The new live-action Little Mermaid has made some changes to the lyrics of the iconic song “Kiss the Girl.” In the original animated film, Sebastian sings the following lyrics:
Possible she want you too. There is one way to ask her. It don’t take a word, not a single word. Go on and kiss the girl.
These lyrics have been changed in the live-action film to the following:
Possible she want you too. Use your words, boy, and ask her. If the time is right and the time is tonight, Go on and kiss the girl.
This change in lyrics is significant because it sends a message about the importance of consent. In the original lyrics, it is implied that Prince Eric can simply kiss Ariel without her consent. The new lyrics, however, make it clear that Prince Eric should ask Ariel for her consent before kissing her. This is an important message to send, especially to young viewers.
Consent is important because it is a way of respecting someone’s bodily autonomy. When we ask for consent, we are acknowledging that the other person has the right to say no. We are also showing that we care about their feelings and that we want to make sure they are comfortable.
It is important to teach children about consent from a young age. We can do this by talking to them about their bodies and by teaching them that they have the right to say no to any physical contact that they do not want. We can also teach them about the importance of asking for consent before touching someone else.
The change to the lyrics to “Kiss the Girl” is a small step, but it is a step in the right direction. It is a reminder that consent matters and that we should all be respectful of other people’s bodily autonomy.
Why Consent Matters
Consent is important because it is a way of respecting someone’s bodily autonomy. When we ask for consent, we are acknowledging that the other person has the right to say no. We are also showing that we care about their feelings and that we want to make sure they are comfortable.
There are many reasons why someone might not want to give consent to physical contact. They might be feeling uncomfortable, they might not know the person well enough, or they might simply not be in the mood. It is important to respect someone’s decision, even if we don’t understand it.
There are many ways to ask for consent. We can simply say, “Can I kiss you?” We can also say something like, “I’d really like to kiss you. Is that okay?” It is important to be clear and direct when asking for consent.
If someone says no to our request for consent, we should respect their decision. We should not try to pressure them or make them feel guilty. We should simply say, “Okay,” and move on.
It is important to remember that consent is not just about sex. It is about any kind of physical contact, including hugging, kissing, and touching. We should always ask for consent before touching someone else, even if we think they might say yes.
By asking for consent, we are showing that we respect the other person and that we care about their feelings. We are also setting a good example for others. When we teach children about consent, we are helping to create a culture of respect and understanding.
