Disney Moments That Would Be Frowned Upon Today

There is no denying the relevance of Disney or the company's impact on today's popular culture. Many of its films are now considered classics among modern audiences, from the original 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' to pop culture phenomena. However, given the long history of the Disney studios, it is not surprising that some elements in its animated catalog have aged poorly and can be seen as problematic by modern viewers. Here are some of the most troubling moments in Disney animated movie history.

The Disney animated film 'Dumbo' includes a scene where the elephants, including "Dumbo", consume alcohol and start to hallucinate in a somewhat frightening scene. The situation is particularly problematic as "Dumbo", a child, is seen struggling and experiencing hallucinations of pink elephants, which can be traumatizing for younger viewers. The scene also implies that it is acceptable for minors to be exposed to illicit substances. While it is a lively scene, it may be concerning for parents and caregivers trying to teach children about responsible drinking and the dangers of binge drinking.

In the movie 'Snow White', "Snow White" is shown being reduced to a servant to seven messy men. This representation reinforces negative gender stereotypes and is an example of how patriarchy was in full swing in the 13th century and beyond. It is important to consider how media representations can influence the way people perceive gender relations and work towards creating more positive and equitable representations.

The movie 'Pinocchio' portrays the consumption of alcohol and tobacco by minors. Similarly to 'Dumbo', characters are shown drinking alcohol, and in this case, young people are also seen smoking. The scene takes place on the Island of Pleasures, a place for mischievous young people where they can do as they please without adult supervision. Taking advantage of their newfound freedom, "Pinocchio" and his new friend "Lampwick" engage in forbidden activities like fighting and destroying expensive model houses before unwinding with a cigar and a beer in the island's arcade.

The 1959 film 'Sleeping Beauty' has also faced controversy from contemporary audiences. The film depicts "Prince Philip" kissing "Princess Aurora" while she is unconscious, which awakens her from her enchanted sleep. While the film's ending is lighthearted, the idea of a man forcibly kissing a sleeping woman has led some modern viewers to question its message. It is essential to analyze and reflect on the representations of romantic relationships in the media and strive to create more respectful and consensual portrayals that do not perpetuate harmful gender norms.

Despite becoming a cult film among die-hard Disney fans, 'The Aristocats,' released in 1970, contains shockingly racist scenes that will undoubtedly offend viewers, even considering the era in which it was made. 1970 was not a progressive era in terms of racial representation, and the film features a supporting character named "Shun Gon", an Asian member of the Alley Cats. Unfortunately, there is nothing that is not racist in "Shun Gon's" appearance in 'The Aristocats'. Drawn with protruding teeth and slanted eyes, the character represents one of the most blatant displays of racism in a Disney film, and it is still shocking to see today.

The Disney movie 'Peter Pan' contains troubling themes such as underage smoking and blatant racism. In a scene where "Peter" is with "Tiger Lily" and her father, he smokes and blows a large amount of smoke into Pan's face, normalizing and even glamorizing smoking for younger viewers. Furthermore, the song that follows this scene is considered one of the most racist Disney songs. It is crucial to recognize and address these problematic themes in movies, particularly in terms of their influence on children's perception and behavior.

In the movie 'The Little Mermaid', "Ariel" sacrifices everything, including her voice, which she values above all else, to pursue "Prince Eric", whom she hasn't even met. Some critics have questioned the message this sends to viewers, especially young women, by appearing to perpetuate the idea that women should sacrifice their own identity and voice for romantic love. The removal of "Ariel's" ability to express herself verbally as an individual has also been the subject of criticism, highlighting how women have been portrayed as silenced and powerless to communicate as their voice is suppressed.

Disney's 'The Jungle Book' has faced criticism for perpetuating racial stereotypes through the character of "King Louie", the monarch orangutan. Critics have pointed out that Louie and his fellow apes are the only characters who speak in "jive" slang, which is associated with Black people. In addition, some have found "Louie's" song "I Wanna Be Like You," which he sings to "Mowgli" in a Dixieland style, to be inspired by Louis Armstrong and a parody of the civil rights movement. This portrayal has been considered offensive by some.

The movie 'Pocahontas' has faced criticism for oversimplifying the relationship between Native Americans and English settlers. Historical inaccuracies are apparent from the beginning of the film, particularly in the portrayal of the two protagonists. While the film is an improvement in the representation of Native Americans compared to previous Disney films such as 'Peter Pan,' critics accuse it of oversimplifying the historical relationship between European settlers and Native Americans. The movie presents a false narrative that overlooks the devastating consequences that the arrival of the colonists had for the Native American population.