The controversy over casting Halle Bailey as Ariel in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid has been ongoing, with the majority of complaints (63%) centered around her race. Disney has staunchly defended their decision, citing their commitment to diversity and inclusion. However, it seems that when it comes to money, Disney is willing to compromise.
In China, where Hollywood productions have been highly coveted for years due to their potential for a large box office return, The Little Mermaid posters have been altered to hide the skin color of the protagonist. This move has caused uproar, with many accusing Disney of censorship.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time that Disney has altered posters in China to hide black people. Previously, they minimized John Boyega’s presence in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and hid Chadwick Boseman’s face in Black Panther behind a mask.
In China, there is a great deal of racism against black people, which is why the promotion for The Little Mermaid in China featured Ariel in a blue tone in order to hide her skin color.
Racism in China, particularly targeting Africans, is an issue that many countries are concerned about. Notable racist incidents have tarnished the Sino-African relationship, including protests in Nanjing in 1988, student reactions in Beijing in 1989 after an interracial affair, police conduct in Guangzhou, and a museum exhibit in Wuhan in 2017.
Disney’s decision to alter the posters is particularly concerning because diversity and inclusion are essential tools in the fight against racism. Advocating for people of different races, ethnicities, genders, ages, sexual orientations, abilities, and cultures is crucial to generating an environment of respect and equity. Inclusion ensures that people from diverse backgrounds feel valued, respected, and empowered, which is vital to mitigating racism.
As we continue to seek out and celebrate diverse perspectives, ideas, and experiences, it is important to recognize censorship and racism in all its forms and advocate for inclusivity.
