The Dark History of Darling Disney
by Jessica Murphy-Wootton
Are you an innocent parent shocked by the scenes on you precious child’s tv screen? Join parents around the world as facts revealed lead to Disney films loosing views by the minute.
This is a topic I think should be talked about more as it is relevant to almost everyone. Disney films are a classic with over 96% of children having watched at least one in their lifetime. I remember singing along with my sisters and watching them at every important day throughout the year in my primary school. However, most parents are ignorant to the underlying messages in the film, particularly the earlier films.
I’m curious to know whether after this article you would let your children watch these films?
Firstly, Dumbo, a happy film about a baby elephant, but when you go looking there are some concerning elements to the film. For example there is a scene in which Dumbo is speaking to a murder of crows. The issue with this scene is the unacceptable black stereotypes of the crows with the use of jive talking, smoking cigars and thick accents.
This is made worse by the name of one of the crows, Jim Crow, and the fact he was voiced by a white American. He is named after the Jim Crow segregation laws that affected millions and were so deeply integrated in society that they still cause problems today in the form of racism.
Do people know this and still let their children watch these films in the hope that they won’t understand or are they simply ignorant to the meanings?
Children wouldn’t understand this historical context meaning this can be perceived as a joke for the adults.
Would you find that funny?
There are many other example such as Snow White. This has been a big discussion since Prince Charming was 31 and Snow White only 14!
This means that Prince Charming was already an adult when Snow white was only 1!
This only worsens the already controversial scene where Prince Charming kisses an unconscious Snow White. Nowadays this is considered unacceptable behaviour. This relates to many modern day problems, as 82% of sexual assault cases are now aimed at young females under 18.
In my opinion Pinocchio is one of the worst film. This is due to multiple themes of child trafficking and kidnapping, as well as disturbing scenes that I don’t think suited the age rating..
However, the newer films have much improved, Encanto and Turning Red to name a few. We’ve all had fun singing along to Encanto but there us more to appreciate than just the songs. The film is full of people of all colours and representation of Spanish cultures which shows the development from the previously white dominated films.
Encanto also represents Disney’s growth as Mirabel is a strong female protagonist with no love interest in the film. This contrasts the previous sexism in the films and the stereotypical damsel in distress that is saved by the handsome prince.
Turning red is another brilliant example’s the film is about accepting yourself no matter what. Similarly the Chinese culture that is shown throughout the film is a strong contradiction to the earlier films and there lack of diversity.
In conclusion I think that whilst everybody is free to make their own choices in relation to what their kids watch, there are some films I recommend young children wait until they are a bit older to watch for their own benefit as I think the age ratings should be raised.
Having said that I also believe that these films are a staple in most children’s childhood and they should be able to continue to enjoy these films, alongside being told what is acceptable and what isn’t.
This is a topic I think should be talked about more as it is relevant to almost everyone. Disney films are a classic with over 96% of children having watched at least one in their lifetime. I remember singing along with my sisters and watching them at every important day throughout the year in my primary school. However, most parents are ignorant to the underlying messages in the film, particularly the earlier films.
I’m curious to know whether after this article you would let your children watch these films?
Firstly, Dumbo, a happy film about a baby elephant, but when you go looking there are some concerning elements to the film. For example there is a scene in which Dumbo is speaking to a murder of crows. The issue with this scene is the unacceptable black stereotypes of the crows with the use of jive talking, smoking cigars and thick accents.
This is made worse by the name of one of the crows, Jim Crow, and the fact he was voiced by a white American. He is named after the Jim Crow segregation laws that affected millions and were so deeply integrated in society that they still cause problems today in the form of racism.
Do people know this and still let their children watch these films in the hope that they won’t understand or are they simply ignorant to the meanings?
Children wouldn’t understand this historical context meaning this can be perceived as a joke for the adults.
Would you find that funny?
There are many other example such as Snow White. This has been a big discussion since Prince Charming was 31 and Snow White only 14!
This means that Prince Charming was already an adult when Snow white was only 1!
This only worsens the already controversial scene where Prince Charming kisses an unconscious Snow White. Nowadays this is considered unacceptable behaviour. This relates to many modern day problems, as 82% of sexual assault cases are now aimed at young females under 18.
In my opinion Pinocchio is one of the worst film. This is due to multiple themes of child trafficking and kidnapping, as well as disturbing scenes that I don’t think suited the age rating..
However, the newer films have much improved, Encanto and Turning Red to name a few. We’ve all had fun singing along to Encanto but there us more to appreciate than just the songs. The film is full of people of all colours and representation of Spanish cultures which shows the development from the previously white dominated films.
Encanto also represents Disney’s growth as Mirabel is a strong female protagonist with no love interest in the film. This contrasts the previous sexism in the films and the stereotypical damsel in distress that is saved by the handsome prince.
Turning red is another brilliant example’s the film is about accepting yourself no matter what. Similarly the Chinese culture that is shown throughout the film is a strong contradiction to the earlier films and there lack of diversity.
In conclusion I think that whilst everybody is free to make their own choices in relation to what their kids watch, there are some films I recommend young children wait until they are a bit older to watch for their own benefit as I think the age ratings should be raised.
Having said that I also believe that these films are a staple in most children’s childhood and they should be able to continue to enjoy these films, alongside being told what is acceptable and what isn’t.