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. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. So much so that Disney+ added a warning label before the film starts. Aspects of the story also have Indian influences, including Jasmines Indian tiger Rajah, and the sultans palace in the animated film looking remarkably similar to the Taj Mahal. 5. She covers film and TV news and reviews. Was it possible to accurately depict cultural nuances using a fairy tale? 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. While the movie is set in a city based on Baghdad, Iraq, Aladdin contains aspects of multiple Middle Eastern and Asian cultures. I do not want to shy away from that. The only mention of her is when the Sultan says Jasmine's mother "wasn't nearly so picky" when it came to choosing a husband. Gambling related content is not intended for anyone under the age of 21. Disney+ updated its offensive content disclaimer for films such as Aladdin, Peter Pan and Dumbo. 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). Credit: Outnow/Alamy. Disney warns viewers about racist stereotypes in classic films on Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murders of wife and son, Biden had cancerous skin lesion removed last month, doctor says, White supremacist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes kicked out of CPAC, Tom Sizemore, actor known for "Saving Private Ryan" and "Heat," dies at 61, Biden team readies new advisory panel ahead of expected reelection bid, At least 10 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, House Democrats unhappy with White House handling of D.C.'s new criminal code. 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. The iconic films Aristocats (1970), Peter Pan (1953) and Swiss Family Robinson (1960) also feature the warning ahead of the film. 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. Aladdin is one of them. 2. 1. 2023 CNET, a Red Ventures company. Yeah, probably not because that message doesnt help them pander. Wouldnt it be reasonable that if all the characters in this movie come from the same genetic stock, they should resemble one another? Less well known is the fact that the film sparked a racial controversy, one that is still reverberating today. You can also see our lesson plan on exploring stereotypes with American film and television, which offers guided activities for your students. Aladdin (1992) Critics have expressed concerns over the story's use of Orientalist stereotypes, while casting decisions also came under scrutiny, with Aladdin, Princess Jasmine and the genie . We coulda sworn we went to Disneyland and waited in line for two hours to be entertainednot for an education.. The 2019 film also removed several instance of the most egregious racism from the animated film. 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. Disney Princesses Who Suffer From Some Kind Of Mental Disorder - TheRichest For many, Disneys 1992 film Aladdin conjures up images of innocence: star-crossed lovers on a magic carpet, a benevolent pet tiger and a comedic genie who would grant every hearts desire. These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now. RELATED:Disney: COVID Forces Restructure, Puts Greater Focus on Streaming Content. ', As 10 million Disney+ subscribers browse through the new streaming platforms hefty film and TV library, a line at the end of select content summaries might catch their attention: This program is presented as originally created. 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 its history, Disney has produced 56 animated movies. Nobody in their right mind can state that it is impossible to find a young male South Asian or Middle-Eastern actor who can dance, sing and act, says Academy Award nominated director Lexi Alexander, who is half German, half Palestinian. We can therefore assume that Genie only focused on making Aladdin a prince so that he could have a shot with Jasmine. In "Sleeping Beauty," Prince Phillip kisses Aurora while she's unconscious. 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No. Become a home entertainment expert with our handpicked tips, reviews and deals. Think thatll ever happen with divorce rates higher than ever? 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. It may contain outdated cultural depictions." Credit: Outnow/Alamy. The meetings are held virtually and are very raw according to one attendee. No one thats who. Potato Head survived by a thread and liberal white men working at Disneyland saved black women from the horrors of Splash Mountainnow Aladdin is racist. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Is it okay to watch a movie if it includes offensive parts? The disclaimer reads: This program includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures. Now, it admits they were not just "outdated" but "wrong" even back then and that such negative portrayals had a harmful impact in real life. '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. Sonny Skyhawk, founder of American Indians in Film and Television, tells THR thatfilms such as 1995s Pocahontas and 2013s The Lone Rangerrequire the disclaimer due to inaccuracies and insensitivity towards the Native American community. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. Most people consider Aladdin to be set somewhere in the Middle East. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Aladdin's responsibility in a culturally insensitive world - Hypable It might also have to do with some version of whitewashing, as most of the voice actors are white people? Disney holds monthly meetings to determine what content in its archive needs to have a warning added. in the new adaptation. The well-loved soundtrack for the 1992 animation - A Whole New World notably won Disney an Academy Award, along with another Oscar for the entire score - is actually an edited version of the one that was heard in cinemas. InPeter Pan, offensive Native Americans caricatures appear throughout the story, along with the problematic song, What Makes the Red Man Red. Lady and the Trampand another Disney animated animal film,Aristocats, both feature cats that mock Asian Americans with illustration and voice acting. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. However, the outbreak of the first Gulf War (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. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. These animated films teach us so much, and especially young kids, Ghanizada says. In updating the film and its content, Disney sought advice from the Muslim Public Affairs Council, an LA advocacy group, as well as groups comprised of Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Muslim scholars, activists, and creatives. Due to the advisory groups input, the film avoided the crude portrayals found in the 1992 movie. The live-action reveal is a bit of a surprise. The casting of Naomi Scott, who is of English and Indian descent, upset some fans and critics who believed the role should have been played by a Middle Eastern actress. These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now. Jasmine's mother is barely a thought in the 1992 animated movie. Yet, they and their media family, (like ESPN) are always the first in line seeking to cancel anything that remotely upsets them. Similarly, The Jungle Book has been criticized for employing some African/African-American racial stereotypes to depict a group of monkeys, even going so far as to have another character call them mangy and flea-picking, among other problematic elements. After Mr. To learn more about how stories have impacted society visit Disney.com/storiesmatter, First off, when did Disney suddenly become a Civil Rights movement? The disclaimers are not a signal that the films have been canceled, Ben Mankiewicz, a host on classic TV network TCM, told the Reporter. Answer: A lot of older movies (god I hate calling movies from the 90's "older") include often passive stereotypes or themes about minority groups that while may not have been intentionally harmful, still perpetuate potentially harmful or offensive ideas about a culture or location. 6. A content advisory notice for racism in classic Disney films, in place since last year, has been updated with a strengthened message. Which iirc got changed to "With winds in the east and the sun from the west, where the sand and the glass is bright". for Aladdin, or see the movie in theaters now, and make your own conclusions. I understand Peter Pan and Dumbo but why Aladdin? Versions of Aladdin from the 19th and well into the 20th centuries depict the main character as culturally Asian, not Arab. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. , including Afghan payraans, Indian saris, Omani daggers, and turbans from multiple cultures. 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. He says that while working with young filmmakers, he has never insisted they dont watch it or they dont appreciate it or that its wrong. , with $232.4 million domestic and $372.5 million international for the musical remake. Now only days after his death, the live-action Aladdin remake has been questioned over its casting woes. Looking further back, 1940sFantasiahas been criticized for the depiction of a black centaurette called Sunflower polishing the hooves of a white centaurette, as well as another named Otika who briefly appears in the Pastoral Symphonysegment. (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 film poster comparison. Whether the new film-makers choose to stand in the old guard or vanguard remains to be seen. All the latest gaming news, game reviews and trailers. We've received your submission. notions of Oriental interchangeability, pointing to the fact that name Jasmine has Persian roots, not Indian. Agrabah is a made up place thats a combo of a few different cultures. After Shaheen protested against the film alongside the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, Disney agreed to alter the lyrics in Arabian Nights for Aladdin's video release in 1993, and defended it, as it was a rare film to feature an Arab hero and heroine. "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.". It just reminds me of apu from the simpsons, where they got such a backlash that the voice actor now quit doing his voice. I know that they would be very disappointed that there is not even a disclaimer to acknowledge that there are some questionable things in that film.. In the scene where Jasmine gives the beggar an apple from a cart, the merchant grabs her wrist, draws a sword saying, "Don't you know what the penalty is for stealing? Some were alarmed by the films stereotypes and generalizations about Arabs and the Middle East. To learn more about how stories have impacted society, please visitwww.disney.com/StoriesMatter. The level of authenticity Netflix is trying to achieve with this show is definitely what attracted me the most to be part of this project.. First noticed by Twitter user @324_B21, and reported by Mashable, films like the original 1941 Dumbo, The Aristocats, Jungle Book, the 1955 animated Lady and the Tramp all feature the same outdated culturual depictions warning. Fantasy worlds are not meant to perfectly align with real-life racial boundaries. You can also see. It actually proves how desperate the Neo-Marxists movement is becoming; they cannot win an open, honest debate; they must invoke feelings of collective anger and mistrust to win short term victories. Aladdin is not an entertaining Arabian Nights fantasy as film critics would have us believe, wrote Jack Shaheen in 1992, then a professor of mass communications at Southern Illinois University, but rather a painful reminder to 3 million Americans of Arab heritage, as well as 300 million Arabs and others, that the abhorrent Arab stereotype is as ubiquitous as Aladdins lamp.. Nearly a year later, on Thursday, Disney said that after consulting with a council of organizations representing minorities, it's added a new disclaimer acknowledging the "harmful impact" of. A lot of it is, honestly, hard to tell or point out when you're not part of the group involved. If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on BBC Culture, head over to ourFacebookpage or message us onTwitter. The movie follows a street urchin named Aladdin, who finds a magic lamp and genie and helps to save his city from the evil Grand Vizier. But, he adds, with Native American actress Irene Bedard as the voice of Pocahontas in the film, some in his community might both enjoy and accept it as presented. The Middle East has a robust entertainment industry and creative voices in the region regularly share their stories through film, television, music and other media forms. 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. Rather than removing the offensive content, the company said it hopes to "spark conversation and open dialogue on history that affects us all. It reads: This program includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures. Supporters of the movie point to the fact that Agrabah, despite being supposedly based on an actual city. If the consensus from those directly harmed is that we need stronger wording you will receive no argument from me. The film is an adaptation of a folktale from the 18th-century, Arabic-language collection, A Thousand and One Nights. Why is there so little Middle Eastern, Arab or Muslim (or other minority group) representation in film and television? Aladdin: 15 Best Genie Quotes - ScreenRant Rather than remove this content, we want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversations to create a more inclusive future together., Disney is committed to creating stories with inspirational and aspirational themes that reflect the rich diversity of the human experience around the globe. Given that is fictional, whos to say it cant include many different races and ethnic backgrounds? It might be worth asking ourselves when the new film is released: what would Jack Shaheen think? Disney claimed they included white extras only in a handful of instances when it was a matter of specialty skills, safety and control, but many still criticized the company for not taking the opportunity to hire more actors and crew members of Middle Eastern and South Asian heritage. It's barbaric, but hey, it's home". Many have referenced the WB. On Oct. 15, Disney Plus introduced a new disclaimer that appears before older films like Dumbo (1941) and Aladdin (1992), warning viewers that the films include harmful stereotypes. The song Arabian Nights, which initially referred to Agrabah as a place where they cut off your ear if they dont like your face/its barbaric, but hey, its home, has altered lyrics. The highly controversial Song of the South (1946) is not available on the streaming service. Privacy Policy. That Disney talent agents are pedophiles/child molesters? 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. In Disney's telling of the story, Aladdin is clever, resourceful, and loyal, but underestimated because he is poor. There are a number of reasons why these titles are removed. 7. 2 men found drugged after leaving NYC gay bars were killed, medical examiner says, "Everything Everywhere All at Once" wins big at SAG Awards, HBO's "Succession" will end with season 4, creator says, Richard Belzer, comedian and "Law & Order: SVU" actor, dies at 78, "The Last of Us" creator Neil Druckmann on the series' success, Ryan Seacrest leaving "Live"; Kelly Ripa's husband, Mark Consuelos, to step in. In Richard Burton's telling, the "hero" is shallow, lazy, greedy, and easily. Alan Menken, famed Disney composer, discusses enduring appeal of "Aladdin." The musical visits San Jose this month, with live-action film due in May. However, the outbreak of the first. But now Disney is offended by its own creation, so it slaps a warning on Aladdin. Furthermore, these advisors helped ensure that any Arabic-language text was correctly displayed and that the setting and dress were more culturally realistic. I am cynical by nature. The new statement is more strongly worded than one Disneytacked onto some films when Disney+ first rolled out last year. Disney updates content warning for racism in classic films - BBC Disney Plus tries again to address racist stereotypes in old films The Aladdin controversy Disney can't escape - BBC Culture A handpicked selection of stories from BBC Future, Earth, Culture, Capital and Travel, delivered to your inbox every Friday. Aladdin now has a warning on Disney + pic.twitter.com/ZzrX6qHqct Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) March 16, 2021 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. 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. There are now more opportunities for people in the United States, and elsewhere, to access regionally-produced entertainment from the Middle East. The Council on American-Islamic Relations issued a press release earlier this week asking reviewers and critics to acknowledge that the "Aladdin myth is rooted by racism, Orientalism and. Aladdin(1992), which previously did not have a warning, has been added to the list. 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.". Why does Aladdin have a warning now? A similar decision was recently made by HBO Max for the classic, yet problematic, film Gone With the Wind. 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. Rather, the story was often presented as a hybrid tale of the exoticized Orient meeting modern English-language styles and fashions, according to one critic. Best New Journalist 2019 Australian IT Journalism Awards, experts have criticized the soft language used in its disclaimer, disclaimer acknowledging the "harmful impact" of racist stereotypes, a page titled Stories Matter on the Disney website, racist material in their back catalogs, such as Gone With the Wind, The best movies to watch on Disney Plus for Thanksgiving, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Background characters wear clothing from a wide array of cultures, including Afghan payraans, Indian saris, Omani daggers, and turbans from multiple cultures. All Rights Reserved. Disney also puts silly, PC warning labels before much of its back catalog of films. Aladdin Now Has A Warning Screen On Disney+, Mike Brey Ready For Something New As He Steps Away From Notre Dame After 23 Years, Rick Carlisles Character On Display As Pacers Honor Late Indiana Media Legend David Benner With Cool Gesture, Keith Olbermann Calls For The Burning Of Disney World In Front Of DeSantis, Scientists Suggest Brilliant Strategy Of Blocking Out The Sun To Stop Climate Change. CBS News has reached out to the Walt Disney Company for more information. Disney+ updated its policy toward its films containing offensive material, posting a new disclaimer and adding new movies to its list of programs that feature "negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures." Although Disney posted this message in front of the original Aladdin, the version on Disney+ has still removed the "cut off your ear" line from the opening song and Aladdin's mumbling on the. Ghanizada notes a2015 Public Policy Pollin which one-third of Republican primary voters supported bombing the fictional kingdom of Agrabah, the setting ofAladdin. Please review Rule 4 and this post before making a top level comment: I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. to be set somewhere in the Middle East. The Stories Matter page on Disney's site notes the characters' connection to racist minstrel shows. Pocahontas was staight full of lies and racial slurs. I would hope that Disney would do it for all the films that might include some things that are a little outdated, says Azita Ghanizada, founder of MENA (Middle Eastern North African) Arts Advocacy Coalition. Wouldnt it be reasonable that if all the characters in this movie come from the same genetic stock, they should resemble one another? Source. Aladdin - Wikipedia How Disney decides which content gets 'offensive' disclaimer Was the Original Aladdin Story Inspired by a Real Person? | Time In updating the film and its content, from the Muslim Public Affairs Council, an LA advocacy group, as well as groups comprised of Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Muslim scholars, activists, and creatives. Due to the advisory groups input, the film avoided the crude portrayals found. KEEP READING:Disney+ Rebrands Non-MCU Marvel Films as Marvel Legacy. Disney+ should be a dying brandjust like the Grammys. Most recently, The Muppet Show had warning disclaimers placed prior to 18 of its episodes, warning viewers that the show features stereotypes and mistreatment of people or cultures., 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, the disclaimer says, adding Disney is committed to creating stories with inspirational and aspirational themes that reflect the rich diversity of the human experience around the globe.. What can you do to be more aware of cultural insensitivity and misrepresentation in pop culture? 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. For instance, there are racist caricatures in "Dumbo" and . Jinns Lebanese director Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya has said, this is a great opportunity to portray Arab youth in a very unique way. Since Disney is so horrified of its own movie, perhaps they should return the hundreds of millions of dollars they made off it.
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