Recently, Disney announced that one of its famous rides called Splash Mountain is being completely re-imagined.
The ride is based on the famous film Song of the South, which was released in 1946. Over the years, the movie has attracted criticism for being Disney’s most culturally questionable feature to date.
The concept is now being changed and will be based on The Princess and the Frog, featuring Tiana, the production’s first African-American princess.
The re-imagination of The Princess and the Frog
The much-needed confirmation came from executives after a surge of online petitions calling for a change. Many users cited a colossal lack of diversity in the park and applauded the move.
Disney plans to pick up the story after the final kiss. It will show Tiana and Louise’s journey through a musical while the ride also promises to features the film’s powerful soundtrack.
A Step in the Right Direction
The newer version of the classics
The world-famous adventure park that sees millions in visitors every year has promised that the newer version will be inclusive. It will be something that the riders are inspired by and relate to, all the while making the place more attuned to the current scenario.
Bob Weis, president of Walt Disney Imagineering, revealed that the change had been secretly in the works for a year.
Praising Tiana, he elaborates that she is a courageous and modern woman who empowers girls. The princess is shown to be fearlessly pursuing her dreams while never losing sight of her priorities. It certainly sheds light on why the particular film was chosen.
Tracing another link back to 1966, Weis divulged that Walt Disney himself inaugurated New Orleans Square when it became the first new land to be added to Disneyland. Since the movie is set against the backdrop of the Louisiana Bayou and New Orleans, it felt natural to gravitate towards The Princess and the Frog.
Disney is taking a step in the right direction
After the nationwide protests outraged by the incident involving George Floyd, Disney joins a long list of brands that have announced changed to induce diversity. Cultural intolerance runs deep in American history. People in a position to bring change have been coming forward to eradicate subtle undertones of discrimination.
Aunt Jemima, Eskimo Pie, Colgate, Mrs. Butterworth, Dixie Beer, Nestle, and Uncle Ben’s are just some of the brands that have promised to alter their imagery.
HBO Max recently pulled Gone with the Wind, due to its wrongful depiction of slavery. It was later reinstated with an added introduction by Jacqueline Stewart, professor at the University of Chicago, and host of Silent Sunday Nights.
Undoubtedly, there is a long way to go. These changes are a promising start for an enlightened generation, peaceful times, and eradication of racial profiling.