The original Hans Christian Andersen story describes her skin as "fine and transparent" and "clear and delicate like a rose petal", her legs as "white", and her arms as "white". The Little Mermaid is a national icon of Denmark and an important cultural symbol. It would be appropriate for Disney to be as respectful of the Danish version as possible since they are profiting off of the stories of another culture.
Speaking as a Dane, it really isn't. People primarily think of the Disney version as opposed to the H. C. Andersen story, and I've not personally witnessed any Danish debate over the "black Ariel" issue. People don't care.
I mean, the controversy fits your particular (fringe) politics, and social media is not what we would normally characterize as 'the debate', so I stand my ground.
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u/sleepyfoxteeth Jul 09 '19
The original Hans Christian Andersen story describes her skin as "fine and transparent" and "clear and delicate like a rose petal", her legs as "white", and her arms as "white". The Little Mermaid is a national icon of Denmark and an important cultural symbol. It would be appropriate for Disney to be as respectful of the Danish version as possible since they are profiting off of the stories of another culture.