In the pre-Civil Rights era, some American filmmakers didnt balk at portraying gross ethnic stereotypes in their features for cheap laughs. Unfortunately, Walts track record for racial sensitivity isnt spotless. Many film fans have pointed out that the crows in Dumbo are actually not-so-subtle caricatures of African-Americans. Walt's use of African-American caricatures continued in his infamous Song of the South, where slavery is depicted as a benevolent institution. The feature proved highly controversial on its release. In fact, Song of the South is so offensive Disney has yet to release it on video. African-Americans were not the only minority group Walt caricatured in his films. The Siamese cats in the Disney feature Lady and the Tramp are bald-faced examples of egregious Asian stereotypes. These racist caricatures would probably fly right over most kids heads, but mature viewers dont have to dig very deep to see the ugly subtext contained in Walts early features. Even if society at the time found these kinds of caricatures more acceptable, it doesnt let Walt off the hook for perpetuating racist stereotypes in entertainment aimed at children. Its hard to forget this unpleasant element of Walts early features when the evidence is contained in the films themselves. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RG5mOd8Ubsk
