Who Needs a Black Princess Anyway? We All Do

There has been a tremendous amount of controversy over 'The Princess and the Frog,' Disney's first animated feature to star a black princess in its 70-year history of princess-making. From her name (changed from Maddy to Tiana), to her racially-ambiguous prince, it seems that no one is satisfied.

The Root is adding a totally new nuance to this heap of discontent. Writer and mother of two girls, Monique Fields, asks the poignant question: Who needs a black princess anyway? She questions the value of "princess" ideals, preferring to give young women a dose of reality to counteract this fantasy. Yet, is Fields missing the point of childhood itself?

The fact is that fantasies indulged in while young help make one emotionally strong.

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The author does acknowledge that a gorgeous black icon can help blossoming women of all races better appreciate African American beauty. But Fields seems to miss the fact that enjoying a fun childhood builds inner security, allowing one to courageously face adult responsibilities. The beautiful feelings created by fantasies also build tenderness of heart, so one can retain humanity while dealing with life's cruelties.

The Web site's author is too focused on impressing kids in mental infancy with the harsh nature of reality before they are ready. I can understand her not wanting girls to believe the "princess" way is an adult mentality, but why take away the sacred joy of childhood when you are actually a child?

If having a black princess allows more young African American women to see themselves as tender, warm and beautiful, this may go a long way towards soothing a lot of the defensive emotional wounds I see black women carrying. And society at large would be enriched by a rare image of black womanhood that is utterly feminine.

There is much value in a black princess, even one as incredibly controversial as Princess Tiana is proving to be.

More on 'The Princess and The Frog'
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+'The Princess and the Frog' Poster and Trailer Now Online
+Anika Noni Rose Talks About 'Princess and the Frog' Doll