"This program includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures," the statement reads. If you buy something through this post, IGN may get a share of the sale. After the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee complained about song lyrics describing the setting in the film, Where they cut off your ear if they dont like your face,. I do not want to shy away from that. Though he was skeptical that the disclaimer would have a large impact on children, Dr. Shah said that racist scenes offered learning opportunities when children watched them with their parents. Why does Aladdin have a warning now? Weve had some very raw conversations on those Zooms, African American Film Critics Association President Gil Robertson told the Hollywood Reporter. The new . The disclaimer appears with some animated Disney classics such as 1967's The Jungle Book and 1953's Peter Pan , offering caution to viewers of racist and culturally insensitive depictions and. You can also see. 8. The original lyric in the first verse of the song Arabian Nights described Arabia as Where they cut off your ear if they dont like your face. The film and its creators refused to do the work of normalizing and humanizing people of color for American audiences. Potato Head survived by a thread and liberal white men working at Disneyland saved black women from the horrors of Splash Mountain-now Aladdin is racist. If the consensus from those directly harmed is that we need stronger wording you will receive no argument from me. Fantasy worlds are not meant to perfectly align with real-life racial boundaries. Heck if the salesman is racist, The whole cartoon is. a port city that rests on the cusp of Eastern and Western nations, making it a thriving trade town and bringing together a melting pot of cultures and influences. The production designer used Turkish, Persian, and Islamic influences for the set design. Lets be clear, Disney did harm. Aladdin now has a warning on Disney + pic.twitter.com/ZzrX6qHqct, This program includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures. While the voice cast of the 1992 movie was entirely white, the live-action film boasts a diverse cast. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Makes me think Disney is putting warnings out there so people buy their movies before they go back to retiring movies for a year or two to create demand curves for their products. This thread is archived members. A handpicked selection of stories from BBC Future, Earth, Culture, Capital and Travel, delivered to your inbox every Friday. The new-and-improved, feminist Jasmine even performs an original song, Speechless, in which she sings about not allowing men to silence her. Answer: Well I don't know which version they are showing, but in the origubal the salesman in the beginning sings that in the east they cut off your tongue and ears or something in that fashion when they catch you stealing, which is considered stereotyping. Delivered Wednesdays. All I can say is, like lightning, beware of the cancel culture mob-you are sharp with a mind of your own and as you become better known I am afraid you will become a target. Furthermore, these advisors helped ensure that any Arabic-language text was correctly displayed and that the setting and dress were more culturally realistic. Of any of the big, more modern movies Pocahontas should be the first one with a disclaimer. But out of all those movies, there are only a handful that have managed to truly capture the hearts of audiences. You know, I actually dont mind this in one respect for now; it gives the reactionary, mob something to point at as evidence they are doing something to educate. The line you're thinking of is "Where they cut off your ear if they don't like your face. No. Previously, Disney had the line "This program is presented as originally created. Gambling related content is not intended for anyone under the age of 21. Why is it important to have culturally-accurate depictions in film and television? It may contain outdated cultural depictions" accompany the description of each relevant film on the menu page. October 19, 2020 / 11:46 AM Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Since Disney Plus launched last November, experts have criticized the soft language used in its disclaimer on older titles like 1941's Dumbo, that warned films "may contain outdated cultural depictions.". and our For The Lone Ranger specifically,Skyhawk explained Johnny Depp taking on the role of Tonto, described as a spirit warrior from the Comanche tribe, was offensive casting resulting in an offensive character. Is it inaccurate? Rather than remove this content, we want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together. In the 2019 film, Agrabah is a port city that rests on the cusp of Eastern and Western nations, making it a thriving trade town and bringing together a melting pot of cultures and influences. The production designer used Turkish, Persian, and Islamic influences for the set design. She won Best New Journalist in 2019 at the Australian IT Journalism Awards. Did watching it ever make you uncomfortable? Save America from this foolishness before its too late. Thus, when Disney reported in 2016 that a live-action adaptation was in the works, director Guy Ritchie had to contend with the original films controversial legacy. On a different note, Disney has actually restored Saludos Amigos on Disney+. The 1992 Disney animated film placed the story in the Middle East but the change in scenery was not necessarily based on historic or contemporary accuracy. Others defended Scott, noting that the story includes Indian aspects, Agrabah is meant to be a melting pot of cultures, and Jasmines mother is said to be from another land, making it entirely plausible that Jasmine could be an Indian woman. The live-action reveal is a bit of a surprise. Pocahontas was staight full of lies and racial slurs. While the 1992 film is widely perceived as problematic, many point to the fact that the worst parts (including racist lyrics and caricatures) have been removed and replaced with accurate Arabic script and culturally-appropriate dress. Don Owens. ALADDIN: Genie, I wish for you to make me a prince! While the 1992 movie had all the fairy-tale elements to attract viewers adventure and intrigue, an evil villain, a plucky underdog, a forlorn princess trapped by tradition, and an array of supporting characters, Aladdin didnt fare well with critics. But just which films and shows meet the criteria for the disclaimer is not clear. that Disney should stop trying to improve stories that are problematic and should leave them in the past, instead focusing on new stories that wont be tainted by previously offensive versions. Its a convenient system that insists actors-of-colour need to be household names to be cast, while nobody wants to give them a break. Alexander posted a list of potential actors on Twitter, asking Guy to give me a call., The well-loved soundtrack for the 1992 animation is actually an edited version of the one that was heard in cinemas (Credit: Alamy). He covers basketball and baseball for OutKick.com, chats with the Purple and Gold faithful on LakersNation, and shitposts on Twitter. Think thatll ever happen with divorce rates higher than ever? Disney is the only media outlet who can show Aladdin. Nearly a year later, on Thursday, Disney said that after consulting with a council of organizations representing minorities, it's added a newdisclaimer acknowledging the "harmful impact" of racist stereotypes in some of its older films. Most people consider Aladdin to be set somewhere in the Middle East. The page includes a section explaining in greater detail the negative depictions in certain titles. Theyre unqualified, and its time for minorities in this country to start ignoring these major corporations that stunt double as our parents. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a Muslim advocacy group. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now. After Mr. The film-makers including director Guy Ritchie are on the hunt for leads who can live up to the animated films loveable street urchin Aladdin and Princess Jasmine. Background characters wear clothing from a wide array of cultures, including Afghan payraans, Indian saris, Omani daggers, and turbans from multiple cultures. , which tells the story of an affable street-urchin who accepts the services of a trickster genie to win over the sultans daughter, Jasmine. Aladdin's racism feels lazy. / CBS News, Disney is adding a disclaimer to some of its old movies that include racist stereotypes, the media giant announced this month. Disney's policy here is also sketchy considering the sheer amount of content still edited on Disney+. Warner Brothers has included these on a number of older cartoons, rather than erase the cartoons or remove them from circulation or the like, and Disney now appears to be following suit with some of their older work. and the story itself argue that the tale of Aladdin is inherently racist and Orientalist, and, regardless of the setting, is simply a colonial European view of the exotic East. 'Aladdin and the Magic Lamp' is the most famous story from the Arabian Nights collection of stories, also known as the 1,001 Nights.However, the story's origins are surprising, and in fact for many centuries it wasn't part of the Arabian Nights at all.But before we come to the question of textual analysis or the story's complex history, let's summarise the plot of the story of Aladdin. Twenty-seven years ago, Disneys animated version of Aladdin was the highest-grossing film of 1992, earning over $346 million in worldwide box office revenue. Top row shows the 1992 animated cast while below are the actors used in the 2019 live-action version of Aladdin. Other companies and brands, likeAunt Jemimaand Uncle Ben's, have also recently taken steps to recognize and distance themselves from racist stereotypes by changing their branding in the wake of widespread protests for racial justice in the U.S. Caitlin O'Kane is a digital content producer covering trending stories for CBS News and its good news brand, The Uplift. In June, Disney said it would retheme Disneyland's Splash Mountain, basing it on the 2009 film The Princess and the Frog, instead of the 1946 southern plantation movie Song of the South. 6. The iconic films Aristocats (1970), Peter Pan (1953) and Swiss Family Robinson (1960) also feature the warning ahead of the film. For instance, there are racist caricatures in "Dumbo" and . If you are a younger person and youre watching something and that youre not aware that theres potential violence or now, cultural insensitivity, I think [the disclaimer] is kind of protecting [filmmakers] the same way that it does those other catchphrases., Still, she says that Disneys decision to include a disclaimer is appreciated, noting it is the first step to correcting things that might not have been thought about 10, 20, 30 years ago when these [films] were being made., Aoki echoes that sentiment, saying he finds Disney today to be a totally different company from the one that existed even 20, 25 years ago. He adds: I spoke to a Disney executive a few years ago who told me that, I think it was every Friday, [CEO] Bob Iger has a meeting with all the company heads, including Marvel and Pixar and everybody that is under their corporate umbrella, and he says, OK, report to me what you have done to further diversity at this company. So its not lip service as far as, Oh, yes, we believe in diversity and we try to have open casting. Screen capture from, In May 2019, Disney released a live-action version of. This isnt the first time that Disney has been criticised in relation to Aladdin. Peter and the Lost Boys engage in dancing, wearing headdresses and other exaggerated tropes, a form of mockery and appropriation of Native peoples' culture and imagery. Don't stand until the rug has come to a complete stop. Of all Disney films, Song of the South has been perhaps criticized the most thanks to its depiction of African slaves. After Mr. Prior to all their films, and outside all their theme parks, Disney should display this disclaimer: Disney once made programming for children which, while entertaining millions of viewers of all ages, also brought diverse cultures and races together. As mentioned above, the original, one of many films released as part of the, Here, TeachMideast provides you with in-depth background and context so you can decide for yourself whether society is succeeding in its demand that Hollywood do a better job portraying minorities. As of October 15th, Disney Plus has updated its disclaimer to include a warning that older films may contain harmful stereotypes. We talked to people at Disney about that depiction I said there are probably a hundred [Native] people of that caliber that can do that and yet youre going to try and force Johnny Depp down our throat, says Skyhawk. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. But, a completely white cast voiced the film, and the association of Arabs with violence, greed and other negative traits suggested that Hollywood was insensitive at best and xenophobic at worst. Disney. Back in 1992, Shaheen cited cable television and videocassettes as making it easy for stereotypes to travel far and wide. Most of the Arab characters have exaggerated facial characteristics hooked noses, glowering brows, thick lips but Aladdin and the princess look like white American teenagers. Non-Christian religions, the countries and . Aladdin film poster comparison. (a conflict involving Iraqs invasion of neighboring Kuwait) in the early 1990s prompted the directors to set the story in the fictional city of Agrabah, an adaptation of Baghdad. Aladdin does trick the Genie into freeing him from the Cave of Wonders without using a wish. The problems in Alladin specifically, I believe, are that an Arabic accent was used only for the villain, songs had racist lyrics, and there were very inaccurate and stereotyped portrayals of the entire setting/region. Here, TeachMideast provides you with in-depth background and context so you can decide for yourself whether society is succeeding in its demand that Hollywood do a better job portraying minorities. It just reminds me of apu from the simpsons, where they got such a backlash that the voice actor now quit doing his voice. Extra commentary could be added to films requiring a disclaimer, he explains, such as the 2009 DVD rerelease ofBreakfast at Tiffanys that includes a featurette Aoki participated in, discussing Mickey Rooneys problematic character Mr. They want to make up for any offensive messaging they may have been a part of, Robertson told the publication. The original story from November 2019 detailing the original Disney+ content warning is below. on exploring stereotypes with American film and television, which offers guided activities for your students. Agrabah is a made up place thats a combo of a few different cultures. Overall, group representatives say they appreciate efforts made by Disney to recognize outdated cultural depictions while advocating for films likeAladdinor 1995sPocahontasto also receive the disclaimer. Most of the Arab characters have exaggerated facial characteristics hooked noses, glowering brows, thick lips but Aladdin and the princess look like white American teenagers. It's barbaric, but hey, it's home". "Disney could have used stronger language, which would more proactively invite a conversation around the context of these caricatures," Swinburne University of Technology film and TV lecturer Jessica Balanzategui told CNET in June. The new-and-improved, feminist Jasmine even performs an original song. The film was criticised for perpetuating Orientalist stereotypes of the Middle East and Asia. Rather than removing the offensive content, the company said it hopes to "spark conversation and open dialogue on history that affects us all. Disney is committed to creating stories with inspirational and aspirational themes that reflect the rich diversity of the human experience around the globe. It's a bunch of small things here or there that most people wouldn't think much about, but it's a good step forward to at least acknowledge the potential for harm or offense even where none was meant. Samuel Gelman started at CBR as a news writer in August 2019 before becoming a news editor in November 2019. At that time, it simply noted, "This program is presented as originally created. But I've realized how problematic Aladdin's character is. These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now. "These shouldn't be watched by children by themselves," Daryl Sparkes, senior lecturer of media studies and production at the University of Southern Queensland, told CNET, "because children are like little sponges and they soak up attitudes and feelings and opinions.". The meetings are held virtually and are very raw according to one attendee. film within a month of its release at the box office. Yunioshi., We had several people from MANAA talking about the concerns of yellowface and what was wrong with Mickey Rooneys portrayal, he adds. So going forward, several such films on the Disney+ streaming service will include the following advisory: "This program includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures. While the majority of films and series that are added to Disney+ continue to be available, some titles, unfortunately, have been removed from Disney+. All rights reserved. UPDATE: Disney has updated their content warning on Disney+ to an unskippable, 12-second message in front of controversial movies or shorts. Growing up, I loved watching Aladdin, just like any other child that enjoyed Disney movies. Credit: Outnow/Alamy. With the advent of the Hollywood film industry, the story returned to its fabled Middle Eastern origins, replete with exotic and exaggerated stereotypes note the poster for a 1952 version of the story below! Additionally, 1992s animatedAladdin, criticized for its racist depictions of West Asian culture, does not feature the warning in its synopsis. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. He also asked the producers to respect Islam and to add a humane character, Aladdins mother, an Arab woman willing to sacrifice everything for her sons happiness.. And overdue., 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Boycott threatened over transgender inclusion in Hersheys Womans Day promo, Twitch star zaps herself with shock collar live for 1 million fans, gets banned, JK Rowling showing outstanding moral courage as she stands up to vile woke mob, Artist behind Obamas Hope poster, Shepard Fairey, slams cancel culture. By casting actors of different nationalities and ethnic groups, the movie was able to showcase a wide range of cultures, giving a platform to voices traditionally omitted in Hollywood. Covering the hottest movie and TV topics that fans want. In "Sleeping Beauty," Prince Phillip kisses Aurora while she's unconscious. Instead of simply being upset with her father for restricting who she can marry as in the 1992 version Jasmine aspires to be the first female sultan and is frustrated by her fathers refusal to consider her because of her gender. The Disney drama kicked into higher gear after we saw Dr. Seuss books go from being $5 to $500.