The Eid episode of Disney’s “Mira”
By Fareeha Molvi
(This post was originally published on Instagram on May 3, 2021)
Whenever I watch something meant to represent Muslims and/or brown people, I’m always holding my breath just bracing for something weird, awkward or inauthentic to come up. No such thing happened when I watched the much-anticipated Eid episode of “Mira Royal Detective.” In fact, it was one of the more authentic portrayals I’ve seen of Muslims on TV, and from an animated show, at that!
The episode follows Mira as she tries to solve an Eid mystery with the help of her friend and resident “Eid expert,” Sadia. I’ve discussed here before how Islam is not often represented in media about South Asia. But in Mira, which takes place in pre-colonial India, while religion is not explicitly discussed, the diversity of faiths in South Asia is definitely represented in a seamless and age-appropriate way. It is clear the Mira team went to great lengths to make sure everything about this episode felt authentic.
Another thing that happens often with diverse media – where it might succeed in authenticity, it lacks in entertainment value. Again, NOT the case with this episode of Mira. In true Disney fashion, there are lovable animal sidekicks doing the special “Eid hug,” a catchy “Eid Mubarak” song and an overall joyous atmosphere (which we don’t often get to see Muslim characters in).
“The Eid Mystery” episode of Mira the royal detective premieres today at 5 pm EST on Disney Junior and on streaming in the DisneyNOW app. Watch it with the littles in your life (or on your own – it’s that good).
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