Song of the South

[son_of_a_gunn_25]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 4:35pm

http://www.snopes.com/disney/films/sots.htm
I never noticed a lot of the things mentioned in this article. I just thought it was showing how Black people were still able to find so happiness in spite of their oppression. This also makes it sound like all slave owners were extremely cruel which I learned in AP U.S. History is not necessarily the case. I am not saying slavery was right at all, I am just saying that some slave owners were much much kinder to their slaves than others. Well and this is set after the civil war too. I was just wanting everyone's opinion on the movie for those of you who have seen it. I would also think that the parts (Like Toby not being in the birthday scene) would have been subtle reminders of what was wrong with society at that time. We have discussed it before but this article gave me some new insights into the movie.

[Westopher]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 4:37pm

Everyrones a rittle bit lacist.

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 4:50pm

I've never seen it, but the scuttlebut is that it's not terribly racist--Disney is just bending way over backwards in an attempt to be politically correct.

Interesting, a live-action musical from the exact same time (CABIN IN THE SKY, 1941) is chock-full of racial sterotypes but is readily available on DVD.

Perhaps because it has wonderful music ("Taking a Chance on Love") and incredible Black performers (Ethel Waters, Lena Horne, Butterfly McQueen.)

That brings up ANOTHER point--despite the racial character of "Prissy" (Ah don' nothin' 'bout 'birthin' no babies!) no one has ever even THOUGHT about taking GONE WITH THE WIND off the market.

[Westopher]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 4:52pm

MGM doesn't have to be politically correct, Disney does.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 4:55pm

Disney WANTS it released to DVD, badly!

It's been highly asked for since before DVDs were invented, as it was only released on VHS MANY MANY years ago.

If it does get a DVD release, could you imagine the controversy? Disney would make a fortune.

BUT - they don't want the negative publicity that could cause permanite damage.

I say go ahead and release it. I'm not offended at all. Its a great film.

www.songofthesouth.net

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 4:55pm

I'm not sure I follow.

Both are movie studios that I think would not want to "drive away" a large percentage of their market.

[Westopher]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 4:57pm

Disney has the Magic Kingdom reputation to uphold. This is why MGM makes action flicks were things blow up, and Disney doesn't. It's not the Disney way.

[son_of_a_gunn_25]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 5:03pm

I find it interesting that one of Disney's most popular rides is based off Song of the South.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 5:07pm

When Disneyland was built, Song of the South wasn't in too much of a controversy. In fact, none of recognition. In the now considered limited number of characters in the park, Brer Bear and Brer Fox were always found in the mix.

[iRuvPrinceton]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 5:11pm

I happen to have a vast collection of Disney sing-a-longs, and about three of them have "Zip-a-dee-doo-da" in the collection.

There have been worse movies out there, I'm sure. I say they release it too!

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 7:19pm

The 2 worst words in the english language - politically correct

Amos & Andy is also deemed as racist. It is damn funny. I look @ it as an african american Honeymooners

The Kingfish - Ralph with his hairbrained schemes
Andy - Almost a copy of Ed Norton
Alice - Sapphire
Trixie - The only missing character

I saw a special on it where many people, including famous african americans , thought it to be a comedy milestone. Unfortunately the PC police have made the series unreleasable but it is available on DVD on the net

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 7:30pm

Well, I'm not sure I agree with that.

If they brought back "The Goldbergs" with all that "Yiddish" sterotype humour, it certainly would offend me.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 7:33pm

I saw Song of the South when I was about 10 or younger (My uncle had it on VHS) and yes some of that was stereotypical (the tar baby comes to mind) but what I can remember from watching it, it isn't no where near as bad as a lot of movies they show on TCM that deals with black face and whatnot.

[Westopher]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 7:44pm

But this is Disney we're talking about.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 7:46pm

true

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 8:46pm

How about Spike Lee's " Bamboozled" involving a minstrel show ? That was racist but Mr Lee got a pass on it.

[Westopher]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 8:47pm

First of all, he's black.
Secondly, it really WAS a social commentary.
Lastly, It wasn't through Disney!!!!!

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 8:50pm

So an african american can be racist but not a caucasian ? Seems a bit unfair

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 8:57pm

Unfair but true.

My friends and I can say ANYTHING we want about each other; but if somebody from outside our circle BREATHES negativity about one of us, we're ALL over him like clammy spaghetti!

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 8:58pm

I have used that argument for a while now. The thing that bothers me (but yet still is hillarious) is when black comedians make fun of white people, but if a white comedian makes fun of black people it's "OMG. He is a racist." I mean, look at the movie WHITE CHICKS.....I rest my case.

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 9:23pm

Spike Lee doesn't need a pass for BAMBOOZLED. First of all, he's Spike Lee, not Disney. Secondly, BAMBOOZLED is an awesome movie. It's easy to see where Disney is coming from, but I do think they should just release Song of the South and maybe include a disclaimer or something. By banning it, they're only adding to the image people will have in their minds, making it seem more racist than it really is. Plus, it makes Splash Mountain a little nonsensical, and an awkward thing to explain to kids who ride it and want to know what the hell the theme is.

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 9:27pm

Either that, Matt, or perhaps Spike Lee should open a theme park. Va-Lee. No, that isn't it. Give me some time, I'll think of something good. . . :)

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 9:48pm

I'd love a Spike Lee theme park! "Get On The Bus- THE THRILL RIDE" or "Girl 6- Motion Simulator". So many good ideas!

[Gothampc]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 10:54pm

I have Song of the South on VHS. The show is based on The Complete Tales of Uncle Remus by Joel Chandler Harris. I can understand why people may not want to be reminded of this time in history or of the stereotypes that it portrays. However, I think the music is great. How can you hate Zipitty Do Dah?

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 11:14pm

I just think it's bad news anytime anything is banned or censored. I believe in audience targetting control and keeping things in the proper context, but nothing should be completely tucked under the bed as if it never happened.