Aladdin is one of them. 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. 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. 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. It feels sincere, and its also good business., In November 2019, when Disney launched its Disney+ streaming service, the company added content warnings ahead of its animated classics Dumbo (1941), The Jungle Book (1967) and Aladdin (1992) to warn audiences that the movies may contain outdated cultural depictions.. The highly controversial Song of the South (1946) is not available on the streaming service. A cemetery posted a personal ad for a goose whose mate died. Iconic film critic, Roger Ebert, wrote in his 1992 review: One distraction during the film was its odd use of ethnic stereotypes. Disney films have been a mainstay in many people's childhoods for generations, but some elements of them don't hold up today. Guess Disney isnt that offended after all. The live-action reveal is a bit of a surprise. 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. Something like this is surely the reason they put it afront of the video, just to be safe. , in which she sings about not allowing men to silence her. 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. Pocahontas was staight full of lies and racial slurs. We just let them know that it is a piece of media from another time, Skorodin says. 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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. All the latest gaming news, game reviews and trailers. I am cynical by nature. Why is there so little Middle Eastern, Arab or Muslim (or other minority group) representation in film and television? While the voice cast of the 1992 movie was entirely white, the live-action film boasts a diverse cast. The new message plays before all of the listed films for about 10 seconds and cannot be skipped or fast-forwarded. Nobodys canceling these movies, he said. It was even broader than that because we talked about the history of stereotypes and the lack of roles for Asian Americans. 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. These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now. Bias/Anecdote: While I can't remember too much about Aladdin specifically that might call for this (the changed line about cutting off your hand during the opening theme comes to mind, but that's already been removed), the overall tone plays on a great deal of stereotype tropes for Middle-Eastern cultures that aren't really that accurate or true, or are at least heavily exaggerated. On a different note, Disney has actually restored Saludos Amigos on Disney+. 7. Itwould be great if Disney did it across the board for all of their older cartoons that may be a little insensitive., Guy Aoki, co-founder of the Media Action Network for Asian Americans (MANAA), sayshe has never seen 1992sAladdinhimself, but he was friends with Don Bustany, president of the Los Angeles chapter of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and late deejay Casey Kasem, who were a part of a successful campaign to change problematic lyrics inAladdins introductory song Arabian Nights., They had meetings to talk about their concerns about how it was stereotyping Arab culture and how they wanted to get one line of the song changed, recalls Aoki. Please review Rule 4 and this post before making a top level comment: I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. That, and the story is loosely rooted in One Thousand and One Arabian Nights, a collection of Middle Easter folk tales. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter, Several representatives of minority advocacy groups spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about their reactions to the Disney+ disclaimer for films such as 1967's 'The Jungle Book' and 1953's 'Peter Pan. Additionally, 1992s animatedAladdin, criticized for its racist depictions of West Asian culture, does not feature the warning in its synopsis. "Disney is committed to creating stories with inspirational and aspirational themes that reflect the rich diversity of the human experience around the globe.". No. But it's not as innocent as it seems. alternate lyrics were dubbed into the video and soundtrack releases. 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. 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? 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 sultan's palace in Aladdin, left, and the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Less well known is the fact that the film sparked a racial controversy, one that is still reverberating today. 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. And yet, some scholars say the central character could be partly . ", clearly implying it's cutting off the hand. Wouldnt it be reasonable that if all the characters in this movie come from the same genetic stock, they should resemble one another? Even real-life cities are melting pots of different languages, racial and ethnic groups, and religions, just as Agrabah is. On " Fixer to Fabulous ," Dave and Jenny Marrs have been doing many remarkable remodels around Bentonville, AR but that's not to say we agree with all of their design . 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. 1. But now Disney is offended by its own creation, so it slaps a warning on Aladdin. UPDATE: Disney has updated their content warning on Disney+ to an unskippable, 12-second message in front of controversial movies or shorts. It's barbaric, but hey, it's home". Authenticity was not a major consideration. Our job is not to get up and say, Heres a movie that you should feel guilty about for liking. But to pretend that the racism in it is not painful and acute? To learn more about how stories have impacted society, please visit. In the examples below, the, 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. 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! Now only days after his death, the live-action Aladdin remake has been questioned over its casting woes. Nothing else. 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. Disney is committed to creating stories with inspirational and aspirational themes that reflect the rich diversity of the human experience around the globe. But they will not stop playing Aladdin. 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. Don't stand until the rug has come to a complete stop. Reimagining the Middle East: Grassroots Movements, Arab American Heritage Month Resource Guide, wear clothing from a wide array of cultures, allegedly darkening the skin of white actors and crew, Middle Eastern critic Maha Albadrawi says. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. It reads: This program includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures. Could he overcome the perception that the story was inherently bigoted? Heck if the salesman is racist, The whole cartoon is. At that time, it simply noted, "This program is presented as originally created. CBS News has reached out to the Walt Disney Company for more information. Its a complete waste of time for our children who will eventually become whining Disney adults. What? Aladdin is one of the greatest animated movies of all time and one of the main reasons behind that is the Genie character. But maybe thats the issue that Disney and other major corporations cant seem to understand. 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. Wouldnt it be reasonable that if all the characters in this movie come from the same genetic stock, they should resemble one another? 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. 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. 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. A handpicked selection of stories from BBC Future, Earth, Culture, Capital and Travel, delivered to your inbox every Friday. How is your familys culture represented in film, television or literature? Twenty-seven years ago, Disneys animated version of. How do you see this issue changing in the future? 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. 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. They want to make up for any offensive messaging they may have been a part of, Robertson told the publication. 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. 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. Mar 1, 2023. A Syrian named Hanna Diyab did apparently meet with Galland at some point, but it remains unclear how much, if any, of the story came from him. to be set somewhere in the Middle East. Jasmine's mother is barely a thought in the 1992 animated movie. did apparently meet with Galland at some point, but it remains unclear how much, if any, of the story came from him. The film remains controversial to this day. In the examples below, the illustration of Aladdin on the left, circa 1930 by an unknown artist, (Credit: Getty Images/Hulton Archive), and the illustration on the right from the early 20th century (Credit: Alamy), both clearly depict Asian clothing and settings. 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.. Probably some more stuff political invorrect stuff while they show how the people act in town, depicting the way they act in a negative way? Rather than removing the offensive content, the company said it hopes to "spark conversation and open dialogue on history that affects us all. 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. 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. The names Jasmine and Aladdin are both of Middle-Eastern origin, with Aladdin being derived from Arabic while Jasmine has its roots in Persian. (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 sport[ed] a Manchurian queue and Chinese slippers, and the architecture feature[ed] distinctly Chinese pagodas. The emphasis on the Chinese aspects of, during this time period through the use of , (the imitation of Chinese motifs and techniques in Western art) was especially popular. The sultans palace in Aladdin, left, and the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. 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. notions of Oriental interchangeability, pointing to the fact that name Jasmine has Persian roots, not Indian. However, experts continued to criticize the soft language used in the old Disney Plus disclaimers. 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. That Disney talent agents are pedophiles/child molesters? 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. Credit: Outnow/Alamy. New foreign series, such as Jinn, available now on Netflix, may also rely on fantasy or folk culture, but they provide authentic place settings and use local talent and perspectives. Whether the new film-makers choose to stand in the old guard or vanguard remains to be seen. 6. 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. Disney also came under fire for allegedly darkening the skin of white actors and crew members. ', Skyhawk notes that even with disclaimers, the damage created by outdated depictions will be difficult to erase: That having been said, Im just glad that were now entering a new phase of sensitivity towards minorities and including the native people of America that is long overdue.. , earning over $346 million in worldwide box office revenue. Bollywood is an entire industry made up of talents like this and the Middle East has equally as much talent. Ron Clements and John Musker, the directors of the 1992 film, that the movie was originally intended to be set in Baghdad, Iraq. That was really fantastic of [Paramount] to do that., Ghanizada says the language feels similar to the warning that this program contains nudity or violence, adding that it is a broad catchall. 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. The page includes a section explaining in greater detail the negative depictions in certain titles. The Disney drama kicked into higher gear after we saw Dr. Seuss books go from being $5 to $500. Yeah, probably not because that message doesnt help them pander. Ditch Disney plus there. 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. Just so were clear, Disney made Aladdin. "As part of our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, we are in the process of reviewing our library and adding advisories to content that includes negative depictions or mistreatment of people or cultures," reads a page titled Stories Matter on the Disney website. film within a month of its release at the box office. To learn more about how stories have impacted society, please visitwww.disney.com/StoriesMatter. How do you feel about Aladdin? Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories? It worked. March 16, 2021, 12:54 pmupdated March 16, 2021, 1:46 pm ", Disney said the decision is part of its "ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion." , including Afghan payraans, Indian saris, Omani daggers, and turbans from multiple cultures. Gary Sheffield Jr is the son of should-be MLB Hall of Famer, Gary Sheffield. Was it possible to accurately depict cultural nuances using a fairy tale? Did watching it ever make you uncomfortable? Did watching it ever make you uncomfortable? 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. In addition to those older films, it's also included at the start of "Aladdin," the animated blockbuster from 1992. Aladdin was criticised for perpetuating Orientalist stereotypes of the Middle East and Asia (Credit: Alamy), Daniel Newman, professor of Arabic at Durham University, acknowledges that Western portrayals have come a long way from the lotus-eating, Orientalist fantasies of yesteryear, but barring a few exceptions, what has happened is that one clich has been replaced by another; from the scimitar-wielding lascivious Arab, we have gone to the bomb-wielding terrorist Arab. While some moderate characters have been introduced in shows such as Homeland, he says, the pervading feeling is one of threat, based primarily if not exclusively on religion., Id ask the animators to add benevolent market-vendors and heroic guards who befriend Aladdin, Shaheen said of the 1992 Aladdin, conscious of the image of Middle-Eastern people that might be made on the films young viewers. Answer: Alladin has stereotypes of minorities that were considered acceptable by most people when it is made, but society has progressed and no longer view that as acceptable (for good reason). 5. 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.. 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. 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.". October 19, 2020 / 11:46 AM Versions of Aladdin from the 19th and well into the 20th centuries depict the main character as culturally Asian, not Arab. It can also be argued that outrage about Naomi Scott is invalid, given the. and our in the new adaptation. 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. Abby Monteil. Disney+ has a huge library of hundreds of movies and series from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. Covering the hottest movie and TV topics that fans want. Otherwise they wouldnt seek to continue to make money off of their offensive, racist creation. How do you feel about Aladdin? Sky has issued a disclaimer alongside a number of its films that have 'outdated values' including the 1986 hit Aliens (pictured: Sigourney Weaver) The broadcasting giants say it is reviewing. 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. Disney have not commented on the search, and although it has been suggested that the lengthy casting process is due to the studio's commitment to finding the right actors, some are critical of the studios struggle. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. 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." 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, alternate lyrics were dubbed into the video and soundtrack releases. Some accused Disney of reinforcing notions of Oriental interchangeability, pointing to the fact that name Jasmine has Persian roots, not Indian. Santa's Workshop, Three Little Pigs, Clock Cleaners, Fantasia, The Rescuers, Toy Story 2, and a lot more programs are still edited for controversial content. Aladdin wasn't asking for a kingdom or riches. This applies to classics such as Dumbo and Aladdin, which may not be suitable for younger audiences. The rags-to-riches story of a street urchin named Aladdin who asks a genie in a lamp to make him a prince is a work of fantasy. While the movie is set in a city based on Baghdad, Iraq, Aladdin contains aspects of multiple Middle Eastern and Asian cultures. Reviews have been mixed but the film has been popular, nonetheless: the. 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. These animated films teach us so much, and especially young kids, Ghanizada says. The company said that while it can't change he past, "we can acknowledge it, learn from it and move forward together.". The disclaimer reads: This program includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures. The film was criticised for perpetuating Orientalist stereotypes of the Middle East and Asia. Disney's policy here is also sketchy considering the sheer amount of content still edited on Disney+. Aoki believes it should specifically note what the issue of each film is, rather than offering up an ambiguous line. You can follow him at GarySheffieldJr. Screen capture from, In May 2019, Disney released a live-action version of. Providing warning labels to minorities like myself does nothing to protect or encourage us in society. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Supporters of the movie point to the fact that Agrabah, despite being supposedly based on an actual city. It would be helpful if they were more specific as to whats the problem because I think people can learn from this, he says. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. 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. Read about our approach to external linking. Credit: , 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. I cant wait until Disney finally puts a warning label on their films portraying marriage like the fantasy that its never been. 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. Ghanizada notes a2015 Public Policy Pollin which one-third of Republican primary voters supported bombing the fictional kingdom of Agrabah, the setting ofAladdin. "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.". Why does Aladdin have a warning now? The iconic films Aristocats (1970), Peter Pan (1953) and Swiss Family Robinson (1960) also feature the warning ahead of the film. Disney did not respond toTHRs request for comment. 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. 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. Jennifer Bisset is a Senior Editor for CNET. It protects the filmmaker from feedback. No plug forthcoming. 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. I think you might be right.