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Disney Sells ‘Princess and the Frog’ Watermelon Candy?



Princess and the Frog’s black princess Tiana is being used to sell candy. Seems harmless, right? But many are arguing Disney’s first black princess is being used to further promote stereotypes.

According to NewsOne, the Disney animated African-American beauty is being used to sell “DigN’Dips” Watermelon dipping candy, while Aurora from Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty” is being used to sell vanilla version of the candy.

Racial undertones or pure coincidence?

Watermelon is a stereotypes of African Americans further perpetuated in blackface minstrelsy. Minstrel shows were very popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

These shows commonly featured white actors dressed in blackface while eating watermelon and fried chicken, among other accepted comedy routines.

For a history on blackface minstrelsy, visit PBS here.

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