Diving into Diversity: A Fresh Look at Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”
The release of “The Little Mermaid” was preceded by a wave of controversy, primarily centered around the appearance of lead actress Halle Bailey. The intense focus on her looks, often veering into harsh and excessive criticism, was unexpected. This uproar raises a fundamental question: Are we losing our commitment to exploring and embracing diverse representation in media?
From a thematic perspective, “The Little Mermaid” stays true to the classic Disney formula: lighthearted entertainment with catchy musical numbers, updated for a modern audience. This adaptation shifts away from the tired tropes of the fickle prince and the sanctity of “true love.” Instead, it tackles the more relevant theme of communication and understanding between different worlds and cultures. While not groundbreaking, this approach is undoubtedly progressive and positive.
A Sea of Representation
The film immediately establishes a diverse underwater world, featuring mermaids from various oceans and ethnicities. This inclusive casting choice directly addresses the casting of a Black actress as Ariel. More importantly, the connection between Ariel and Prince Eric is not based on love at first sight, but on Ariel’s genuine curiosity about the human world. This curiosity shouldn’t be interpreted as the filmmakers suggesting that the human world is superior, but rather as a metaphor for the importance of exploring the unknown. Can humanity truly progress without a sense of wonder and a desire to learn?
Interestingly, Prince Eric reciprocates Ariel’s fascination with the ocean. He explains his constant sea voyages as a necessity to explore new things and stay ahead of the curve. This mutual curiosity underscores the film’s core message.
Overcoming Prejudice and Embracing Change
The film also explores how families can evolve from conservative viewpoints to embrace open-mindedness. King Triton initially forbids Ariel from interacting with humans, driven by the loss of his wife and a fear of the unknown. Similarly, the Queen in the castle is wary of Prince Eric’s sea adventures, influenced by rumors of dangerous mermaids. However, through a series of events, both characters undergo significant transformations. Triton learns to listen to his daughter’s aspirations and dreams, while the Queen, already displaying kindness by adopting Eric, readily accepts the truth about mermaids.
Narrative Tides and Troubled Waters
However, the film isn’t without its flaws. The transition of animated sea creatures into live-action can feel somewhat awkward and unnatural. Furthermore, the pacing suffers from a drawn-out exposition followed by a rushed romantic development between the protagonists, leading to a disjointed narrative.
A valid question raised by some viewers is: If the film emphasizes cross-cultural understanding and exploration, why not transform the prince into a merman instead? While seemingly nitpicky, this question highlights the inherent differences between the human and marine worlds. True understanding requires more than a simple resolution, and the film’s “happily ever after” ending might be seen as an oversimplification.
A Hopeful Horizon
Despite its shortcomings, “The Little Mermaid” offers a more optimistic conclusion than the traditional tragic ending or a world divided by animosity. Perhaps this ideal is worth striving for. If we abandon our ideals and aspirations, what hope remains for a better world?