Anna Good
There is something so pure about children seeing themselves represented in movies and shows. This two-year-old girl’s reaction to her uncanny resemblance to Mirabel from Encanto is no exception.
In the viral video originally posted to Instagram, Manu Araújo Marques can be seen pointing at the TV. She is excitedly telling her mother, Hannary Araújo, “It’s me, mommy!” And with her big curls and round glasses, she certainly does!
Mirabel is the first Disney princess to wear glasses, something that many fans of the movie are thrilled to see as a shift in the right direction.
Twitter user @imaginago reposted the video to Twitter, where it has since gotten over 19k likes and nearly 3k retweets. Representation matters so much, especially for young children like Manu.
They’re able to see people who look like them being creative, strong, and solving problems. In an interview with BuzzFeed, Manu’s mom said, “There’s nothing better than seeing your child’s joy — especially being represented in a Disney movie!”
Her joy has sparked an outpouring of love. Responses on social media have come from all over the world, including from Stephanie Beatriz, who voices Mirabel in Encanto.
The biggest response from fans is loud and clear: “Representation matters!”
Many are emotional, and understandably so, after watching this sweet little girl’s reaction to seeing someone who looks like her in a Disney movie.
It’s clear to all that there is no translation needed here. Manu’s response to Mirabel goes beyond language.
We couldn’t agree more with this user, who says, “Yes to diversify, Yes to representation, YES TO ALL THIS!!!” It’s definitely time to diversify and represent. Encanto is a firm step in the right direction.