We all grew up watching the original Ariel in the ‘Little Mermaid’ and absolutely fell in love with the movie so when we heard that Halle Bailey would be the new Ariel of course we were beside ourselves with excitement.
What we did not prepare for was the pure joy and the tears we would have watching little black girls react to this version of the Disney movie.
A Twitter user posted a thread of reactions and when we say ‘Representation Matters” this is what we mean… watch below:
@HalleBailey , you’re about to impact so many little black kids lives with this movie. I hope you know how inspiring and amazing you are. Bless you!!
— Lai (@normanination4) September 12, 2022
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Out of all the reactions this one was the cutest. Show this young lady some love on TikTok pic.twitter.com/XB05LFSz15
— Ronda G (@datsxyleostud) September 12, 2022
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— Lai (@normanination4) September 11, 2022
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— Lai (@normanination4) September 11, 2022
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— Lai (@normanination4) September 11, 2022
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— Lai (@normanination4) September 11, 2022
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— Lai (@normanination4) September 11, 2022
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— Lai (@normanination4) September 11, 2022
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— Lai (@normanination4) September 11, 2022
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— Lai (@normanination4) September 11, 2022
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— Lai (@normanination4) September 12, 2022
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This thread is just too wholesome! This is why representation matters! This is why all these racists and their excuses are so mad, they don’t want our kids to feel represented, to feel beautiful! They know they can’t oppress someone who loves themselves pic.twitter.com/6ov7VYVaZa
— Dr. OTAKU (@DrOtaku2) September 12, 2022
Without spending too much time on it.. we have to mention that the idea of a black Ariel did not sit well with everyone, there are a few on social media crying ‘not my Ariel’ clearly triggered by their own bigotry.
Twitter users are calling out the racists, many of them saying things like ‘Oh they would have reacted the same way if the character was white”.
I don’t think they care the character is black…the kids would of reacted the same way if she was white!
— Jason Cloud (@JasonCloud19) September 12, 2022
Or this post that starts out a little weird.
it’s weird to swap the races on these things instead of creating something new & unique that’s for whom ever— that’s worth criticizing because it’s lazy. but all that matters is: do kids like it? if the answer is yes, then who cares? that’s the point; mission accomplished
— Jeremy (@Mano_Sinistra) September 12, 2022
According to People the actress, who voiced Ariel in the original 1989 animated film, shared a congratulatory note on social media over the weekend praising Bailey’s take on the role. Her message came after footage of Bailey singing the mermaid’s signature song, “Part of Your World,” debuted at D23, the Disney expo.
“So thrilled!!! So excited!!!” Benson, 60, wrote on her Instagram Story, alongside a photo of Bailey and Little Mermaid director Rob Marshall. “Halle, you were absolutely amazing! I’m SO proud of you and your beautiful performance as Ariel.”
Benson, 60, who is best known for providing the voice of Ariel in the 1989 animated Disney film The Little Mermaid, praised the singer/actress and her portrayal of the Disney Princess in the new live action film.
“It was so wonderful to celebrate with your family here at #d23expo,” Benson continued. “And to the brilliant director Rob Marshall…I’m so thankful for our friendship of over 35 years. Thank you for creating such a stunning film!!!”
Watch the new trailer below:
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