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Walt Disney Stereotypes

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The Amazingly Racist Walt Disney

Generations upon generations of children have grown up to the wondrous tunes of Walt Disney films. More than that, many more have even ventured to the amusement parks or purchased some type of physical memorabilia that have been created in the ever-expanding corporation known as The Walt Disney Company. But, more often than not, it seems that many social issues arise in the creation of these items and yet they are just swept under the rug or overlooked altogether. While many in today’s society view Disney films as educational and stimulating for our youth, beneath these jubilant songs, personified animals, and damsels in distress lie many racist and pro-inequality themes that are being (unknowingly) taught to the future of the world. Take for example the 1941 classic Disney film Dumbo. Many may remember the cute little elephant that could magically fly and all the talking animals that are ever-so common in Disney productions. But, some of these characters take on racially stereotypical traits that, when not focused on, many people would not think anything of. Namely, these stereotypes come to light when “Jim Crow” and his 4 brother crows come into the picture. Note the name. Obviously “Jim Crow” references an African American actor in early American minstrel shows (Martin …show more content…

Once again it found great success with this Native American princess story. One of the primary songs in the film is “Savages” in which numerous hateful statements toward Native Americans in the lyrics. Over and over again the “civilized” white people refer to the Natives as barbaric, uncivilized, and even stupid (uneducated.) Potentially the worst aspect of the entire movie is the fact that it has a happy ending. While one would expect nothing less of a children’s film, doing so negates the racial intolerance and the persecution of the Native Americans that the European settlers instilled in this “new

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