10 Huge Problems You Consciously Ignore Because The Film Is So Good
3. Dumbo - Racism
Dumbo is one of many much-loved Disney cartoons, but it's also one which whiffs of racism once your older self re-watches it. Released in 1941, it's true that attitudes were different, but some parts of the film are close to unforgivable. The crows are clearly African-American, which isn't a problem. They are depicted in a fairly stereotypical, arguably pernicious manner though. Each one talks in a Creole-drawl, yet Disney didn't even get a black guy to play the part. Then there's the black characters that randomly show up for the number 'Song of the Roustabouts'. Here the song goes: 'We slave until were almost dead / Were happy-hearted roustabout' and then 'Keep on working / Stop that shirking / Pull that rope, you hairy ape'. All a bit... well, racist. Earlier Disney films and media don't have a great reputation when it comes to handling race, but Dumbo is one of the worst offenders of those that are still watched by children today. Still though, we cherry pick the good bits, and ignore the more problematic moments. It's the way movie-going has always worked.
