Your cart is currently empty!
Nickelodeon’s Latest Princess: A Biracial, Dragon-Slaying Knight, and We’re Totally Here for It
Nickelodeon has officially introduced a breath of fresh air to the world of children’s television with its adventurous new character, Nella the Princess Knight. This show shatters the conventional princess mold and embraces the message that kids can truly be anything they aspire to be. Nella stands out not just because she dons a sparkling gown, but because she also wears armor and wields a sword. Nina Greene, Nickelodeon’s VP of International Production, highlighted this unique approach, stating, “We realized that Nella could embody both a princess and a knight, making her incredibly special.”
As a former Disney enthusiast, I grew up surrounded by princesses, but I also had my fair share of cap guns and dinosaur action figures. We often tell our kids not to limit themselves, yet we tend to box them in by steering them away from the princess archetype. Nella is a character who can appeal to both parents and children alike. Sure, she might ride a horse with a pastel-colored mane, but she does so equipped with a sword and shield, fearlessly battling dragons. In the show’s trailer, she even performs a Wonder Woman-style spin, transitioning from a princess to a knight in a heartbeat, ready to confront injustice.
What really sets Nella apart is that she’s biracial. Her father is Black, and her mother is White, a refreshing representation that is still relatively rare in children’s media. Despite the growing diversity in TV shows, biracial children often remain underrepresented. Research cited by the New York Times reveals that a significant 17% of kids under 12 identify as biracial, and this number is only expected to grow. As the parent of a biracial child myself, finding relatable characters on TV can be a challenge. My son enjoys “Sid the Science Kid,” which features a biracial lead, but options are still limited.
In a time when diversity is a hot topic in Hollywood, it’s easy to overlook the unique experiences of biracial kids. The timing of Nella’s introduction feels particularly poignant, especially following the release of the film “Loving,” which tells the true story behind the Supreme Court case that legalized interracial marriage. Now, kids like my son can see Nella and think, “She looks like me!” Representation is undeniably crucial.
In 2021, it’s vital for us to show our children that people are multi-dimensional. Nella isn’t just designed for girls; she’s made for boys too. As we work to teach our sons about breaking gender norms, children’s media has been a bit slow to catch up. With Nella’s ability to swap from a dress to knightly armor while taking on dragons, we’re making strides. Imagine if she could battle a dragon in her gown—now that would be something to see!
Especially in today’s climate, children need role models who display resilience and empathy. In one clip, Nella even covers Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song,” a tune that resonated with many during the recent political campaigns. She’s shown leading her peers, embodying a modern-day hero who can shatter glass ceilings while wearing glass slippers.
As Nella captures the imagination of young audiences, it’s a step forward in acknowledging the diverse world we live in. She serves as a beacon of strength, ready to teach kids the importance of courage and kindness—one dragon at a time. If you’re interested in more topics surrounding home insemination and parenting, check out our other blog post here.
In summary, Nickelodeon has gifted us a character who embodies the complexities and joys of being a biracial, multifaceted individual. Nella the Princess Knight is not just a princess; she’s a warrior, a leader, and a role model for kids everywhere, proving that you can wear a tiara and kick dragon butt too.