Disney's First Black Princess - Tiana

Tiana, Disney's first black princess will enter our lives in December 2009 in her debut film 'The Princess and the Frog'. So, what should we expect? Apparently, Tiana hails from New Orleans and will be the 'Frog Princess'. Good news? That depends on your point of view.

For years I have struggled with the message that has been sent to my now six year-old daughter about all the princesses being of different nationalities but never a black American princess. There is Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Ariel, Jasmine, Mulan. So, tonight, I found it most interesting when I turned to my own little princess trying to explain how wonderful it was that Disney would be releasing a movie about a black princess, Tiana. "Isn't that wonderful?" I exclaimed with passion and delight. Imagine my surprise when my daughter's response came "So, isn't Jasmine a black princess? And really nobody cares Mommy, we are all beautiful princesses!"

Yes, I was surprised, but pleasantly so. I have spent years teaching my precious ones not to see the world in color, not to worry about skin tone, but to focus on being good and pleasant, always showing respect regardless of class and creed. All the knowledge garnered from this tutelage came to light in her flippant, simple statement, "who cares?"

Many people will care. Some will believe that finally, the black female child is being hailed as beautiful. Some will believe that their daughters will now feel that they too can be princesses. Somehow, I find it hard to believe that a black princess will make a huge difference in how young black women see themselves.

Take a look at any prom night or graduation ball whether from a black, white or mixed school. Do you see a difference in the elegant ball gowns and well-groomed hairstyles? The time and energy spent by young girls regardless of race on maintaining beauty speaks to the truth that we all think of ourselves as princesses. I cannot think for one second, that a Disney princess will make a difference when a beautiful black woman steps up the ladder of success or walks onto the world's stage.

If we need confirmation from Disney that our daughters need a princess, then as mothers we have more work to do. The truth is that from the moment they are born, we have produced our own little princesses.