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10 Disney Movies That You Didn’t Realize Are Outright Offensive


Ah, Walt Disney – the home of magic, family-friendly entertainment, and… racist/sexist subtext?

Yes, it’s true that with nearly a century of animated and live-action films under its belt, Disney is guilty of putting out content that, by today’s standards, would be nipped in the bud from the moment it was pitched.

Nevertheless, while times have changed, these movies – for better or worse – are a part of entertainment history, and likely won’t be forgotten anytime soon. So, prepare yourselves for a trip down memory lane as we list off 10 Disney movies that you didn’t realize are outright offensive:

  1. Song of the South

    Released in 1946, Song of the South remains problematic for a number of reasons. Taking place during the Reconstruction Era just after the Civil War, the film focuses on a young boy named Johnny who befriends a black plantation worker named Uncle Remus. However, even though it takes place post-Civil War, it’s still riddled with offensive stereotypes and racist undertones… including the fact that Remus – a former slave – is still living on the plantation he was forced to work on while he was a slave and seems quite content with the situation.

  2. Fantasia

    Even if you ignore the blatant cartoon breasts in the “Night on Bald Mountain” segment, 1940’s Fantasia still features some wildly offensive content. Although it’s been removed from post-1969 re-releases, the “Pastoral Symphony” segment originally featured a black centaurette named Sunflower, who was implied to be the slave of the white centaurettes. 

  3. Peter Pan

    1953’s Peter Pan has stood the test of time in many regards. However, the film’s depiction of Native American’s is certainly not one of them. In fact, they’re portrayed as stereotypical savages, and Captain Hook even uses the offensive “redskin” slur to describe them. Plus, who can forget the cringe-worthy “What Makes the Red Man Red?” song? 

  4. Lady and the Tramp

    Just two years after Peter Pan, Disney released Lady and the Tramp, which likely conjures up memories of that romantic spaghetti kiss scene. Unfortunately, it also conjures up memories of Si and Am – the Siamese cats that are drawn and voiced in an offensive, stereotypical Chinese fashion. Then, of course, you have a Chihuahua with a decidedly Mexican accent.

  5. The Jungle Book

    In 1967, The Jungle Book hit theaters, and while it brought us some of the catchiest Disney songs of all time, it also brought controversy. In particular, King Louie and the apes drew criticism for their depiction as jive-talking, unintelligent characters, which some associated with stereotypical black connotations.  

  6. Aladdin

    Released in 1992 – the height of the Disney Renaissance – Aladdin still holds a very special place in countless viewers’ hearts. However, upon its release, the film proved to be somewhat controversial, as well, because of the lyrics to the opening song “Arabian Nights.” The line “Where they cut off your ear if they don’t like your face” was considered offensive to Middle-easterners, as it implied they were savages. As such, the line was changed in 1993 to “Where it’s flat and immense and the heat is intense.”

  7. The Little Mermaid

    Where do we begin with The Little Mermaid? Well, for starters, it marked the launch of the aforementioned Disney Renaissance in 1989, but when it hit home video, many were taken aback by the fact that a structure on the castle strongly resembled a penis. Then, there’s the allegation that a clergyman can be seen with an erection during the film, as well as argument that Ariel gives up everything that makes her unique just to please a man. However, there’s also Sebastian the crab, who’s given a Jamaican accent and sings a song about how everything’s better when you do nothing, which some believe is a stereotypical commentary on Jamaicans being considered lazy. 

  8. The Aristocats

    1970’s Aristocats has some not-so-subtle commentary on classism, and while that’s arguably a central theme of the film, it’s hard to put a positive spin on the portrayal of some of the alley cats. For example, there’s Billy Boss, who has a Russian accent and is drawn to look somewhat like Joseph Stalin. Then, of course, there’s Shun Gon, who has buckteeth, a hard Chinese accent, and plays the piano with a pair of chopsticks while singing about Chinese food.

  9. Pocahontas

    Taking strong liberties with historical accuracy is just one aspect of 1995’s Pocahontas that raises more than a few eyebrows. What’s worse is the fact that the film sets the precedent that Native Americans are mere savages, while also completely glancing over the fact that they themselves were brutalized by the English settlers.

  10. Dumbo

    Who could forget Dumbo – the 1941 film that gave us a cute talking mouse, a flying elephant, and a gang of crows that are basically caricatures of black people? The leader, Jim Crow, is named after the Jim Crow laws that enforced segregation, and the entire flock is nothing more than walking, talking, flying stereotypes.

    With all this in mind, can you ever look at these beloved Disney movies the same way again?

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