Besides killing a portion of my childhood this week, our class discussions reminded me of Song of the South, a movie Disney released in 1946. Song of the South is about the America South on a plantation during the 19th century slave era. The main focus of the plot is on Uncle Remus and his stories of Brer Rabbit and his adventures --all common African American folk tales. The movie was the source of the popular song, "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" which won an Oscar in 1947.
You may be asking yourself, why have I never even heard of such a movie? Well, because Disney unwittingly made a film that made the slave-slave owner relationship look like the most jovial little family you've ever seen. The movie has never been released on video in the United States, though the VHS can be found on eBay and sent from England for the bargain price of $40 plus shipping.
The rampant stereotyping of African Americans is what makes the movie still so controversial today. Disney execs have recently been discussing a re-release, but are obviously hesitant. Several web sites have been set up to encourage its release and thousands have signed petitions written up by various fans and organizations who feel that the movie is part of our history and not racist, but a product of the time it was made. It has also been suggested that the movies's re-released format should include statements that reflect modern views of culture and ethnicity as a part of that culture. Whatever is decided, I question whether we have matured enough as a society to handle a text such as this as well as share it with our children.
*Bonus Material* Thank you, SNL! (Material does not necessarily display my views, but is hilarious nonetheless)
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