When I heard that Disney announced the new Latin inspired Princess Elena of Avalor, I was like word? Notice she’s “Latin inspired” – that is according to the press release. For some reason Disney isn’t flat out saying she’s a Latina.
According to Nancy Kanter, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Disney Junior Worldwide, “What excites us most is the chance to use distinctive animation and visual design to tell wonderful stories influenced by culture and traditions that are familiar to the worldwide population of Hispanic and Latino families and reflect the interests and aspirations of all children as told through a classic fairy tale.”
Disney’s decision to remain tight lipped about Elena’s true ethnicity is a bit strange, considering we know the background of some of the other princesses like Mulan, Jasmine, and Tiana. Really, what’s the big deal?
But then I remember the drama surrounding Sofia the First. Disney faced harsh criticism following a report in 2012 that claimed Sofia the First was the first Latina princess. Apparently her mom is a commoner from Spain who marries the King of Enchancia.
In the wake of the backlash over whether Sofia was ‘Latin enough,’ Disney recanted the statement saying that “Sofia’s ethnicity had been misrepresented.“
Whether Princess Elena is truly Latina or not, this is great for little girls. Clearly, there is a huge Hispanic influence from her olive skin to her Spanish style dress, and as Kanter mentions, the stories based on the Latin culture. Speaking as a Disney fan, I appreciate the diversity and so does my daughter.
Whether it’s having curls like Merida, skin color like Jasmine, and hair color like Belle, she does notice some features and draws comparisons. But if you ask who her favorite princesses are she’ll say, Elsa and Aurora.
Having a diverse group of princesses leaves behind a positive message that everyone is beautiful and is worthy of a crown. Heck, I still get excited about their first ever black princess, Tiana. Who knows, maybe they’ll introduce the first biracial princess next.
What do you think about Princess Elena? What do you think this Latin inspired princess means for girls?