Disneyfication of Culture

Dear Asian Youth,

I’m a big fan of animated films.

Call me immature, but my attention span is literally nonexistent. It can only be captured through bright, flashy cartoons.

Some of my fondest memories were made inches in front of the TV screen, enjoying Disney classics like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Cinderella III: A Twist in Time. Disney films were a major part of my childhood; even today, I enjoy browsing their streaming service to scour some lost Disney gems. I have a soft spot for their princess lineup. They’ve captured my attention through fantastical and charming storytelling, and hold a special place in my heart.

However, I can’t ignore the intrusive thought that’s been gnawing at the back of my head for a long, long time:

None of them look like me.

It’s something I’ve noticed since I was a child., I’ve brushed it off, simply being in favor of celebrating the fact that they’ve added quite a few BIPOC princesses to their roster. Some depictions are more respectful than others...I mean, Moana’s depiction of Polynesian peoples is definitely better than Pocahontas’ portrayal of Native Americans. But representation is representation... right?