Disney Princesses Portrayed In Diverse Ethnicities

The artist's intention was not driven by politics but by a simple desire for more inclusivity.

Damjan

• Published in Disney
• May 11, 2024

Disney's efforts to diversify its princess lineup have been met with enthusiasm, especially with the introduction of Tiana. However, for those craving even more inclusivity, the Let There Be Doodles Tumblr blog offers a creative solution.

The artist behind the blog has reimagined Disney princesses from various ethnic backgrounds, sparking intriguing conversations about representation and cultural diversity in fairy tales. The artist's intention was not driven by politics but by a simple desire for more inclusivity and diversity in character design.

By modifying screen captures of Disney princesses, they embarked on a fascinating exploration of how these beloved characters might appear if they hailed from different ethnicities. These imaginative illustrations provoke thought.

How would Sleeping Beauty look if Princess Aurora were Jamaican or Argentinian? What if Mulan's story unfolded in ancient Rome or Egypt?

The artist's observations highlight how fairy tales often transcend cultural boundaries, with stories being adapted and altered across different contexts throughout history. This creative endeavor prompts reflection on the evolution of fairy tales and their cultural significance.

Many classic tales have been removed from their original cultural settings and reinterpreted countless times. For example, Aladdin's story was originally set in China, while The Frog Prince has Latin roots, undergoing numerous adaptations across various countries.

The Let There Be Doodles project adds a new layer to the ongoing dialogue about representation in popular culture. Envisioning Disney princesses with diverse ethnic backgrounds encourages audiences to reconsider traditional narratives and embrace a broader spectrum of identities.

Moreover, it celebrates the power of imagination in reshaping familiar stories to reflect the rich diversity of the world we live in. This isn't the first time Disney princesses have undergone unconventional transformations.

In a similar vein, artist Adam Ellis recently envisioned the princess roster with majestic beards, offering a playful twist on conventional beauty standards. In a world where diversity is increasingly valued and celebrated, initiatives like Let There Be Doodles play a vital role in challenging existing norms and fostering greater inclusivity.

By presenting alternative interpretations of beloved characters, they invite audiences to expand their perspectives and embrace the beauty of difference.

Snow White from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Elsa from Frozen

Ariel from The Little Mermaid

Cinderella

Belle from Beauty and the Beast

Megara

Aurora from Sleeping Beauty

Tiana from The Princess and the Frog

Pocahontas

Princess Jasmine from Aladdin

The Let There Be Doodles project is like a big thumbs-up for showing Disney princesses in new ways. It's great because it makes them look different, showing that people from all over the world can be princesses. Plus, it gets people talking about why it's important to have different kinds of characters in stories.

As things change in the world, it's super important that the shows and movies we watch reflect all the different kinds of people out there. Projects like Let There Be Doodles help with that by showing that everyone's story matters, no matter where they're from or what they look like.

So, let's keep supporting projects like this one. They're like a friendly reminder that diversity is awesome and makes our world more colorful and interesting.

Damjan