HONOR ROLL
“
It is
fitting that finally, in the 21st
century, young Hispanics will have their
own princess join the ranks of Disney's royalty.” Dr. Yolanda Romero, professor of history at North Lake College in Irving, Texas.
6 · May 04, 2015
young children about leadership, resilience, diversity, compassion and the importance of family and family traditions. The series will be presented in 25 languages on Disney Junior channels and daily programming blocks for kids age 2-7 on Disney Channels, among other platforms, in 154 countries around the world. On television alone, its estimated daily reach will be over 207-million households. “It is fitting that finally, in the 21st century, young Hispanics will have their own princess join the ranks of Disney’s royalty,” Dr. Yolanda Romero, professor of history at North Lake College in Irving, Texas said on Profnet, regarding Elena. “I think the challenge for Disney will be which characteristics they choose to reflect the diverse Hispanic culture. Will the princess call herself a Latina or Hispanic; will she speak Spanish? Will the Princess have an accent when speaking English? Was she brought to the U.S. illegally when she was young and may be in danger of being sent back to her parents’ homeland? All girls are princesses, no matter what ethnic or racial group. It is time that Disney provides the model
for young Hispanic girls to dream and see themselves as royalty.” Despite being a princess, 16-year-old Elena’s fairy tale is more of a hero’s journey that began long ago when the evil sorceress, Shuriki, took her parents and kingdom from her. Elena bravely faced the sorceress to protect her little sister, Princess Isabel, and her grandparents, but in the process, her magical amulet pulled her inside its enchanted jewel, saving her life but imprisoning her at the same time. Decades later, Princess Sofia of Enchancia discovers the truth about the amulet that she has worn since joining her royal family and sets out to restore Elena to her human form and help her return to the kingdom of Avalor. While the bold, caring, funny and clever Elena is the rightful heir to the throne, she is only age 16, so she will rule Avalor with the help of a Grand Council comprised of her Grandfather Tito, Grandmother Cici and Royal Advisor, Duke Esteban. With some magical friends by her side – Mateo, a wizard-in-training, and Skylar, a magical flying creature – Princess Elena’s further adventures will lead her to understand that her new role requires