Events
"It may be trite to point out that Mickey Mouse is a dirty rat but, regrettably, it remains true."
-Martin Dyckman, contributor of St. Petersburg Times
-Martin Dyckman, contributor of St. Petersburg Times
Critics, Skeptics, Scandals, Oh my!
Elements from all aspects of the Walt Disney Company prompted heavy criticism from activists, media, critics, and more. From countless lawsuits to accusations of human rights violations, the portrayal of gender roles, and ethnic stereotypes, there’s no doubt Disney has faced tough controversy. “During Snow White, it was not at all unusual to see the “girls”—as Walt paternalistically referred to them—thin and exhausted, collapsed on the lawn, in the ladies’ lounge, or even under their desks. ‘I’ll be so thankful when Snow White is finished and I can live like a human once again,’ Rae wrote after she recorded 85 hours in a week. ‘We would work like little slaves and everybody would go to sleep wherever they were,’ said inker Jeanne Lee Keil, one of two left-handers in the department who had to learn everything backward” (Zohn).
Disney’s efforts to extend copyright by lobbying are widely known as the Mickey Mouse Protection Act. “The Walt Disney Company, however, seems to think that we're sharing too much already. For years, Mickey's minions have been a powerful force in shaping the global trading regime in ways that limit the free flow of ideas, with real economic consequences. Behind its facade of global goodwill, Disney is playing the evil stepmother to the developing world's entrepreneurial Cinderellas” (Kenny).
Many popular Disney films have generated controversy over the years. Disney’s film, Aladdin, is one example of a film slashed for racism. Arab groups have vigorously protested against certain characters, and went as far to persuade Disney to change one song’s lyrics (Weslander). The films have also been argued to contribute to children’s understanding of social behavior and gender concepts thus prohibiting them to make their own judgments and follow the perception of Disney norms.