Is Any Disney Film the Most Racist Movie?
When discussions about racism escalate to include Disney films, it often leads to a heated debate. As Saint Anita Sarkeesian has pointed out, everything can be seen as racist, sexist, or biased if you look hard enough, which can sometimes distort the reality and intent of the content. This discussion brings into question the racial sensitivities of classic and modern Disney films and whether any of them can truly be considered the most racist.
The Most Criticized: Song of the South (1946)
The debate over the most racist Disney film centers around 'Song of the South’, which was released in 1946. This film has been criticized for its portrayal of African American characters in a plantation setting, although the accuracy of the criticism is often debated. Many argue that despite the offensive nature of the content today, the film may not have been as problematic when it was first released.
A Racially Sensitive Analysis of 'Song of the South'
Upon recent viewing, I must say that 'Song of the South' did not invoke feelings of deep racial offense. A particular scene that could be seen as jarring is where the two antagonists set a trap for Brer Rabbit, which they refer to as a 'tar baby’. Today, the term 'tar baby’ is a racial slur; however, such terminology was not the intent in the film. Regardless, the film's focus on a plantation setting and African American characters certainly has not aged well, leading to Disney's decision not to sell the film anymore. Interestingly, it is the inspiration for Splash Mountain, a popular attraction at Disney parks.
The Jungle Book: A Deeper Dive
Another film that often comes up in discussions about Disney racism is 'The Jungle Book.' ‘The Jungle Book’ faces criticism for its portrayal of Mowgli, who is traditionally depicted as a Westernized Indian boy, and for the predominantly Western features of the film's ensemble cast. Despite this, the film is not entirely devoid of diversity. Some argue that this lack of authentic representation of Mowgli and other characters is what makes 'The Jungle Book' one of the most criticized Disney films in terms of racial sensitivity.
A Further Look into 'The Jungle Book'
‘The Jungle Book’ was first released in 1967 and stars Sabu as Mowgli, an Indian boy raised by animals in the Indian jungle. While Sabu's performance is commendable, many critics point out that the film lacks the authenticity of a true portrayal of Indian culture. The film's ensemble cast, notably Richard Murma and Jason Alexander, are far from ethnically diverse, which further contributes to the debate about the film's racial sensitivity.
Other Criticisms
Other Disney films have also been criticized for their racial representations. 'Dumbo,' for instance, is often cited for its depictions of crows with exaggerated and stereotypical African American accents. Similarly, 'The Little Mermaid' faces criticism due to the character Sebastian the Crab, whose exaggerated accent could be seen as stereotypical.
A Summary of the Criticism
While 'Song of the South' is often cited as the most racially insensitive, the argument is not straightforward. It is more about personal interpretation and historical context than a definitive answer. 'The Jungle Book' and 'Dumbo' are legitimate candidates, given their lack of authentic representation and the perpetuation of stereotypes. However, it is not a matter of one film being more racist than the others; rather, it is a reflection of the evolving standards of racial sensitivity and representation in media over time.
Conclusion
Deciding which Disney film is the most racist is a complex and subjective issue. While ‘Song of the South’ and ‘The Jungle Book’ are often at the center of the debate due to their historical and cultural contexts, it is important to recognize that every film, regardless of its age, needs to evolve with changing societal standards and values. Disney's commitment to improving its portrayal of diverse characters and stories is a step in the right direction towards creating more inclusive and authentic content.