where "sensitive people" are a protected class!
And I think you would look so hot in some square shades, WB!
xoxox,
CC
I read that NYTimes story too. And those two quotes stood out for me as well. And I was annoyed by the name change. Maddy = Mammy? That never occured to me!
You looked fab in the dress and the Manolo's were a perfect pick! Not only am I impressed with your sartorial skills, but you actually have step-children that talk to you!
haha, that sign is so funny! I saw a preview for "The Princess and the Frog" when I watched "Up." It looks cute.
liliesandgrapes.blogspot.com
Interesting. My first reaction was "Great!" I'm all for more multiculturalism and culturalism in general. (It's important for little black girls to identify with positive role models. Have you seen that documentary called "A Girl Like Me"? Little black girls would pick the white doll over the black one, saying it was prettier.) Of course, I'll have to wait and see the movie, knowing next to zilch about it.
I hate it when people point out race in everything. It's a shame, especially when it regards something like a Disney movie.
Slightly off tangent I know but I remember at work when some customer asked when we were going to get black mannequins and I just replied, when are they going to make chinese ones? I just don't see it as a problem, especially as the mannequins in our store are alien-white. So not even a shade of real skin tone.
I think that people should definately think before they act and think about how others will see it, but this is too far. I agree that people are becoming too sensitive. I think it's great that the story is set in a place that is deep in African-American history. It's something to be more proud of than if they set in some random place like Wisconsin.
I am so tired of all the overly sensitives reading their own agenda into things. Poor old Noddy and Big Ears copped the same treatment. It seems that the only thing we achieve by over analysing and censoring is to instill in the next generation a sense of hyper paranoia and the ability to read subtext at 5 years old!
Not sure how I feel about this new Disney movie… Should be interesting.
You know, now I'm even more intrigued to see this film…
I agree that a lot of times, people make a big freakin deal about something that is sooo unrelated to them. You're right when you said "the world does not revolve around you." Really it doesnt!
Now let the kids enjoy the movie for God's sake!
"WTF, Bill! The movie is set in the '20s against the Big Easy's blazing jazz scene. I don't understand why we should erase memories of the cultural importance of New Orleans because of Hurricane Katrina."
BEAUTIFULLY said, my dear. And remember it we will.
i think that there are a lot of overreactions about this movie, considering no one even knows much about it. but people will always find something to criticize! i agree with everthing you say xx
I love me some thoughtful, thought-provoking WendyB. Your posts often mean a jumping off point for such intriguing discussions of a wide array of topics–hooray. I wish I had your guts, honey!
OMG! This is why the world is sooo screwed up, because you're right people read racism into every single thing! Why can't it just be another lovely Disney film!
oh god that warning sign made me laugh actually out loud 🙂
great article! i might have to get up to ny to see that exhibit and people reall need to chill – its a disney movie. haha
i like this post. i like the dialog between you and AFitz too. i too would like to see the film before i form and opinions about it.
This post actually shocked me quite a bit, because I was under the impression that the world revolves around me… Now I found out it's all about Oprah. No fair. I also think that in the spirit of fairness, goodness, and equality, Disney movies should be judged for content and prejidice only once they've been viewed. All other movies can be judged without preview.
I read that story, too (the NY Times is my fave paper, but I totes know what you mean about the Sunday Styles section. Some of the stories make me shake my head and ask, WTF?). But anyway, that story and the people quoted in it are so fucking lame. I applaud Disney's long overdue effort in having a princess of color. I hope this paves the way for more princesses!!! It sends a good message to our little girls, no?
WHOA! You're friends with Maggie Kneip? I used to intern for Maggie at Scholastic (if it's the same Maggie?). Please tell her that I say hello!
xxx,
Tiffany
I can't wait to see the film too. Good for Disney for including a black princess…people shouldn't jump to conclusions until they see a film, and it's a kid's film, come on! Glad I found your blog. 😉 Very insightful and compelling stuff.
god i love when you are angry!
I am digging where AFitz and Wendy are coming from, I don't think their opinions are wrong or bias and both are valid and right but how can one or a company with all the political correctness going find a middle-ground utopia, I am so sick of the bull shit living here in Japan being on the other end of the stick… not nice but I think once we stop judging books (people) by their cover perhaps we have some hope?
Bonjour !
First time i come across your blog so i'm gonna visit it now 🙂
well if you wanna be inspired by my collages/Scrapbook come and take a cup of tea in Boubouteatime 🙂
a bientot !
Boubouteatime xx
I get that Disney has, like a lot of institutions, been very racist in the (not even too distant) past. But I feel like they can't win with this new movie. No matter what they do they will piss people off, so they're kind of screwed.
I find myself increasingly exasperated by the Thursday and Sunday Styles sections' non-fashion articles. The old cartoons are far superior to the heavily focus-grouped, desperate-not-to-offend stuff Disney churns out now.
I had no idea this movie existed or that people were already getting bent out of shape about it. I'll save any criticism I might have until I actually see it.
WendyB – clowning chumps and smoking fools.
i hope all the views and debates don't overshadow the release of what looks like a classic disney cartoon film about a princess- there hasn't been one in so long! i know loads of girls who will be so excited that they can dress as this princess because she is black too and really that's the best thing! disney will have pleased the kids even if not the adults