Summary

The website content discusses the societal implications of Halle Bailey, a Black actress, being cast as Ariel in the live-action adaptation of Disney's The Little Mermaid, highlighting the contrasting reactions among different demographics and the broader issues of race representation in entertainment.

Abstract

The article "The Real Reason She Is Not Their Ariel" delves into the controversy surrounding the casting of Halle Bailey as Ariel in the upcoming Little Mermaid film. While many celebrate the diversity and Bailey's qualifications for the role, a segment of society, particularly white men, has reacted negatively, expressing their discontent through vitriolic internet posts and memes. The piece argues that this backlash stems from a challenge to the established norm of white supremacy in film, where white women have traditionally been upheld as the standard of beauty. The author emphasizes the significance of representation, noting that a Black Ariel will have a profound positive impact on Black girls worldwide, serving as a symbol of beauty, talent, and empowerment. The article also contrasts the fictional nature of Ariel with real-life historical figures, criticizing past whitewashing in media while asserting that anyone could portray a mythical character. The author concludes by calling attention to the pervasive nature of racism, including its psychological effects on Black individuals, and expresses a resigned understanding of the societal mindset that leads to such racially charged reactions.

Opinions

The author believes that Halle Bailey's casting as Ariel challenges the traditional standards of beauty upheld by white supremacy in Hollywood.
There is a noted disparity in reactions to the casting, with white men being particularly vocal in their opposition, while white women and other demographics are more accepting or supportive.
The article suggests that the negative responses are rooted in a resistance to altering the status quo of racial representation in media.
The author points out the hypocrisy in the outrage over a Black Ariel when white actors have historically been cast in roles that could have been filled by non-white actors, including religious and historical figures.
Representation in entertainment is seen as crucial for empowering Black girls and providing them with role models that reflect their own image.
The author dismisses the validity of comparing the casting of a fictional mermaid to the portrayal of real-life Black historical figures by white actors, emphasizing that mermaids are mythical and thus open to diverse interpretations.
The piece criticizes the creation of racist memes and comments about Bailey's Ariel, viewing them as a manifestation of deeply ingrained societal racism.
The author expresses a weary acknowledgment that racism is not just physical but also psychological, affecting the self-perception of Black individuals due to historical degradation.
Despite the backlash, there is an underlying tone of resilience and hope, as the author recognizes the importance and positive impact of diverse representation in media.

The Real Reason She Is Not Their Ariel

A look at what ‘The Little Mermaid’ Teaser reveals about a certain sector of society

Around September 9th, Halle Bailey’s debut as the Little Mermaid was revealed as a teaser trailer. For many of us, this time was golden. We have Ariel in the flesh, and she is beautiful with an incredible voice. However, for a certain sector, this teaser may as well have been pincers peeling back their flesh, because their screams and vitriol filled the internet.

Influencers around the world have their own opinion about Ariel being Black.

Let’s face it.

We were all fans of The Little Mermaid before Disney decided to brown her up a bit. Why shouldn’t we still be fans now?

All over Tik Tok White people are screaming foul play, because this was the moment their own daughters could “see themselves” as the mythical creature.

What I am surprised about, is the amount of white women who actually want to see the movie and are ok with Ariel being Black. The white men however, are not playing these race swap games, and I will tell you why.

Image in entertainment is everything

What you may not realize, is that entertainment does a pretty good job of upholding White supremacy from the film side. White men for eons have made their women THE standard of beauty and Hollywood BETTER uphold it.

As a man, your daughters are your princesses. Your angels. Every person should fawn over her and not disrespect her, but she will be the female image of all that is pure to the world.

The Little Mermaid, may be a cartoon, but Ariel is a beautiful female fish with fire red hair and a heavenly voice. Her dad is King Triton.

To play the role of Ariel requires talent, beauty and a voice.

Halle Bailey has all three.

This is why mostly white men are mad. They are creating stupid memes of Ariel sitting down on a watermelon, or with buck teeth and Newport cigarettes all around her.

I expect three year olds to engage in this behavior, but then again, I’ve met three year olds that were smarter and more respectful than these clowns.

I digress.

For White people, this live action film, would seal the deal on who has the better looks, talent and voice and Halle beat them all by just existing, really.

Disclaimer: This does not by any means suggest that Black girls and women are the ONLY talented people on the planet. Nonsense. In this case of The Little Mermaid, the director saw Halle Bailey as the perfect fit.

I have told you before, and I will say it again.

The one thing Black women and white men have in common, is loyalty to the race. White people may lie and say it isn’t about that, but actions speak louder than words.

If there was a movie about Black women eating watermelon (I love watermelon), smoking weed and cursing all over the place, I am quite sure butt hurt racists would not mind.

To have a Black Ariel means to have a talented Black girl.

To have a Black Ariel means to have pretty Black girl.

To have a Black Ariel means to have a Black girl who can sing.

All three of what I mentioned will uplift Black girls across the planet. We have good Black role models outside of Hollywood of course, but entertainment is the biggest influence, and always will be.

What if the shoe were on the other foot?

As some commenters said,

“What if Roots has an all white cast?”

“What if MLK documentaries suddenly have a white MLK?”

“What if Malcom X is played by a white guy?”

These commenters’ IQ is the size of their shoes.

First of all, a white person cannot play as any of the Black leaders mentioned, or in Roots because those are based on REAL events and REAL people.

Ariel is not real. Mermaids are mythical. This means that a blue person or orange alien can play as Ariel for all I care.

Secondly, hasn’t whiteness whitewashed everything already?

Shall we make a list?

Jesus Christ
Avatar Airbender the movie.
Brad Pitt as…the Mexican???
Tom Cruise as… The Last Samurai?
Any Egyptian movie…whitewashed.

Note: There is more to Egypt than we think. Egyptians were actually Black, but can be mixed Afro Asian, or other mixtures. Please do your research.

I mean, take your pick. Whatever deity, whatever mythology, whatever power available in the world, is whitewashed and suddenly with Black Ariel, it’s woe is me?

PULEEEEEZ! + eyeroll

This is a cautionary tale

For any of you who thought racism was just physical or even for those who think it is a figment of our imagination — all you have to do is find those memes on Instagram, Tik Tok, or Google them and you’ll be horrified at what racists are saying about this young lady.

It’s disgusting.

In the game of Racism, most warfare begins with the mind.

A Black person’s psychology is riddled with negativity and low self-esteem and since Jim Crow and before Jim Crow, we were told we are animalistic and ugly. Racists didn’t mind lying in bed with us or using us for entertainment, but we knew instinctively not to think we were better.

In my household, we are not angry nor surprised with #NotMyAriel because we understand who we share this society with.

They are mad at The Woman King.

Now, they are mad at a singing Brown fish girl.

What’s next?

Thank you for reading!

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