Introduction
Since its establishment, Disney was known to promote racism through racial messages embedded within their films for several years. Though many people assert that Disney followed the signs of the time, it was against the moral law to be insensitive to other cultures while promoting the interest of another race which was perceived as superior. Dumbo, for example, was a film laced with racists messages. Disney has embraced the word, Crow, to stereotype African Americans as cigar smokers, lazy as well as associated with criminal activities.
Peter Pan film also emphasized the notion of racial discrimination against other cultures. In the movie, Disney stereotypes the Native Americans as uneducated and oppressive. This form of portrayal by Disney demonstrated that the corporation was insensitive to other cultures as human beings. However, as time changed, Disney has changed too with times, the firm has steered off racists and stereotyping that characterized their films in the 1940s (Andrae 72). The latest productions such as the Frog, the Princes reflect tolerantly and respect other cultures. Presently, Disney’s movies, Television channels, Amusement parks music and merchandise among others are sensitive to other cultures around the world.
In this paper, the writer discusses racism in Disney films. The author demonstrates that Disney’s films were racial in nature. They were insensitive to other races, thus portraying them negatively. Ethnicities such as the African America, Native Americans as well as Arabs were portrayed negatively while the whites were revered and held in high esteem.
Founded by Walt Disney, Disney is a household name when it comes to the world of entertainment. Disney has redefined the fantasy entertainment through television shows, movies and amusement parks. Its films have enthralled the societal culture for several years making the company enjoy massive customer base. The Disney film has perpetuated negativity among the youth in the society (Mia et al., 34). The Disney films have swayed the youth’s mind, entrenching the notion of race and hate among ethnicities. It has achieved this goal through stereotyping certain races. Moreover, the corporation is synonymous in segregation when it comes to film production. Films such as Aladdin (1992), Dumbo (1941) and the Lion King (1941) are a perfect example where minority races are not represented (Giroux 79).
In the United States, racism is an emotive issue. According to Mia et al. (41), the main idea about race is that of discrimination. In most cases, the term race is usually followed closely by discrimination, and this is an indication that different races in the United States have never been able to coexist without there being some discrimination, whether direct or indirect. In the study of racial discrimination, the relationship between the whites and blacks features most of the discussions because these people have been in a constant conflict since the days of the slave trade to date. In most of Disney films, whites dominate most of the roles. This feature has had implications with the American youths. It has created a character in the youth that white people are superior compared to blacks or other ethnic minorities.
Stereotyping has been a hallmark of most Disney films. For example, the films have promoted the ideology that African American are gangs or criminals. Their main agenda has been to eliminate the whites in their neighborhoods. This is in contrast how the white are portrayed in the films. The white characters are treated differently; they are given prominent roles and privileges. Furthermore, the films have an entrenched bias against the African-American. A classic example is the Dumbo. In the movie, African Americans are depicted as blackbirds. Besides, they are shown as uneducated, poor and consistent smokers. In the film, crows have been widely used with hidden racism messages directed against African Americans. For example, Cappiccie et al. (42) point out that the message “they smoke cigars, spend their valuable time doing absolutely nothing and speak in jive” refers to African American population. This statement shows racists remarks directed against African-American population.
Moreover, to make it more perceptible, the Disney opted to name one of the crows Jim Crow, to stress the point that they typically characterize the African-American culture and race (Brode 51). Consequently, in the same film, another national scene is evident when the workers are putting up a tent. Since they appear to have a darker skin color and sing the song “We slave.pull that rope you hairy ape” (Andrae 158). These slurs portray Disney’s thoughtlessness to African Americans. By using this song in their film, Disney demonstrates that African Americans are worse than unskilled slaves. It is viciously apparent that the film incorporated these messages to attune with the period it was cast. During 1940’s when the film was cast, racism was rife in the society. The Caucasians were the majority race, and many people did not question. At this period in history, many discussions on racism were centered on whites and the blacks.
The main difference between these two races was their skin color though their cultures also differed a great deal. Racial discrimination was widespread in the local government, the service groups, and clubs as well as in schools. Further, according to Brode (71), this problem has persisted for a long time resulting in an almost permanent hatred between the whites and the blacks communities. Further, the leadership positions were dominated by the whites and so racial discrimination against the blacks seemed inevitable. These people curtailed other races from developing and obtaining opportunities (Giroux 94).
Disney viewed that racism was an acceptable norm in the society. In this film, African Americans are portrayed as black cows. According to Van Meter (70), the Disney decided to depict African American as monkeys instead in 1967. In this film, the black community is connected to crimes and other bad things such as drug trafficking and other forms of hooliganism. The whites, on the other hand, are mostly displayed as being the victims of crimes committed by the blacks. Jungle Book presents racism is less profound compared to other Disney films. A clear demonstration is when Mowgli walks in the woods and stumbles upon monkeys. These animals are distinct compared to other characters found in the movie. The ape characters in the film depict African American because other characters speak in refined American or British accents; monkeys only swing on trees and talk with gibberish (Brode 160). As Brode (93) alludes, monkeys are spoken by African Americans and are portrayed as laid-back wild animals and smooth talking that strategizes to be like a white man.
The Jungle Book brings about the idea that blacks are the wrong people in the society, and they fall victims to police harassment. Young people walking on the streets in the evening are most likely to be arrested if they are blacks with the assumption that they are about to commit some crimes. This is owing to the picture that has been painted by Disney films concerning the black youths. Because of harassment, these people automatically turn into criminals alleging that they had better be harassed for what they have done rather than suffer innocently. At the end of the day, they believe they have nothing much to lose compared to what they have already been stripped off, that is their dignity. In 1967 when the film was cast, racism was reducing in the United States. African Americans began to experience a turning point in their lives. They began to arise, and being sensitive towards other races and cultures. Similarly, many equality protests were fashioned together. Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent African American civil activist, led commanding marches as well as giving lengthy speeches on equal opportunities for all races (Hill 84). This is the period when the change began to happen with leading African American setting the pace. In this film, Disney had but some racist remarks against the black, however, they were more sensitive than in the previous films basing on the context of time and associated implications.
Equality was dislodged for worse in 1992 when Aladdin was first released. It was offensive with the Arabs being portrayed as too weak and grotesque (Andrae 139). Arabs became the next target of racism after the African American. Aladdin the opening song Arabian Night is loaded with racist undertones. The message derived from the song right after the beginning of the film demonstrates that the Middle East is a wasteland where the legal system is run on a basic limb-removal policy. The Aladdin film portrays the Arabic people as violent, humorous and exotic (Andrae 148). Besides, the cartoon also entrenches the message that all Arab men are either sorcerers, pickpockets, street thugs or Sultans. They are seen as cruel with the characters in the filmmaking countless references to beheading. The depiction of Arab race in the film Aladdin is far from reality; the film is trying to enhance the white supremacy through the characters. In most of this film, the ultimate hero is a white male while other minority characters are evil villains from other races. Furthermore, in a majority of Disney Films, if minorities are not depicted at lower class or villains, none is represented in the film. Giroux (99) points out that Aladdin is a false representation of the Middle East. It is riddled with racist’s undertones as well as casual violence.
Sexism concerns are also on display in the manner gender is depicted in Disney films. Princesses’ usually has a disproportionate thin waist and pitched voices. They own picturesque home under the sea or a castle. Their composition is varied and besides having tight clothing and hair color. According to Brockus (261), the princes in the film can be equated to cinematic Barbie dolls. On the contrary, these depiction is unrealistic expectations for a girl; whether if a girl is after romance, hair, race or body image. This portrayal of gender has been a flawed pattern for what women, men and love are ought to be in present perceptions. Stereotyping and gender discrimination goes both ways in Disney films.
According to Giroux (104), Prince Charming, a typical character in most of Disney movies is a recycled, two-dimensional character. His duty is to save the damsel from any form of distress she may encounter and to portray a highly idealistic and hyper-masculine image of what men ought to be. These forms of sexist standards characterize the skewed attitude of Disney agenda. Throughout Disney’s films racists, concerns are consistently nurtured in consumers simply through watching Disney movies. A good example is the Aladdin’s film. Traces of violence and evil are linked with people of color. This is more profound when the film is sandwiched between another film that shows white princess with glistening smiles who always emerges as heroes. Byrne (59) points out that Disney has projected improbable characters and concepts that promote racism as well as entrenching negative stereotyping.
The portrayal of women in Disney films has come with a consequence. Giroux (200) points out that majority woman in Disney films have never attained a heroine status without being sexual objects. For example, in the films, Snow, White, Cinderella, Mermaid Belle, Jasmine and Pocahontas among other films have consistently featured women with large breasts and extreme tiny waists. Besides, even animals have been featured prominently and portrayed as sexual objects with their coy ways and long eyelashes. A good example of these films includes the Lion King, Bambi, and Fantasia. Despite playing significant roles in the films, women have been used as sex objects to achieve what they want. Though defying her father, the little Mermaid loses courage and submits her sexual will to the Prince. Mermaid uses her body as a weapon to achieve her ends. Similarly, Jasmine does the same; she seduces Jaffar as a form of distraction (Giroux 196).
Disney portrays people in the entertainment industry as white, educated, white and upper-class men. In fact, many of these people came from affluent backgrounds and had little contacts with different ethnicities. According to Brockus (289), the most famous minority group in the United States is the African American. In a majority of these movies, there is no person of color; rather, many apes make a bulk of the films. For example, in the Lion King, the hyenas, and the bad guys were all composed of black characters. These figures reflected the ghetto image. Mexicans, another American minority group, are depicted in the films as the Chihuahua, one animal.
Peter Pan, a film that was released after Dumbo also incorporated racism sentiments. In the film, racism is demonstrated when the Lost Boys and Peter visit Lily’s family. Though the Lost Boys are exhilarated by the looks of different people they meet, the Indians are portrayed as savages; they are unskilled and what they only know is singing, dancing, and smoking. Similarly, the song “What makes.Man Red” portrays racial slurs that depict Indian lifestyles in the eyes of Disney’s. According to Bode (41), Disney’s describes Indians as Native Americans who speak through grunts. Furthermore, the characters in the films portray Indians as savage and uneducated. In reality, Native Americans are exceptionally skilled population. They know how to do unique things that many “civilized people” cannot do (Giroux 162). Byrne (48) points out that Native Americans are skilled in fishing, hunting, creating their clothing and shelter. These things were more challenging for the Caucasians during the historical period. The film does not reflect when crafting this scene in the film. Peter Pan has swayed young people’s mind into believing that the Native Americans are untamed and uncivilized human beings. Racism in the movie is profound but also with some degree of understanding. According to Brode (163) in the 1950s, civil rights movements were taking shape, and racism was beginning a robust transformation to better. In the 1950s the whole idea was novel, and racism was accepted widely. However, it is inept and undesirable for Disney to label people in such a numb manner.
Racism perpetuated by Disney films is neither the European nor the American one; it is a Western culture. According to World Wide Box Office, the exportation of Disney films to other parts of the world as well as globalization contributed to spread of racism to other regions of the world (World Wide Box Office). For example, in 1946 when Disney released the Song of the South movie, it was vastly contested because of loaded racial undertones. The movie portrayed negatively the plantation laborers, who were the slaves. In fact, World Wide Box Office explains that the film was barred in the United States after a series of protests (World Wide Box Office). However, the film was made available for distribution worldwide. Compared to other films in that year, Song of the South made the highest sales clocking $56.4 million globally. Similarly, the Splash Mountain released in 1992 had the same racial slurs like the Song of the South. The film illustrated the horrors of slavery in the United States (World Wide Box Office). Disney conglomerates in Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Korea to mention a few have also portrayed racial sentiments to other ethnicities in the society.
Despite being associated with racial discrimination in their films, Disney has provided a new way of appreciating race. From parks, merchandise, television channels, movies and music, Disney has become respectful and accommodative to new ideas and cultures. They are embracing different types of cultures and ideas as well as incorporating them in their media production. For example, the program known as around the world aired on Disney Channel shows life around the globe and the distinctive nature of global cultures. Moreover, the program also shows that despite living differently, it is imperative to appreciate each other’s culture and lifestyle. Furthermore, Disney’s park has a vast display of cultures around the world. In a segment known as Epcot, Disney showcases countries such as India, France, China and Mexico among others. From the Frog, Dumbo and the Princes, Disney has transformed its mindset on racism.
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