The Racialicious blog has excellent commentary on a series of beefcake, racialized images of Disney princes. Some are kinda NSFW.
Having read and pondered the commentary, I feel a little disquieted linking to them, not entirely comfortable with spreading the meme. And at the same time, if we don’t look at it, we can’t talk about it. I’ve got a copy of Song of the South in my DVD library for just that reason, despite my queasiness about the possibility of Disney ever releasing it commercially again.
I love the artwork, and have the one of Prince Phillip as my desktop wall paper. I personally think the article is just looking for something to complain about, and found them. I am sure the artist wasn’t looking to be racialized, but to give the “Princes” personality and a sensual nature.
In a static 2D medium you have to rely on symbolism to portray and send a sense of charater quickly to the viewer. For example, John Smith… the compass is a part of the story and the “markings” show a sense of sexuality as well as symbolicly showing his affection for Pocahontas and her culture.