Bon Travail, Lacroix!

I found the Lacroix piece particularly intriguing. We often discuss the general lack of princesses/Disney women of color in class. However, I never truly understood the degree to which the current princesses of color are subject to degradation and unfair portrayal. Lacroix compares the portrayal of the white princesses (Ariel and Belle) to the “other” princesses (Jasmine, Pocahontas, Esmerelda) and the differences are striking.

The idea of the image of these princesses was particularly interesting. After reading the Bell piece about the 3 main body types, Lacroix identifies how the oriental princesses do not have the same dainty dancer body shape as their white predecessors. While Ariel and Belle literally were modeled after the same exact white girl, Jasmine has curves and Pocahontas is tall and athletic looking. The costuming also plays a great effect. While the white princesses are dressed in full-length dresses, the colored princesses have exposed thighs, arms, cleavage, and midriffs, further sexualizing them. I think Lacroix does a great job in conveying these two ideas. She describes each princess’s outfits at specific moments in the movies, and the differences are apparent without question. There is certainly an increase in focus on body in these later colored princesses. They show more skin and are more active. While I do think that eroticizing princesses of color is wrong, I think that making them more active is actually a good thing. Passive princesses are boring. I want to watch someone who moves!

Lacroix points out a technical element of animation that serves to further sexualize the princesses of color. At points, the princesses are seen in an extreme close-up frame, making the look like an object to be looked at by both the other characters and the audience. Belle and Ariel are not looked at in this way. Esmerelda, Jasmine and Pocahontas, however, are exoticized for their sexual presence. Lacroix, again, conveys this idea well by effectively describing the technique, which immediately registers with people who have seen movies.

The examination of the final result of each female’s relationship was also quite eye opening. Lacroix notes that only couples of the same race get married (Ariel and Eric, Belle and Adam, Jasmine and Aladdin) while the multi-racial couples do not (Pocahontas and John Smith, Esmerelda and Phoebus). Is this because these colored women are portrayed as sexual? Do they not merit marriage, too? She takes something that is comparable between all the women, and explains the differences.

Overall, I think Lacroix is very controlled in her argument. Her ideas are portrayed clearly through her use of sections. I feel that she takes a unique lens to the issue of colored princesses during the second wave. However, she does have a few hit-and-run quotations. Had she used the quote sandwich formula, I think I could have understood her argument even better. She does not include Mulan in her argument and this piece was published before Tiana’s time, but I would be curious to know what she has to say about these films. I believe that the fact that I want to read more is an indication that Lacroix crafts an argument that is unique, thorough, and clear. I enjoyed this piece very much!