From Lightyear to The Little Mermaid: Why does Disney’s inclusion bother us so much?

In recent months we have witnessed the homophobia and racism that persists in our society, thanks to two films that have chosen to be inclusive.

It doesn’t matter what generation you belong to Baby Boomer (1946 and 1964), X (1965 and 1980), millennials (1981 to 1996), or Z (1997 to 2010)the reality is that we have all grown up with disney moviesand at least one of its classics marked our childhood.

American company founded by waltdisney It is the most successful at the box office and in awards season when it comes to making children’s films, so it is not surprising that its productions generate such a stir when they are released.

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In recent decades we have seen how the production company has brought back great stories that mainly marked generation X and millennials.

Since Beauty and the Beast, up to Toy Story 3the movies with our favorite characters came back in the form of live action with famous actresses like Emma Watson or as a continuation of a story in which now a character as iconic as Andy, went to university just like us and had to say goodbye to his childhood by giving away his beloved toys.

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These returns were applauded and generated millions at the box office because they continued to respond to an audience that was still the company’s market, but the reality is that the years have already moved on and Disney must generate content for new audiences; audiovisual products that adapt to the thoughts and lifestyle of the viewers.

A couple of months ago, the company launched Lightyeara film that focused on the iconic Pixar character that was the favorite of thousands of millennial kidsonly this time it angered conservative groups around the world, and brought out the homophobia that still exists in our society.

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The scene of a kiss between two women was considered inappropriate by countries that belonged to the United Arab Emirates, where its premiere was prohibited, also in the United States, several cinemas had to put the warning before showing the film. Also in our country, it received hundreds of criticisms that considered it something that children should not witness.

What all those who were offended did not understand is that this film was not directed to their thoughts that no longer compete with those of recent years. The LGBTQI+ community has fought for decades to have visibility and the same rights as everyone, so the fact that a lesbian couple was included, who were also mothers of a child, reflected a reality that, although it may not be that of some people , yes it is that of many.

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According to INEGI figures, in Mexico there are more than 100,000 homoparental families, so this scene can represent that a girl or a boy who lives in this way, knows that his core is nothing strange, and that it can also be represented in large productions such as those of Disney, that he is going to go to a movie theater, and its reality will be there, embodied normally.

The Little Mermaid controversy

Another of the most notorious cases in recent weeks is the from the live-action of The Little Mermaidwhich will star Halle Bailey, a 22-year-old African-American girl, who has been singled out for racist comments, because her physique does not match that of the white-skinned, red-haired character that we met in the animated version that premiered at the 1980s.

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First of all, mermaids are fantastic beings, so in reality they can have any type of skin, hair color and complexion, this is because they do not exist in real life, so the imagination of the person who writes the script can capture them. However you want.

Second, as we already mentioned, this film is directed for the new generations, and it is appreciated that Disney has decided to choose an African-American woman as the protagonist, since not only do they stop relegating the roles of this sector of the population, but the girls can be seen represented in a princess, who had almost always been portrayed as white.

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Just look at the dozens of videos of girls on TikTok who are excited to see The African-American Little Mermaid. Those clips prove that inclusion matters.

The girls will be able to see themselves represented on the screen, and they will know that they are also worth it. That they are not just relegated to playing roles that are not important.

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We have to stop thinking that live action is to appeal to nostalgia, when in fact they are directed so that the new generations know the Disney classicssee themselves represented and let’s move on to an inclusive film industry free of homophobia and racism.

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From Lightyear to The Little Mermaid: Why does Disney’s inclusion bother us so much?