Disney’s Jungle Cruise Overhaul: Removing Colonialist Stereotypes and Promoting Inclusivity

by Peter September 30, 2024

written by Peter September 30, 2024

Disney’s Jungle Cruise Overhaul: Removing Colonialist Depictions

Racism in the Jungle Cruise

Disney’s Jungle Cruise ride has come under fire for its racist depictions of Indigenous Africans. The ride features scenes with “shrunken head salesmen” and spear-wielding “headhunters,” which critics argue perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

Disney’s Response

In response to the criticism, Disney has announced plans to overhaul the ride. The company will remove the offensive scenes and add new ones that are more respectful of Indigenous cultures.

Influences of Colonialism

The original Jungle Cruise design was influenced by colonialist ideas and literature, such as Joseph Conrad’s novel “Heart of Darkness.” These works depicted Africans as primitive and savage, justifying European colonization.

Impact of Stereotypes

Such stereotypes have been perpetuated in popular culture through books like “Tarzan of the Apes” and movies like “The African Queen.” These stereotypes have shaped Western perceptions of Africa and its people.

Disney’s Responsibility

Disney acknowledges its responsibility to create experiences that reflect diverse perspectives. The company’s “Imagineers” are working to update the Jungle Cruise to be more inclusive and respectful.

Changes to the Ride

The updated Jungle Cruise will feature:

Removal of the “shrunken head salesman” scene
Replacement of the rhinoceros chase scene with one depicting all guests as members of a previous tour
Addition of a new scene featuring chimpanzees on a wrecked ship
Emphasis on the “skipper” character, who will now have an animated counterpart

Upcoming Movie

Disney is also releasing a new movie based on the Jungle Cruise, starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. The movie is expected to be more respectful of Indigenous cultures than the original ride.

Overcoming Racism in Popular Culture

Disney’s overhaul of the Jungle Cruise is a step towards overcoming racism in popular culture. By removing harmful stereotypes and promoting diversity, Disney is helping to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Timeline of Events

1955: Jungle Cruise debuts at Disneyland
1957: Spear-waving Africans and Trader Sam added to Disneyland version
1971: Jungle Cruise opens at Disney World
2020: Disney announces major changes to Splash Mountain, another ride with racist depictions
June 2021: Social media users call attention to racist stereotypes in the Jungle Cruise
September 2021: Disney announces plans to overhaul Jungle Cruise
Summer 2021 (anticipated): Release of Jungle Cruise movie
Ongoing: Jungle Cruise overhaul in progress

Additional Information

The Jungle Cruise is a scenic boat tour that takes guests through exotic rivers in Asia, Africa, and South America.
Disney’s “Imagineers” are responsible for creating and designing the company’s theme park attractions.
Ryan Minor, a historian at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has written extensively about the colonial influences on the Jungle Cruise.

Peter

Peter is a marketer with a background in business and a passion for writing. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for crafting compelling narratives, Peter has carved out a niche for himself as a versatile contributor to LifeScienceArt.com, where he enjoys sharing his insights and expertise across a wide array of topics. Peter's journey into the world of marketing began with his university education in business. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. His academic pursuits were characterized by a deep understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior, and strategic planning. This foundation laid the groundwork for his successful career in marketing, where he has applied his knowledge to help businesses grow and thrive in competitive landscapes. Throughout his career, Peter has worked with a diverse range of companies, from startups to large multinational conglomerates, helping them develop and execute effective marketing strategies. His experience spans various industries, including technology, healthcare, and consumer goods, reflecting his adaptability and broad skill set. Peter's ability to blend analytical thinking with creative problem-solving has made him a valuable asset in any organization he works with. Despite his busy professional life, Peter has always made time for his true passion: writing. He finds joy in the written word and believes in its power to inform, inspire, and connect people. This passion has found a perfect outlet in LifeScienceArt.com, where he contributes to all sections of the site. Whether it's penning thought-provoking articles on the latest trends in life sciences, crafting engaging profiles of industry leaders, or writing insightful pieces on art and its intersection with science, Peter brings a unique voice and perspective to his work. One of the aspects Peter cherishes most about his role at LifeScienceArt.com is the opportunity to collaborate with a wonderful cohort of writers. He values the camaraderie and the shared commitment to excellence that characterize the team. Working alongside talented and passionate individuals inspires him to continually hone his craft and push the boundaries of his writing. Outside of his professional pursuits, Peter is an avid reader and a lifelong learner. He enjoys exploring new ideas, delving into diverse genres of literature, and staying abreast of developments in science and art. His curiosity and enthusiasm for learning are reflected in his writing, where he strives to bring fresh insights and a nuanced understanding to his readers. Peter's story is one of dedication, versatility, and a deep-seated love for both marketing and writing. His contributions to LifeScienceArt.com not only enrich the site's content but also underscore the importance of passion and collaboration in creating meaningful and impactful work.