Disney's First Black Princess

Ever since Disney announced they were producing a film starring a black princess, the film has been plagued with racial controversy. The question is whether or not the movie Princess and the Frog overcomes racial stereotypes, or does it further perpetuate them? First of all, the fact that the movie is set in New Orleans where hurricane Katrina resulted in the massive destruction of a black community is probably no coincidence. The decision to include the concept of voodoo and the stereotypical skinny, sleazy black guy who tries to sell you magic potions is most certainly perpetuating the common black stereotype that blacks are superstitious. In addition, the "princess" is originally a poor, black waitress who was born into poverty and who only attains "princess" status by marrying into it. Probably the biggest controversy in this film is the fact that the prince appears white, or at least certainly not black. Why did Disney decide not to pair the black princess with a black prince? Were they trying to show that interracial marriage was acceptable? Or was Disney avoiding portraying a black male because only white princes can save a poor black woman from poverty? It seems to be that Disney made an attempt to please the African American community, but still failed in avoiding any stereotypes.