Answer:
Neal Lester's "The Princess and The Frog: The Pride, the Pressure, and the Politics of Being a First" explores the significance of the first black Disney princess in "The Princess and the Frog". In his essay, Lester makes several claims, including:
"The Princess and the Frog" is a groundbreaking film because it features the first black Disney princess, Tiana, and marks a significant shift in representation in mainstream media.
The film, however, also comes with a great deal of pressure and expectation. Lester argues that Tiana is expected to represent the entire black community and to break stereotypes, which is a heavy burden to bear.
Lester also claims that the film reinforces traditional gender roles, with Tiana being portrayed as a hard-working, independent woman who ultimately needs a man to complete her journey.
Furthermore, Lester argues that the film's emphasis on Tiana's "blackness" can be limiting and may ultimately reinforce stereotypes, despite the film's positive message of hard work and perseverance.
Overall, Lester's essay explores the complexity of representation in media and the challenges faced by those who are the "first" in their respective fields.
Step-by-step explanation: