The Black Cinderella Was the Only Cinderella I Acknowledged
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Black Cinderella Was the Only Cinderella I Acknowledged Because I Saw ME

It's never "impossible" for a black girl to become a princess.

175
The Black Cinderella Was the Only Cinderella I Acknowledged Because I Saw ME

When you are young, you are impressionable. Every little thing you encountered could potentially have an impact on the way your childhood is shaped.

Society, especially for young black girls, does not do a good job of creating positive impressions for us.

That's why when I first watched Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1997 version of "Cinderella," I instantly became as excited as a 6-year-old could be.

We had "Cinderella" on a cassette tape. If you're not sure what that is, it's basically a brick. This version of the movie, starring Brandy and Whitney Houston, made me set a standard for all entertainment that I watched, which at the time was mostly cartoons and Disney movies.

I saw Cinderella as a beautiful black girl who could rise from the ashes of her stepmother's tyranny and blossom into one very lucky princess.

I thought that in everything I watched, black people would be revered as something magical and beautiful. They would be normalized in society as we see it, not portrayed as savage monsters or people who die at the end of a story.

I saw a very happy ending for myself when I watched Brandy's "Cinderella."

When I later watched Disney's animated version of "Cinderella," I was confused, to say the least. Her skin color wasn't as dark as mine and Brandy's, her voice wasn't as melodic. I really believed that Cinderella, in every representation of the fictional character, was a black girl. I looked at my television screen a bit sideways because I wasn't really sure how to process what I was seeing.

The importance of representation in our society is pertinent for little girls like me, to see that we are valued and special.

When all you see are bouncing bubbling white women, you develop a sense of inferiority. As a result, black girls lose self-confidence and start to hate their beautiful skin and coiled hair. You feel like if you're not a particular shade of eggshell, you won't be able to sit at the "cool table." This kind of behavior leads to a string of issues into young womanhood that we won't delve into right now.

Although I wasn't seen as the standard of beauty in society's eye, watching Brandy effortlessly play Cinderella taught me that I, too, can be a magical black girl. I can do whatever I set my mind to and break free from under the constant thumb of an "evil stepmother," which in this case is society.

I am grateful for the Black Cinderella, and I'm happy to call her MY Cinderella.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

90889
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

63344
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments