Disney Plus A Side of Barely Acknowledged Racism

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The latest streaming service Disney Plus is an instant hit. In just one day it attracted 10 million subscribers. Some subscribers expressed joy in being able to relive their childhood, while others are eager to introduce their children to the shows they grew up on.  Before you do just that, here are some things to consider.

The Disclaimer

The new streaming service has added a disclaimer to some of its classics that reads, “This program is presented as originally created. It may contain outdated cultural depictions.”  The disclaimer has been added to Dumbo (1941), Lady and the Tramp (1955), The Jungle Book (1967), and The Aristocats (1970). While the acknowledgement comes as a far better approach than pretending the films do not exist, this disclaimer is also the bare minimum.

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Disney has long put out films that have been a reflection of society’s values and norms; and yes, over time, thoughts and opinions on certain topics change. However, when Disney used the phrase “may contain outdated cultural depictions” it suggests ‘possibility’ rather than owning up to the fact that their classics depict racist stereotypes and prejudices.

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For instance, in “Dumbo,” the crows that help Dumbo learn to fly are depicted with exaggerated black stereotypical voices. The lead crow’s name is “Jim Crow,” a term that describes a set of laws that legalized segregation. Instead of a vague inference of “outdated cultural depictions,” the disclaimer used by Warner Bros. calls its own cartoons out for “ethnic and racial prejudices.” Disney can take a page from their book.

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Some Disney films did not make the cut for the streaming service’s catalogue, probably for being “too culturally insensitive”. Song of the South is one of them. However, in another classic, some scenes have been removed. In Fantasia, the scene with the dark-skinned centaur by the name of Sunflower that taking care of the lighter-skinned centaurs has been edited out.

Song of the south - A film from 1946 depicting the lives of african-Americans plantation workers in the south after the civil war..

Song of the south - A film from 1946 depicting the lives of african-Americans plantation workers in the south after the civil war..

The Action Needed

Nonetheless, Disney’s disclaimer is a good way to begin the discussion about the larger issue of racism, stereotyping and prejudices that are embedded in America’s cultural history. For young audiences who absorb ideas from the media on how to act and what to become, these characterizations may lead to incorrect assumptions and harmful conclusions.  So, rather than just introducing your children to the videos you watched as a child, you should be encouraged to talk with your children and others about the videos and their part in our cultural history.

The Reality

Stereotypes and prejudices in movies and on TV shows are more than persistent; they carry the potential of teaching stereotypes and prejudices to children. What makes these lessons stick and harder to undo, is that they are delivered at a moment in development when children are most receptive to their influence. 

While there are movies and TV shows that challenge stereotypes and prejudices, we are not going to be able to prevent children from seeing the ones that sends the wrong message. Fortunately, the most powerful messages your children will absorb will come from you. It is important that;

  • You are mindful of the content your children are exposed to.

  • You actively role-model justice and equality,

  • You speak out against stereotypes and prejudices, and that

  • You challenge outdated ideas.

I think; therefore, I am … mindful.