Consumer: March 2009 Archives

Disney is finally getting an African-American princess. In a movie slated for release Christmas Day in 2009, the princess Tianna will be introduced.

"The Princess and the Frog" is set in New Orleans and returns to the hand-drawn styles of the classic Walt Disney tales. It is, of course, a story of love and enchantment. It will include a "trumpet playing alligator" and a "love sick firefly" among other characters.

Here's the link to the official teaser: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0j7EactM9s

According to headlines splashed across the Web, Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer is creating quite a furor. Apparently when toy maker Mattel and the Nickelodeon network announced a new "tween" version of the cartoon character coming soon, there were quite a few comments that the new Dora appeared "sexed up."

I honestly don't see it. But, some parents are in an uproar that little tomboy Dora will have a new, more girlish look with long hair, a tunic shirt and what I consider the standard Hannah Montana leggings.

One headline from The Huffington Post actually read, "Did Mattel turn Dora the Explorer into a Tramp?"

Mattel and Nickelodeon have said the new Dora is in no way replacing Dora the Explorer. Instead they are hoping that an older Dora will extend her shelf life, giving parents the ability to keep Dora in their children's lives for longer.

What do you think? Share your thoughts.