In May 2019, Disney released a live-action version of Aladdin, 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 Racist Disney Movie Arab Portrayal Controversy - Refinery29 "Rather than removing this content, we see an opportunity to spark conversation and open dialogue on history that affects us all." A Summary and Analysis of 'Aladdin and the Magic Lamp' Don't stand until the rug has come to a complete stop. , in which she sings about not allowing men to silence her. 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. The live-action reveal is a bit of a surprise. Some accused Disney of reinforcing notions of Oriental interchangeability, pointing to the fact that name Jasmine has Persian roots, not Indian. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. The original movie contains a scene of Goofy smoking a cigarette that was previously edited on Disney+. To learn more about how stories have impacted society, please visit. Previously, Disney had the line "This program is presented as originally created. Why does Aladdin have a warning before it? Why or why not? Heck if the salesman is racist, The whole cartoon is. Here are 5: Dumbo (1941): Contains a scene of a group of cigar-smoking crows, with their leader named Jim Crow, referring to the racist segregation laws of the South, and voiced by a white actor . 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. 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. Just so were clear, Disney made Aladdin. If you buy something through this post, IGN may get a share of the sale. , including Afghan payraans, Indian saris, Omani daggers, and turbans from multiple cultures. TheStories Matter website that is referenced in the disclaimer features more information about Disney's efforts to increase "cultural competency." At that time, it simply noted, "This program is presented as originally created. Get the Daily OutKick and get smarter every day. Additionally, 1992s animatedAladdin, criticized for its racist depictions of West Asian culture, does not feature the warning in its synopsis. Aladdin now has a warning on Disney + pic.twitter.com/ZzrX6qHqct Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) March 16, 2021 Creating a diverse and primarily non-white cast for the film was a huge step in accurately portraying a land set in the Middle East and moving towards greater diversity in Hollywood. Disney+ has a huge library of hundreds of movies and series from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. 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. Jasmine's mother is barely a thought in the 1992 animated movie. Wouldnt it be reasonable that if all the characters in this movie come from the same genetic stock, they should resemble one another? Proponents of the film also encourage focusing on the great strides the 2019 film made in being more diverse and inclusive. They want to make up for any offensive messaging they may have been a part of, Robertson told the publication. These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now. 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. 'Aladdin' Now Has A Warning Screen On Disney+ - OutKick Top row shows the 1992 animated cast while below are the actors used in the 2019 live-action version of Aladdin. 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. Aoki, who has worked with Disney-owned ABC in the past as a part of the Asian Pacific American Media Colation, says he has concerns that the language in the disclaimer would not be understandable to a younger audience, likely the biggest demographic for the massive Disney+ library that dates back over eight decades. But maybe thats the issue that Disney and other major corporations cant seem to understand. While the true origins of the tale of Aladdin cannot be completely verified, the story is often attributed to French writer Antoine Galland, who claimed a Syrian told him about a boy and a genie in China. There are a number of reasons why these titles are removed. Disney+ Updates Offensive Content Disclaimer for Aladdin, Peter - CBR That, and the story is loosely rooted in One Thousand and One Arabian Nights, a collection of Middle Easter folk tales. Disney is committed to creating stories with inspirational and aspirational themes that reflect the rich diversity of the human experience around the globe. 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. Think thatll ever happen with divorce rates higher than ever? Disney Plus adds content warning to animated movies criticized as A cemetery posted a personal ad for a goose whose mate died. It may contain outdated cultural depictions.. Thats basically what they did and its the arrogance of Hollywood and the arrogance of Disney to say its our idea, its our money and were going to do it, whether you like it or not.. Mena Massoud, who plays Aladdin, was born in Cairo, Naomi Scott (Jasmine) is of Anglo-Indian descent, Numan Acar (Hakim) is Turkish, and Nasim Pedrad (Dalia) and Navid Negahban (The Sultan) are Iranian. She won Best New Journalist in 2019 at the Australian IT Journalism Awards. We take a look at the origins of the folktale, the previous dramatic portrayals of the story, the 1992 animated film, and how the filmmakers tried to overcome past controversy in the latest rendition of Aladdin. Growing up, I loved watching Aladdin, just like any other child that enjoyed Disney movies. Many have referenced the WB. Supporters of the movie point to the fact that Agrabah, despite being supposedly based on an actual city. 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. In its history, Disney has produced 56 animated movies. What? Samuel Gelman started at CBR as a news writer in August 2019 before becoming a news editor in November 2019. Disney is acknowledging that their past depictions of minorities/cultures in Alladin was not okay, but not take it down because removing it may as well be pretending it didn't happen. The iconic films Aristocats (1970), Peter Pan (1953) and Swiss Family Robinson (1960) also feature the warning ahead of the film. '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. In Disneys animatedPocahontas, the most striking inaccuracies are her age (she was a child when she met Captain John Smith, according to Encyclopedia Britannica) and there was no real romantic relationship between the two. 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. Aladdin never had a content warning until now, but the edited version has always been on Disney+. 4. Who should tell stories of other places? The Aladdin controversy Disney can't escape - BBC Culture Why Does 'Fixer to Fabulous' Star Jenny Marrs Hate This One Feature So No one thats who. 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. New Movie News, Movie Trailers & upcoming Movie Reviews, Disney+ Updates Offensive Content Disclaimer for Aladdin, Peter Pan and More, Amazon Prime Video Is Catching up to Netflix While HBO Max Outpaces Disney+ Growth, Disney: COVID Forces Restructure, Puts Greater Focus on Streaming Content, Disney+ Rebrands Non-MCU Marvel Films as Marvel Legacy, REVIEW: Frank Miller Presents Ancient Enemies: The Djinni #1 Crafts a Compelling Origin Story, REVIEW: DC's Shazam! 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. 'Aladdin' Reveals What Happened to Jasmine's Mother - Insider Ditch Disney plus there. The movie that inspired her to want a career in film is Lost in Translation. 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.. We've received your submission. I think you might be right. 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. In Disney's telling of the story, Aladdin is clever, resourceful, and loyal, but underestimated because he is poor. 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. For more information, please see our Versions of Aladdin from the 19th and well into the 20th centuries depict the main character as culturally Asian, not Arab. Weve had some very raw conversations on those Zooms, African American Film Critics Association President Gil Robertson told the Hollywood Reporter. October 19, 2020 / 11:46 AM / CBS News Disney is adding a disclaimer to some of its old movies that include racist stereotypes, the media giant announced this month. Aoki believes it should specifically note what the issue of each film is, rather than offering up an ambiguous line. . A lot. CBS News has reached out to the Walt Disney Company for more information. 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. Alan Menken, famed Disney composer, discusses enduring appeal of "Aladdin." The musical visits San Jose this month, with live-action film due in May. While the voice cast of the 1992 movie was entirely white, the live-action film boasts a diverse cast. Agrabah is a made up place thats a combo of a few different cultures. If the consensus from those directly harmed is that we need stronger wording you will receive no argument from me. There are now more opportunities for people in the United States, and elsewhere, to access regionally-produced entertainment from the Middle East. The names Jasmine and Aladdin are both of Middle-Eastern origin, with Aladdin being derived from Arabic while Jasmine has its roots in Persian. 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. 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. Ron Clements and John Musker, the directors of the 1992 film, that the movie was originally intended to be set in Baghdad, Iraq. There wasnt so much a backlash for Apu, Rather a shitty Asian comic realised he would get some media attention by claiming it to be racist.Now Asians are out of a character that was a representation of their culture at the start of the simpsons show. It shows them speaking in an unintelligible language and repeatedly refers to them as "redskins," an offensive term. Those disclaimers are now gone in favor of the new message. Disney holds monthly meetings to determine what content in its archive needs to have a warning added. Thedisclaimerappears with some animated Disney classics such as 1967sThe Jungle Bookand 1953sPeter Pan,offering caution to viewers of racist and culturally insensitive depictions and references in the plots and characters of those movies. 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. That is even more important in an era of mass media, all-you-can-watch online streaming. All Rights Reserved. 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. This week saw the death of Dr Jack Shaheen, one of the most respected and loudest critics of the vilification of Arabs in Hollywood, who successfully campaigned for offensive lyrics to be changed in the original Aladdin soundtrack. Ian Skorodin, director of strategy and outreach for the Barcid Foundation (a Native American non-profit organization), adds that it is unfortunate thatPocahontas did not receive a disclaimer. March 16, 2021, 12:54 pmupdated March 16, 2021, 1:46 pm Disney+ updated its policy toward its films containing offensive material, postinga new disclaimer and adding new movies to its list of programs that feature"negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures.". Disney also removed the "This program is presented as originally created" description from Saludos Amigos, which is funny because now the movie is actually presented as originally created. Was the Original Aladdin Story Inspired by a Real Person? | Time 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." Alladin quotes? - Memes Feel 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. While the true origins of the tale of Aladdin cannot be completely verified, the story is often attributed to French writer Antoine Galland, who claimed a Syrian told him about a boy and a genie in China. BBC did an article discussing it a few years ago when the remake was being talked about that might point to some examples where it's coming from. Disney updates content warning for racism in classic films - BBC Disney+ wants to say theyre focused on inspirational themes while half the children in Disney films have dead parents. 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. 13 Comments. Jennifer Bisset is a Senior Editor for CNET. The Aristocats, Dumbo, Peter Pan, Swiss Family Robinson and more now have stronger content warnings. The only question is how to best address this. How do you feel about Aladdin? 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. by The 2019 film also removed several instance of the most egregious racism from the animated film. 2. 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. Whether he is giving out comedic moments or being incredibly sincere, he is a perfect character. It might be worth asking ourselves when the new film is released: what would Jack Shaheen think? Theyre suddenly switching lanes (without putting on their signal, I should add) and trying to educate when they should just be creating a fun environment. The highly controversial Song of the South (1946) is not available on the streaming service. Ron Clements and John Musker, the directors of the 1992 film, said in 2015 that the movie was originally intended to be set in Baghdad, Iraq. 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. Disney Plus Offers Warnings Over 'Outdated Cultural Depictions - IGN 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. We coulda sworn we went to Disneyland and waited in line for two hours to be entertainednot for an education.. "Our job is. 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. We take a look at the origins of the folktale, the previous dramatic portrayals of the story, the 1992 animated film, and how the filmmakers tried to overcome past controversy in the latest rendition of, At the end of the overview, you can also find. Disney is now issuing tougher warnings against racial stereotypes in some of its classic films on its Disney+ streaming service. 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. 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. to be set somewhere in the Middle East. The one thing you probably didn't notice about Disney dudes' chests Credit: Others say that accusations of racism are overwrought. The company said that while. Sky adds 'outdated attitudes' disclaimer to some classic films Could he overcome the perception that the story was inherently bigoted? Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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.