Reflections on Snow White and the Color of Fairest

Is it bothered by a black girl playing Snow White in a live action version? Would it disturb me if a white girl were to play Pitch Black? The answer, in truth, is a resounding no. Frankly, those who get upset about such matters seem to have fabricated their emotional upheaval. In a world of make-believe designed to captivate the young, it's overwhelming to hear the complaint that brings black characters into the fold. It's as if their magical realms must remain untouched by diversity, let alone black faces.

The Argument against Diversity in Fantasy

Often, the argument against a black Snow White or any non-white character hinges on a phrase from Mirror Mirror: “Who is the fairest of them all?” As we dive into this discussion, it’s essential to recognize that the word 'fairest' traditionally implies the character's skin color rather than her beauty. It's rare to see anyone describe a person with dark skin as 'fair-skinned,' yet the term has been fluid over time. Personally, I always associated 'fair' with beauty in the traditional Nursery Rhyme Mondays Child.

The Meaning of Fair and its Application

'Fairest' as a term could suggest that a character's beauty should transcend physical attributes. If a child born on Monday can be 'fair of face' regardless of race, one could argue that being considered the fairest of them all isn't confined to skin tone. This perspective would extend to suggest that regardless of how dark or light her skin might be, Snow White could still be the fairest of them all.

The entire debate on race and skin color is, in my opinion, utterly ridiculous. There's a clear distinction to be made when a character's race is crucial to the plot. In tragedies like Othello, the race of the main character is fundamentally important. Similarly, in the story of Shylock, the religion and race of the character drive the narrative. The film Mississippi Burning, involving different characters from various races, underscores the significance of racial identity in the story.

In the story of Snow White, her color should not throw a spanner into the works of an otherwise entertaining and relatable character. Despite her race, the crux of the story should lie in the abuse she endures at the hands of her stepmother. A more pressing issue is the character's response to the abuse and her reliance on being saved by a prince. It's crucial to shift this narrative and make her the hero of her own story instead of a passive recipient waiting for a savior.

Concluding Thoughts

The discussion around racial representation in characters is about much more than skin color. It's about creating stories that reflect the true diversity of the world we live in. Characters should be defined by their actions, motivations, and the journey they undertake, rather than the color of their skin. Let's focus on the core issues and create narratives that inspire and empower everyone.