Starting Your Dreams Later In Life and Embracing the Detour

Jenee Darden speaking at Creative Mornings I know it's been a while since I've posted anything but that's because of my job. I'm working as a reporter covering Oakland and I host an arts segment on the radio where I get to interview amazing artists from around the Bay Area. Plus I'm publicizing my book  and building my speaking career!  You know what's funny? I thought this would all happen by the time I was 27-30.  Nope. That wasn't God's plan for me. I'm finally beginning to do the things I've wanted to do and I'm almost 40 years old. Some people reading this who are 40 will say 40 is still young. But some younger people reading may think 40 is nearly ancient. But I'm writing this post for those who like me, thought their career and personal dreams would come true much early in life. I'm here to tell you not to give up.  You know, death inspires life. A number of my relatives and friends have passed away, ranging in
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Latest 'Princess and the Frog' Trailer & Latino Representation in the Film


Disney released another snippet of the upcoming The Princess and the Frog. If you follow my blog, you know I am extra hyped about this movie. The new movie poster is vibrant and reveals the new characters. And it looks like Princess Tiana is starting to hit the toy shelves. I finally saw a doll of the New Orleans princess at Target this past weekend. And even better news, I read over at one of my favorite beauty blogs Afrobella that Carol's Daughter is selling a line of Princess and the Frog hair products and bubble bath for kids. FYI Carol's Daughter is a natural skin and haircare store that first opened in a cozy boutique in Brooklyn and has expanded. Congrats to Carol's Daughter.

I hope Disney animators did the first-black animated princess justice. I read somewhere that Anika Noni Rose felt comfortable with the script and didn't find it demeaning. So far I like Princess Tiana. She's very cute and I adore her Southern accent. She's not the typical princess sitting around waiting for a man to rescue her. And she doesn't have hair weaved all down her back. Not that I haven't been unbeweavable before, but it's nice to show little girls you don't need long hair to be beautiful. Other stars voicing characters include John Goodman, Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lewis and Terrence Howard. I love John Goodman. He's from New Orleans which is where the story takes place. I'm sure he's going to bring some Southern flavor to the story.

There is concern that my girl Princess Tiana may spend most of the movie as a frog. While some black folks are skeptical of Tiana's image in the movie, take a look at her Latino Prince Naveen. He's Disney's first animated Latino prince. Do you find it problematic that he's a frog throughout most of the film? I noticed from the clip below and others, his character seems to fit the Rico Suave/Latin Lover stereotype of Latino men. I would love for my Latino readers to speak their minds on this one. Check out the trailer below and let me know what you think.

The Princess and the Frog opens in NYC and LA November 25th and nationwide Dec. 11.




Comments

  1. AnonymousSeptember 30, 2009 at 10:44 PM

    Cocoa Fly that was a great trailer. The movie may not be to everyones liking, but I'm glad that Disney finally did a movie that a black girl can identify with. My daugher is an adult, but if she were still a little girl I would take her to see this movie. Will you do a critique of the movie?

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  2. Jenee DardenOctober 4, 2009 at 10:24 PM

    Girl, you know I'm going to do critique of the film. You should still take your daughter to the movie even if she's an adult. That would make for good mother and daughter bonding time.

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