Part 5/9:
Why Is Disney Attempting to Hide Ariel's Race?
The theory gaining traction is that Disney is intentionally "whitewashing" the character for the Chinese poster, perhaps to avoid political backlash or perceived cultural discomfort. Critics argue that this tactic is hypocritical, especially given Disney's aggressive promotion of diversity and inclusion elsewhere. The choice to obscure Ariel's racial identity seems directly at odds with the studio's messaging and raises questions about their willingness to compromise for market access.