The Little Mermaid’ remake updates original lyrics to include consent, songwriter says

Disney’s classic film ‘The Little Mermaid’ has been a beloved story for generations. However, as society continues to evolve, it’s essential to update and adapt classic stories to align with current values and beliefs. The latest adaptation of ‘The Little Mermaid’ is no exception.

The new adaptation of ‘The Little Mermaid’ updates the original lyrics to include consent, according to the songwriter. The updated lyrics aim to educate children about the importance of consent, which is crucial in today’s world.

Alan Menken, the composer of the original film, shared in an interview with BBC News that the new version of the film would include updated lyrics to the classic song ‘Kiss the Girl.’ Menken revealed that he collaborated with Lin-Manuel Miranda, the songwriter of the new film, to revise the lyrics of the iconic song.

The updated lyrics will reportedly remove any problematic references and instead focus on asking for explicit consent. The original lyrics featured a scene where Prince Eric tried to kiss Ariel without her consent, which has been criticized as inappropriate and perpetuating toxic behavior.

The updated version of the song will now include lyrics like “Is it okay if I kiss you?” and “Ask the girl, don’t just take her silence as a yes.” These new lyrics will encourage children to ask for consent and help educate them about the importance of respecting boundaries.

Updating classic stories to align with current values and beliefs is not a new concept. In recent years, many classic films and stories have been reimagined to reflect modern values, including ‘Cinderella,’ ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ and ‘Aladdin.’ These adaptations aim to provide a more inclusive and diverse representation of society, including updated messages about consent and respect.

The updated lyrics of ‘The Little Mermaid’ have received positive feedback from many people, who praise the inclusion of a consent message in a children’s movie. The new lyrics will help children learn about consent in a fun and engaging way and encourage them to communicate clearly and respectfully with others.

Consent education is crucial in today’s world, where sexual assault and harassment continue to be significant issues. Children need to learn about the importance of respecting boundaries and seeking explicit consent from a young age. Including these messages in popular children’s media like ‘The Little Mermaid’ can help normalize consent and make it an integral part of everyday life.

While some critics argue that updating classic stories takes away from their original charm and nostalgia, others argue that these adaptations are necessary to reflect society’s values and beliefs. It’s essential to strike a balance between honoring the original material and updating it to reflect contemporary values.

In conclusion, the updated lyrics of ‘The Little Mermaid’ are a step forward in promoting consent education and respect for boundaries. As society continues to evolve, it’s essential to adapt classic stories to reflect modern values, including consent and inclusivity. Children need to learn about consent from a young age, and popular children’s media like ‘The Little Mermaid’ can help to make that a reality. The new lyrics are a reminder that classic stories can still be relevant and valuable in today’s world, as long as they’re adapted with care and respect.