Part 7/10:
The Contradictions in Disney’s Messaging
Shahidi has also discussed how the negative reactions to previous diversity efforts, such as The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey, are part of a larger narrative. She claims that the inclusion of diverse characters is a way for audiences to “feel included,” although critics dismiss this as disingenuous. They argue that the real motivation behind the changes is to capitalize on cultural trends and boost diversity credentials—lazy efforts that ultimately detract from storytelling quality.