Disney has added a new content advisory notice to some films - here’s why

Some classic Disney films have been updated with a content advisory notice for racism on the streaming service, Disney+.

Films such as Peter Pan, Jungle Book and Dumbo now begin with a strengthened message about stereotypes.

‘These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now’

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When playing certain films on the Disney+ streaming service, the new message - which cannot be skipped - flashes up before viewing.

It reads, “This programme includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures.

“These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now.

“Rather than remove this content, we want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together.

“Disney is committed to creating stories with inspirational and aspirational themes that reflect the rich diversity of the human experience around the globe.

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“To learn more about how stories have impacted society, please visit www.disney.com/StoriesMatter.”

The streaming service first added a warning about racism in November. However, it was much shorter.

According to Disney’s Stories Matter website, the company is in the process of reassessing its past titles with an advisory council composed of outside organisations.

These include the African American Film Critics Association, the coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment, the National Association of Latino Independent Producers, and the GLAAD Media Institute.

Some of the films with racist elements

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Included in the list of movies which carry the warning is The Aristocats, which contains stereotypes directed at Chinese people, and Peter Pan, as Native Americans in the film are referred to as “redskins.”

Dumbo, released in 1941, carries the warning. The film features racist, stereotyped voices, and the lead crow is called Jim Crow, in reference to the southern US segreationalist laws at the time.

Jungle Book also features on the list of films with the new warning, as orangutan King Louie is considered a racist caricature of African Americans.

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