By now, everyone is aware of the controversy surrounding the new "Little Mermaid" live action movie. Halle Bailey, of "Grown-ish", has been casted to play the live action version of the well-known Disney princess and some people are not happy. Many have gone to the internet to exclaim their disagreement with the casting decision. According to some, Ariel cannot be black. Some have even gone as far to support their claims with "scientific" proof that mermaids couldn't possibly be black. Others have taken the position that black people could never have red hair. Neither of these claims take into consideration that this is an adaption of a fictional film. Meaning, the directors can take any direction they please for this film. As well, it is completely ignorant to believe that red hair is a trait solely present in white people, when black people's skin and hair comes in many different colors and textures.

In the end, I am happy that Disney has decided to add more diversity into their Disney princesses. It wasn't until recently that we got Tiana, and now we will have another princess to show black little girls that we can be princesses too. This isn't about taking something away from the "Little Mermaid" experience. If anything, Disney is adding to the love and joy we feel when we watch this movie, because now a whole new generation of children can look and identify with a Disney princess.