When I was a child I remember the sense of magic I got from reading fairy tales and watching Disney films. I remember Belle from Beauty and the Beast being my favorite character because she liked books and looked like me. In fact most of the Disney characters looked like me. Watching Disney films as an adult it is startling to see the lack of representation of other cultures.
Disney is a part of most people’s childhood but does a terrible job at depicting all children. Out of the nineteen official Disney princesses only five are people of color. Two of those princesses, Tiana and Moana, came out within the last ten years which could suggest that Disney is starting to become more inclusive but still has a ways to go. A few people would blame the original fairytales the movies are based off of for not having diversity but those people would be wrong.
While it is true Disney does pull source material from many European fairy tales there are still many more fairytales from around the world. Most cultures have their own fairy tales that they share with their children or they alter ones to fit their culture. For example Snow White is often retold around the world by keeping the story mostly the same but her race changing her race so children can better identify with her. This is important for companies like Disney and children’s literature authors to understand and take to heart.
When children learn to read they look for situations and people whom they can identify with. When there is a lack of diversity children often don’t find this and can dislike reading because of it. Diversity is also important because children need to hear and understand problems that they might not encounter so they can learn to be accepting and tolerant towards those who do have these problems. Another reason diversity is important is that it can show children other cultures and differences in the world that should be praised and celebrated instead of berated on the evening news. Children need diversity and one of the best ways to represent that is through their books and movies.
Picture credit Disney
-MP
A Novel Idea 
I like how you brought up that different cultures have their own fairytales or renditions of the European ones. It is important to acknowledge both of the similarities and the differences within them because it shows how cultures are connected in diverse ways. Also, I completely agree that children look for situations and characters that they can identify with it. Growing up, especially in picture books, I always looked for characters who resembled me the best.
-SK
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Dear MP,
I really loved your ideas here of involving multiculturalism amongst all students. It allows them all to create and share new and old ideas with each other which would cause great discussion even in an elementary aged classroom. Many stories cause students to ask questions I know that when I was younger I was drawn to story books with princesses and main characters that resembled me. This was not hard considering I myself am white female who would dream of being like one of these characters one day. That was until I figured out how strong and independent I could truly be and learn of different cultures so that my mind was not ignorant of others.
-LC
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