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

by Peter
written by Peter

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.
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Entertainment

Mickey Mouse Enters the Public Domain: A New Era for Iconic Creations

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

Mickey Mouse and Other Beloved Creations Enter the Public Domain

Mickey’s Long-Awaited Arrival

After nearly a century of copyright protection, Mickey Mouse has finally entered the public domain in the United States. This means that the iconic cartoon character, along with other treasured works from 1928, is now freely available for anyone to use or build upon without permission.

The Impact of Copyright Law

Copyright law grants creators exclusive rights to their works for a limited period of time. This protection is intended to incentivize creativity and innovation. However, it can also hinder the public’s access to cultural heritage.

The Public Domain: A Rich Resource

The public domain is a vast reservoir of creative works whose copyrights have expired. It includes everything from classic literature to historic films to timeless music. By making these works freely available, the public domain fosters creativity, education, and cultural preservation.

Mickey’s Legal Journey

Mickey Mouse’s copyright was originally set to expire in 1984. However, the Walt Disney Company successfully lobbied for several extensions, culminating in the “Mickey Mouse Protection Act” of 1998, which extended the copyright to 95 years.

The End of an Era

With the expiration of Mickey’s copyright, a new chapter begins. While the original 1928 version of the character is now in the public domain, later versions remain protected. This distinction will likely lead to future legal battles over the character’s evolving appearance.

Trademark Protection

It’s important to note that trademark law, which protects brand identities, is separate from copyright law. Disney still owns the trademark for Mickey Mouse, which means that others cannot use the character’s name or likeness without permission. However, they can create their own Mickey-inspired characters and stories as long as they do not infringe on Disney’s trademark.

Disney’s Influence

Disney has played a significant role in shaping copyright laws. The company’s reliance on public domain works for its own films highlights the importance of maintaining a robust public domain.

Other Works Entering the Public Domain

In addition to Mickey Mouse, numerous other beloved works entered the public domain on January 1, 2024, including:

  • The House at Pooh Corner by A. A. Milne
  • Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D. H. Lawrence
  • Peter Pan; or the Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up by J. M. Barrie
  • “Mack the Knife” from The Threepenny Opera
  • The Circus by Charlie Chaplin
  • “Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love)” by Cole Porter
  • Orlando: A Biography by Virginia Woolf
  • “Yes! We Have No Bananas” by Frank Silver and Irving Cohn
  • The Man Who Laughs, based on the novel by Victor Hugo

The Future of the Public Domain

The entry of Mickey Mouse and other iconic works into the public domain is a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. By striking a balance between copyright protection and public access, we can ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy and build upon the timeless creations of the past.

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Animation

Dumbo: The Journey from Scrolling Book to Beloved Classic

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

Dumbo: From Scrolling Book to Silver Screen and Beyond

The Original ‘Dumbo’ Story

Before soaring into theaters, Disney’s beloved classic “Dumbo” was almost a different story altogether. It was originally conceived as a children’s book with a unique twist: it would be published as a scroll contained in a box, with readers twisting dials to reveal the next frame with pictures and words.

Roll-A-Book’s Innovation

The scrolling-book concept was the brainchild of Everett Whitmyre, an advertising agent who was inspired by watching children at the New York Public Library. He applied for a patent in 1938, which was granted the following year. He assigned the patent rights to his own company, Roll-A-Book Publishers, Inc.

Dumbo’s Journey to Disney

Whitmyre became interested in “Dumbo” after author Helen Aberson and illustrator Harold Pearl approached him to publish the book. The couple had come up with the idea and created the initial drawings, excited by the possibility of a scrolling book format.

However, before the book could be printed, Whitmyre offered the story to Walt Disney, the celebrated movie animator and creator of Mickey Mouse. He recognized the potential for a film and quickly worked out a deal with Aberson and Pearl. It is believed that one of the prototypes had been sent to Disney Productions in Hollywood.

From Book to Animated Masterpiece

Disney transformed “Dumbo” into a successful animated film in 1941, tugging at heartstrings for generations. The film’s charming characters, heartwarming story, and iconic music made it an instant classic.

The Legacy of ‘Dumbo’

While the scrolling-book concept never caught on, “Dumbo” did eventually take off as a children’s book, published by Little Golden Books under a licensing agreement with Disney. It has remained in print ever since, with new adventures and storylines created for everybody’s favorite flying elephant.

Controversy and Clarification

Over time, confusion arose over who did what in creating the “Dumbo” saga. Pearl started getting credit as a co-author, and artist Helen Durney was often recognized as playing more of a role than she did. However, Aberson’s son, Andrew Mayer, has clarified that his mother was the primary creator of the story.

A Timeless Tale

“Dumbo” continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, its themes of overcoming adversity and the power of perseverance inspiring and heartwarming generations. The story has taken on new life with the recent live-action movie adaptation, reimagined by director Tim Burton with a combination of live action and computer-generated imagery.

Dumbo’s Impact on Disney

“Dumbo” played a significant role in Disney’s history. Its financial success helped save the studio from financial ruin during a challenging time, including an animators’ strike and the loss of the European market due to World War II. The film also showcased Disney’s innovative storytelling and animation techniques, solidifying his reputation as a master of the craft.

Dumbo’s Enduring Charm

Whether in its original scrolling-book format, as an animated masterpiece, or as a beloved children’s book, “Dumbo” has captured the hearts and imaginations of countless readers and viewers. Its enduring charm lies in its timeless themes, endearing characters, and the magic of storytelling that continues to enchant audiences to this day.

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