The history of cinema is full of racist stereotypes. (Call it the long tail of minstrel shows.) As cultural preferences have evolved – which means it’s not cool to be racist now – just like our films. In practice, this means that some things just don’t work, especially when you’re showing it to children. According to Disney, this includes classics like Peter Pan and Dumbo. Disney Plus will now not show these two films and some others for profiles that indicate that the viewer is seven years old or younger. Other blocked films include Aristocats, the Lady and the Tramp, The Swiss Family Robinson, and The Jungle Book.
It’s a big change, although adult accounts can still access blocked movies. If you decide to broadcast these films, there is a warning:
This program includes negative representations and / or mistreatment of people or cultures. These stereotypes were wrong at the time and are wrong now. Instead of removing this content, we want to recognize its harmful impact, learn from it and start conversations to create a more inclusive future together.
Disney is committed to creating stories with inspiring and ambitious themes that reflect the rich diversity of human experience around the world.
It is not without precedent. In fact, Disney added warning labels in 2019 for different films on Disney Plus (although they weren’t that strong).
Times, as they say, are changing. And if you’re curious, you can read more about Disney’s diversity efforts here, part of its Stories Matter initiative.