The New Little Mermaid is Black

The latest story of fake outrage in America has to do with the new Little Mermaid movie that’s coming out in May of 2023. Ariel is played by Halle Bailey, not to be confused with Halle Berry. She’s a beautiful African-American singer who was just shown in the Coming Soon trailer for the movie.

*Cue the racism

So of course, racist, bigoted, white America had to collectively open their big, fat, ignorant mouths and start ripping on Disney for casting a black young woman as Ariel. Because you know, how DARE they change the ethnicity of a proud, white, half fish, half woman with red hair.

“They’re trying to erase our proud, white history! Cancel-culture is coming after our people, AGAIN! The woke-left is trying to ruin everything for us poor, white people who are always treated so unfairly!” Boo-fucking-hoo. Change the channel, already.

“Erase your history?” You mean a history that dates all the way back to 1989? For decades (well, 3), little girls have been raised on a fair-skinned, red-headed Ariel. The 1989 cartoon movie has been a staple for many young girls and boys for 33 years now. It’s one of Disney’s most beloved cartoon movies of all time.

When talk of a live-action remake started and Disney announced that an African American actress would play Ariel, the fandom lost their minds. Many in a good way. Far too many, in an ignorant, racist way. Such is to be expected in 2022 Amerikkka.

They will tell you that it’s not because they’re racist against black people. They’ll say that it’s because it’s DIFFERENT from the original. We don’t appreciate this “woke” culture that Disney is trying to be a part of. You can’t just go change the main character’s ethnicity! Certainly, you can’t do that to The Little Mermaid?

Disney: “Oh, we can’t? BET.”

Disney realizes what most of us educated, empathetic, kind-hearted people know. That representation MATTERS. That small children love to see beloved cartoon and movie characters that look similar to them. That’s there are far more important things in life than tradition. Positive change happens when people learn acceptance and appreciate the differences in this world. Someone, please send that memo to White America.

Just look at these reactions from these precious children in the two videos below. They are SO excited and proud to see that Ariel in the new movie looks more like them. If you watch this and cannot feel the joy and empathy for these wonderful little ones, then just stop reading right here. And unfollow me. I don’t hang out with racist bigots.

These sweet children are why this is a huge deal. The hell with what non-supportive ignorant people think.

You’re not the only one crying, Mama. I am with you all. This is amazing to see happen.

I adore these amazing children and their reactions to seeing the new trailer for the first time. It brings me to tears to see how excited they are to see a famous Disney character that looks more like they do. Their parents’ reactions are also so relatable, I just love it all.

As a father who would do anything for his children to be happy, I get it. It’s heart-warming to see your children so enthralled and excited about this trailer. It’s amazing to know that in a country that still doesn’t use inclusiveness and representation enough in movies, television shows, and even advertising, it’s a win. Having a black Little Mermaid is just incredible.

And she can really sing. The actress Halle Bailey is half of the five-time Grammy-nominated sister duo Chloe x Halle. I for one am excited to hear her singing in the movie. I’ve never heard of their musical act, but you better believe I’m going to listen to some of their music now that I’m aware of it.

Some white people will continue to raise hell about this, as they have been since 2019 when it was announced. They will threaten to boycott and perhaps they really won’t attend the movie. GOOD. We don’t need your negativity, racism, and bigoted under the guise of being a “traditionalist” about the original movie.

But think about what your children or god forbid, the feelings of other children who are actually excited about this change and the movie itself. Why should this be all about you and what YOU think about it? Part of being a good parent is sacrificing your own personal comfort level to make your children happy.

Perhaps you would do well to read the original Little Mermaid book. Though reading isn’t usually one of the stronger traits of people who tend to complain about shit like this. Hans Christian Andersen’s original book from 1837 describes a little mermaid with green, translucent skin who is in great pain every time she’s walking and eventually is left behind when her prince marries someone else.

So where was your fake outrage in 1989 when the original cartoon movie debuted and it was so different from the book? Oh, but it’s ok that they changed Ariel from green to white? The ending was happier? Get the hell out of here with that nonsense. Most of you didn’t even know there was a 162-year-old book that predated the cartoon movie.

That’s because you don’t THINK. You react in a knee-jerk, ignorant, racist way to things that are different. You do not like change. You prefer that we don’t evolve as a society. You want to hold what little power you feel you still have. It’s ridiculous and you have no power. Trust me on this one.

You’re one of the many tiny pieces of the machine. If one of you refuses to participate or work, nothing happens. There will always be other pieces to replace your broken, non-working role in this country. Corporations and politicians hold the power, not you. Your boycott means nothing.

Perhaps spend your time doing good for the world and your community. Learn something. Be something. Wasting your time bitching about The Little Mermaid being black and threatening to boycott the movie is a complete waste of time.

We’re all going to go see it. Decent, kind-hearted people are going to enjoy ALL children's reactions to the new movie, regardless if you’re there or not. And again, maybe it’s better you don’t attend. Plenty of people with big hearts, kindness and empathy, and love for their children and marginalized groups will step up. You won’t be missed.

Racism is taught and learned and is not something that is automatically in small children’s hearts. Be careful of the things you teach your kids. Small ears hear all of the ignorant, angry, and hateful things that you rant and rave about like some low-class moron. Be an example to your children and ALL children.

If something like a movie character’s ethnicity changing drives you to anger, ask yourself why this is. What exactly are you afraid of? Change is good. Change is constant. The world will be changing without your consent or approval, it always has. Get on board or be left behind.

Oh, and how about a quick video of white children’s reaction to the new Little Mermaid trailer, just to end this little discussion? It’s amazing to me how the younger generation is so much more accepting and supportive of change and the differences that make us all so unique. This gives me hope. &:^)

Kids get it, even if their parents don’t. Raise awesome human beings. The world needs more people like them and fewer racists and bigots who only encourage divisiveness and hate.