Children's YouTube channel accused of racism after cartoon turns black when she 'loses her beauty'

Video viewed more than 390,000 times 

 

Chelsea Ritschel
New York
Tuesday 23 July 2019 22:14 BST
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Episode of YouTube children's cartoon Dina and the Prince shows character 'lose her beauty' and turn black

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A children’s YouTube channel has sparked accusations of racism over a video showing a cartoon angel turning black when she “loses her beauty”.

Since uploading the children’s video “Dina And The Prince Story” on 17 July, which has been viewed almost 400,000 times, My Pingu TV has been inundated with concerned comments from viewers.

The 13-minute video, which is described as a fairytale for children, shows an angel named Dina who falls in love with a prince.

However, as an angel, Dina is unable to speak to the prince, or she will lose her beauty. But, upon realising that the prince is sad, Dina decides to give up her beauty in return for the ability to converse with her husband.

In the video, once Dina has chosen her husband, she transforms from a white, brown-haired cartoon into a black cartoon with curly hair.

YouTube video accused of racism (My Pingu TV)
YouTube video accused of racism (My Pingu TV)

“I could not bear your pain any longer…” she tells the prince. “And now I am ugly…”

Video shows angel turn black after she 'loses her beauty' (My Pingu TV)
Video shows angel turn black after she 'loses her beauty' (My Pingu TV)

Although the video ends with the prince expressing his love for his wife regardless of her appearance, Dina’s “transformation” has been met with backlash.

“This video is extremely racist and the fact that a lot of children are watching this makes my blood boil,” one person wrote.

Another said: “This is actually so disturbing. Imagine being in 2019 and still trying to perpetuate the stereotype that black women/darker skin tones are ugly and undesirable.”

“Why is this racist video not taken down as yet? Absolutely ridiculous,” someone else commented.

My Pingu TV has more than 719,000 YouTube subscribers, with many of the channel’s videos viewed more than 1m times.

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The Independent has contacted My Pingu TV for comment.

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