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Much of the controversy surrounding the movie revolves around the film's underlying focus on identity politics. Critics argue that the rewrite of characters, lyrics, and story changes—such as altering the ending so Ariel saves the day by killing Ursula instead of Prince Eric—served primarily as political statements rather than storytelling improvements. These shifts supposedly aimed to promote cultural inclusivity but have been criticized for sacrificing narrative cohesion and audience appeal.
The Broader Cultural Context
A Sign of Changing Disney Priorities: