The Little Mermaid: Comparing Halle Bailey’s Ariel to ‘What if Mulan Was White’ is the Worst Possible Example of Whataboutery

Disney's The Little Mermaid: Halle Bailey
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Disney found an amazing young talent to play the role of Ariel in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. It was none other than Halle Bailey, a phenomenal singer, and actor who blew up recently and was promptly signed to Beyoncé’s label. However, this move was met with a mixed response. While many are enthusiastic about the starlet’s inclusion in the movie as the character Ariel, others raised objections.

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The detractors opined that the character of Ariel was depicted as a white princess with red hair in the animated film and thus the actress in the live-action remake of the same should be of similar physical characteristics. However, this is wrong and we explain why.

Halle Bailey as The Little Mermaid
Halle Bailey

Related: ‘I love Storm….That would just be cool’: Little Mermaid Star Halle Bailey Wants To Show Racists the Bird, Expresses Interest in Playing Storm of the X-Men in Future MCU Films

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Demolishing Racist Objections to Halle Bailey’s Casting

Halle Bailey
Halle Bailey would play Ariel in The Little Mermaid

Fans that are raising objections to Halle Bailey’s casting need to understand that the original story itself does not mention the race of the princess Ariel. In fact, Ariel is a mermaid – half fish and half human and thus cannot be compared to characters like Mulan who have a definite ethnicity and heritage attached to their character. Fictional characters that don’t have an ethnicity intrinsically attached to their character can be played by an actor of any background.

What matters is the competence and talent of the actress and in Halle Bailey, Disney has found a fascinating choice.

Related: ‘Cried The Other Day’: Halle Bailey Says Playing Ariel in Little Mermaid Was ‘Overwhelming’, Praises Fans Supporting Her Amidst Racist Backlash

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Why Halle Bailey is a Fantastic Choice for Ariel in The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid Star Halle Bailey, Target of Relentless Racist Attacks, Says Playing Ariel Changed Her Life

Halle Bailey is perfect for the role of Ariel. She has a beautiful and soulful voice befitting that of a princess. Furthermore, Disney executives have come out and testified about the talent and charm of the young starlet. The grace and dignity with which the young star responded to the hate and racism she faced online reflects her admirable character. Her artistic and musical talents combined with her charming character are reason enough to make her the right choice to play the princess, Ariel.

Related: ‘The Black community needs to show up for this movie: Fans Defend Halle Bailey’s The Little Mermaid as Racist Trolls Call Her Offensive Slurs After Movie’s Official Sneak Peek

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Angad Singh

Written by Angad Singh

Articles Published: 283

Angad is an editor at FandomWire. Besides editing and writing duties, he procures material and manages the direction of our site's exclusive editorials. A lawyer by degree and a writer at heart, he prefers sleep over everything.