How precious is this?!
Since the release of the trailer for Disney's The Little Mermaid, we've been brought to tears by countless videos of young Black girls reacting to seeing Halle Bailey as the film's star Ariel, emotional and excited to learn the Disney Princess looks like them.
@workingmama My daughter’s reaction 😭 to the little mermaid trailer. #littlemermaidtrailer #representationmatters
But imagine seeing your hero in real life instead of on the big screen.
An emotional interaction between Bailey and a fan, sweet little Mila Rose, was caught on camera at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The video shows the young girl clinging to her favorite princess, with her arms and legs wrapped around the star.
The Grammy-nominated singer and actor rubbed Mila's back and said:
"You're so pretty."
"You're so beautiful and sweet."
As Mila continued to hug Bailey, a person in the background mentioned:
"Ariel is her favorite."
The person continued:
"She won't let go."
Finally, Mila agreed to lift her head from Bailey's shoulder to take a picture.
Bailey posted the moment to her Instagram story. You can watch it below.
Many viewers of the viral video were brought to tears by the beautiful moment.
Several also commented on the impact the casting has on this generation.
Representation.
Matters.
While many are greatly anticipating the May release of the film, it hasn't come without criticism from others—i.e. racists.
Yes, there are some who are appalled Bailey doesn't look like the animated make-believe mythical fantasy nonexistent fictional imaginary Ariel that meets their criteria of a mermaid princess.
Excuse me, your racism is showing. Embarrassing.
But Bailey is unphased and knows the power of her portrayal.
Last fall, she stated during a Q&A posted to her YouTube channel:
"Today, with all of the kind of commentary and people's opinions goin on, it just reminds me to be number one grounded and grateful that I have this opportunity and the fact that it's sparking such a discussion like this for all of us."
"I know what it would have meant to me as a little girl to have been able to see a black Ariel when I was younger."
"If I would have seen that, it would have changed my whole outlook on life."
The Little Mermaid is set to be released May 26. We cannot wait.
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