Too many modern fairytales have set up children of all ages to fail. Little girls (and boys) have been told over and over by Disney for nearly 100 years that if they are good and wish on a star all of their dreams will come true and the handsome prince will magically appear to save them.

I myself have a 50-year love/hate relationship with the man Walt Disney, the movies, and the Disney princesses. As a creative, I adore and look up to Walt. Disneyland and Disneyworld are truly the happiest places on Earth. And I've always wanted to believe in the happy endings...but I hate the unrealistic expectations I've been fed since childhood. And while Disney's more recent steps to diversify stories and actors are certainly appreciated, there is still so much more that can be done. 

Enter Malcolm Gladwell's Revisionist History. In a recent three-part episode, this amazing podcast discusses the history of fairytales and, with Brit Marling, has rewritten the ending of The Little Mermaid. During his show, Gladwell challenges Disney to send in their lawyers and practically dares Disney to use his ending. I want to see this new, smarter and more diverse ending happen and, I bet, if you listen to the podcast you will, too.

Disney, we implore you, be courageous, re-imagine your messages and re-make The Little Mermaid with the Revisionist History Ending! And while you're at it, please use more people of color. As a mega entertainment company, you all can make real and necessary change happen.

Revisionist History takes on The Little Mermaid: https://www.pushkin.fm/episode/little-mermaid-part-1-the-golden-contract/