Race, Socioeconomic Status and Feminism in Princess and The Frog (2009)

I’ve heard a lot of criticism regarding Disney’s portrayal of race in Princess and the Frog (2009). But I also feel that there’s also a lot to discuss regarding the depictions of socioeconomic status and feminism in the film.

Here are my thoughts on the the film :

Racial concerns

I read an article arguing that by creating a black princess but not a black prince, Disney is suggesting that black love is impossible. But personally, I didn’t see the film coming across as such. Instead, I saw the romance between Tiana and Prince Naveen as an interracial relationship. Granted, Prince Naveen’s race is ambiguous, but he seems to have a latino accent and his skin color, which is paler than Tiana’s but darker than typical white skin color, suggests that he may be Latino or Hispanic.

I also thought that the power dynamic in Charlotte’s and Tiana’s relationship was refreshingly unique. Despite their racial differences, Charlotte, as a privileged white debutante, treats Tiana as her best friend. Disney shows that Charlotte respects Tiana, even though they may not be of equal status. 

Although the film has generated much controversy with regards to its use of the Louisiana voodoo as a plot device, I agree with this blogger’s argument that Disney demonstrates that “Voodoo is essentially a neutral practice that can be used for good or evil” (evil being that practised by Facilier and good being that practised by Mama Odie). I felt that this complementary relationship, in a way, debunked the “bad evil Voodoo” stereotype.

Socioeconomic status
There seems to be an emergent trend throughout the film - the exchange of services. Tiana agrees to kiss Frog Prince Naveen solely to get the money she needs to buy the mill. Lawrence readily betrays Prince Naveen and succumbs to Dr. Facilier in exchange for assuming his life.

It seems to me that in the film, different socioeconomic classes are pitted against one another; but can you blame them? Both Charlotte and Lawrence are desperate to climb the social ladder of success. The main difference between the two is that Lawrence chooses the “wrong” path by making an agreement with Dr. Facilier, while Tiana does not succumb to Dr. Facilier’s offer of granting her her dream restaurant.

I noted that only a princess, and not just a “true love” like in Sleeping Beauty (1959), can kiss Prince Naveen to save him. This all shows how highly valued socioeconomic status was in the early twentieth century.

Daddy’s Girl Stereotype
Disney has be known to perpetuate the “Daddy’s Girl” stereotype, as demonstrated in The Little Mermaid (1989) and Beauty and the Beast (1991) I found it intriguing how this stereotype was applied not only to Charlotte but also to Tiana.

From the get-go, it’s obvious that Disney reinforces several “white girl” stereotypes such as the portrayal of Charlotte as a materialistic and spoilt “daddy’s girl”. However, in a more subtle manner, Disney also suggests that Tiana’s dream is ultimately inherited from her father.