The Controversy Surrounding Disney World’s Removal of “Song of the South”

by Annika September 17, 2024

Disney World’s removal of the last reference to “Song of the South” from Walt Disney Presents in Disney Hollywood Studios has sparked controversy and erased a significant part of Walt Disney’s legacy. The decision comes after the re-theming of the popular attraction Splash Mountain, based on the film, due to “problematic racial issues.” This removal not only erases the film’s historic significance, but also undermines the accomplishments of James Baskett, the first black man to win an Academy Award. Critics argue that Disney’s actions are an example of artistic vandalism and fail to acknowledge the true complexity of the film’s narrative.

The Controversy Surrounding Disney World’s Removal of “Song of the South”

– Disney has removed all references to Song of the South from Walt Disney World, including a display in Walt Disney Presents.
– The removal of Song of the South erases the accomplishments of James Baskett, the first black man to win an Academy Award, and undermines Walt Disney’s legacy.
– The decision to remove Song of the South is seen as part of a larger trend of censorship and “cancel culture” within Disney.

Disney World’s decision to remove all references to the controversial film “Song of the South” has stirred up a heated debate about the erasure of history and the legacy of Walt Disney himself. The removal of the film from the Walt Disney Presents gallery at Disney Hollywood Studios has had significant consequences for the understanding of Walt Disney’s achievements and cultural impact.

The move to re-theme Splash Mountain, an attraction based on “Song of the South,” was already seen as a response to the film’s “problematic racial issues.” However, the removal of the last known reference to the film at the gallery adds another dimension to the debate. “Song of the South” was a groundbreaking film that combined live-action and animation, marking a technical achievement for Walt Disney. It was also a passion project for him, as he grew up reading the folklore stories upon which the film is based.

One of the most significant aspects of “Song of the South” was the casting of James Baskett as Uncle Remus. Baskett became the first black man to receive an honorary Oscar for his role in the film, a landmark moment in Hollywood history. By removing “Song of the South” from Disney World, Disney is effectively erasing this historic achievement and Walt Disney’s appreciation for Baskett’s talent.

The decision to remove the reference to “Song of the South” comes from Disney’s Stories Matter department, which focuses on diversity and inclusion. However, critics argue that this department is stifling creativity and censoring classic Disney attractions and films. The removal of “Song of the South” not only erases the film but also disconnects Walt Disney from his own parks and company.

Supporters of Disney’s actions claim that “Song of the South” is offensive and racist. However, many of these critics have not seen the film or fully understood its context. The story by Joel Chandler Harris, upon which the film is based, actually portrays Uncle Remus as a freedman, not a slave. Walt Disney’s adaptation of the story was a way to break social barriers and include stories from other cultures and traditions.

In the end, the removal of “Song of the South” and the re-theming of Splash Mountain can be seen as a form of artistic vandalism. It disregards the historical context and message of the film, instead focusing on a narrative that supports certain ideologies. This erasure not only diminishes Walt Disney’s legacy but also hinders the understanding of the cultural and artistic impact of his work.

In conclusion, the removal of “Song of the South” from Disney World raises important questions about the erasure of history and the preservation of Walt Disney’s legacy. It reflects a larger trend in which classic Disney attractions and films are censored or canceled for their perceived problematic issues. This erasure not only distorts the understanding of Walt Disney’s achievements but also limits the appreciation of diverse stories and traditions in the entertainment industry. The ongoing debate surrounding the removal of “Song of the South” highlights the complexity of balancing cultural sensitivity with the preservation of artistic works.