When you think about the Disney movies that have been brought out, they leave us with many questions. The tales expose cultural shifts, awe, and imagination, but did you know that there are many racist undertones to a lot of the Disney classics? It’s cringey to watch it now, but it does make sense as there has been progress in evolution through the decades. Let’s take a look at the most racist Disney movies.
The Sound of Music (1965)
This movie is well known for its inspiring plot and catchy, lovely music. It’s about a family called the von Trapps that hire a lady called Maria as their governess. Maria helps the children find their love for music and inspires them to follow their passion for it. However, the movie has faced much criticism due to how the film depicts Austrians as fascists. The Germans weren’t happy with how they were portrayed in the film, especially as it was soon after WWII, as they were not all Nazis.
Aladdin (1992)
A street kid called Aladdin found a magical lamp, and there was a genie inside who granted him the use of three wishes to set him free. Aladdin went on a series of adventures with the genie, which the late Robin Williams voiced, and they spent all of their time in the made-up city of Agrabah. However, this movie has received a lot of criticism for its portrayal of Middle Eastern culture.
Mother Goose Goes Hollywood (1938)
One of the first short animated movies that Disney bought out features well-known nursery rhyme characters. It’s a light-hearted short animation that includes a parody of legendary Hollywood actors and movies. However, when Katharine Hepburn gets hit by a pie, the racism begins, as she is drawn to look like blackface. This has led her to talk in a stereotypical, uneducated Black American speech.
Peter Pan (1953)
This lovely movie about never wanting to grow up and spending time in the made-up world of Neverland is racist. In the film, Peter Pan, Wendy Darling, and Tinkerbell go up against the evil Captain Hook, and even though it’s a great movie, it has had some criticism. There is a stereotypical portrayal of Native Americans, which can be seen as insensitive.
The Little Mermaid (1989)
The Little Mermaid is about a mermaid called Ariel who longs to be a human, and when she meets the love of her life, Eric, she wants it even more. However, there have been some complications with this movie, including racism. Sebastian, the crab, has a thick Jamaican accent, and he states during the film that it’s better to stay under the sea because you don’t need to get a job there. There have also been issues with the characters “Duke of Soul” and “Blackfish” having fuller lips.
The Jungle Book (1967)
A little boy called Mowgli is born in the jungle and sent to be raised by wolves. There are many different jungle animals included within this story that Mowgli has interactions with, including Bagheera, the panther, and Baloo, the bear. However, this movie has been criticized for its representation and association with culture. Even though it’s a great movie, it has been branded racist. There is also a racist twang with King Louie, a jazz-singing ape. King Louie has been branded as an offensive caricature who stereotypes against Black Americans.
South of the South (1946)
This live-action and animated movie is based on the Uncle Remus tales. It’s a great movie set in the South after the Civil War. It has had several criticisms for its romanticized portrayal of life on a plantation. It also has had some negative comments about how Black Americans are portrayed. Due to these worries, this movie has been absent from recent releases and debates.
Dumbo (1941)
An elephant with huge ears learns to fly, and as he overcomes his obstacles, there is a story of self-discovery and friendship. This movie has gained a lot of praise and is a family favorite, but despite this, it has come under fire for some of the characters involved for the stereotypical ways they are portrayed, and the leader called Jim Crow has raised some eyebrows.
Fantasia (1940)
Fantasia has incredible classical music and captivating images, divided into sections set to different classical pieces. It also features abstract animations and is innovative. Even though it has been massively praised for its creative style over the years, it has been negatively commented on because of ethical and cultural prejudices, including the “Pastoral Symphony.”
The Aristocats (1970)
A cat family was cat-napped by their butler and taken to the French countryside, never to return home. The movie is known for its funny scenes and great music. However, a few negative comments about the Siamese cat have represented a negative stereotype.
Pocahontas (1995)
Pocahontas is a Native American woman encouraging an English settler, John Smith. They met in a relaxed manner, but the movie has gained a lot of criticism for its portrayal of Native American characters, historical mistakes, and simplification of complex subjects. However, the film has also promoted cultural understanding and environmental concerns.
Lady and the Tramp (1955)
This fantastic movie is about a Cocker Spaniel named Lady and a mongrel called Tramp who fall in love. However, there is a racist representation within the film regarding two Siamese cats called Si and Am. Despite this, there is high praise for the movie with its romantic plot and the ultimate classic spaghetti scene.
21 Things That Shout You’re “Lower Class” According To Men
Class wars creep up in all aspects of life, including dating. We take a look at the things that men believe are telltale signs that you are lower class.
21 Things That Shout You’re “Lower Class” According To Men
Boomer Zoomers vs. Millennial Meh: 10 Cars the Older Gen Loves but Millennials Just Can’t Stand
The change in the automotive industry has been incredible over the year. Baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964 can’t get enough of the cars listed below, as muscle cars emerged in the 1960s, and new technologies appeared in the 1970s and 1980s. You can imagine why boomers genuinely appreciate these vehicles.
Boomer Zoomers vs. Millennial Meh: 10 Cars the Older Gen Loves but Millennials Just Can’t Stand
Across the Pond Disdain: 18 Horrendous American Habits Foreigners Just Can’t Stomach
There is a lot to love about America, from the bright lights of New York to the incredible breakfasts, but foreigners also dislike many things. We look at everything from poor public transport to an intimidating tip culture, sharing 18 things that America could be better at.
Across the Pond Disdain: 18 Horrendous American Habits Foreigners Just Can’t Stomach
Out with the Old: 18 Gen X Fads That Millennials and Gen Z Just Can’t Vibe With
While some old habits die hard, there are some things that Gen X need to eliminate as they are no longer relevant.
Out with the Old: 18 Gen X Fads That Millennials and Gen Z Just Can’t Vibe With
18 Unpleasant States You Might Want to Skip on Your Next Trip
When thinking of America, we don’t expect there to be boring or unpleasant places to visit. We see all the different states on the TV, and they show the best parts. However, there are some states you won’t want to visit, and you should brace yourselves if you ever happen to stumble into them.
18 Unpleasant States You Might Want to Skip on Your Next Trip
