Racism in Disney

Racism is also prevalent in Disney films with racial generalisations being put forward in them. It is disguised through the use of animal characters such as the cats in Lady and the Tramp as they embody characteristics associated with Chinese people like slanted eyes. Yet it is so careful constructed that often it goes unnoticed, subtle racial stereotypes empower the white man like Tarzan who is the white heroic saviour whereas ethnic minorities are portrayed as strange or unpleasant. Automatically children learn that non-white citizens are corrupt individuals which is an outdated perception as it embraces the white saviours.

Disney somewhat celebrates Imperialism as the white man seems to dominate and tame other people i.e. Pocahontas. Interestingly, the original story of Pocahontas represented the historical mass assassination of Native Americans but Disney decided to distort the real story and make the white man the saviour whilst the Native Americans were depicted as the violent party. Their explanation for the alteration in the story is that they made its suitable for children by cutting out the violence. However, Disney never actually address the criticism implying that the films are rest and it is swept under the rug. Despite many complaining about the offence lyrics of the Aladdin song claiming it was discriminatory Disney kept them in but lowered the music.

As these powerful messages are exposed to many from a young age in effect Disney are responsible for the way a lot of people are socialised to behave. Thus, they maintain the ideology that white people are superior to other races and maintain their dominance.