Disney Urged To Change Plot Of Snow White As It Promotes "Kissing Without Consent".
Disney’s 1937 animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, stands as a milestone in film history as the first-ever full-length animated film.
Despite its groundbreaking success and enduring popularity, the film has come under scrutiny in recent years, particularly concerning its portrayal of consent in the iconic "true love's kiss" scene.
This article delves into the criticism, the context of these concerns, and how Disney is navigating the evolving landscape of cultural sensitivity.
The Controversial Scene
In Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the plot culminates in a scene where Prince Charming kisses Snow White while she is in a deep, enchanted sleep, leading to her awakening and the resolution of the story. This kiss, intended to represent true love's power, has been reexamined in light of contemporary values surrounding consent.
The primary criticism centers on the notion that the kiss occurs without Snow White’s explicit consent, raising questions about the implications of such a scenario.
Critics argue that this portrayal could be problematic, especially in an era increasingly focused on the importance of consent in all forms of interpersonal interaction.
Cultural and Social Context
When Snow White was released in 1937, societal norms and cultural attitudes were vastly different from today. The concept of consent was not as prominently discussed or emphasized, and many of the social mores reflected in the film were standard for its time.
However, as societal understanding of consent and personal autonomy has evolved, there is increased scrutiny of media from previous eras through the lens of modern values.
Disney’s Response
Disney has faced increasing pressure to address these concerns in their classic content. The company has made efforts to reassess and update their portrayals of sensitive issues in response to changing social norms. This has included reimagining characters and storylines in newer adaptations to better reflect contemporary values.
For instance, Disney has made adjustments in its live-action adaptations and other media to offer more nuanced portrayals.
The upcoming live-action remake of Snow White, directed by Marc Webb and starring Rachel Zegler, is expected to address some of these concerns by providing a more modern interpretation of the story.
While specific changes to the kiss scene have not been confirmed, it is anticipated that the film will incorporate updated perspectives on consent and agency.
Broader Implications
The discussion around Snow White reflects a broader trend in media where older content is reevaluated through the lens of contemporary values.
This reassessment is part of a larger movement within the entertainment industry to address historical inaccuracies, outdated stereotypes, and social issues more sensitively.
Critics argue that revisiting and potentially revising such content is necessary to ensure that media remains relevant and respectful of current social standards.
This process involves balancing respect for classic works with the need to address and correct problematic elements.
Conclusion
The scrutiny of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs regarding consent highlights an ongoing cultural shift towards greater sensitivity and awareness.
Disney’s approach to updating and reinterpreting its classic films reflects an effort to engage with these evolving values while honoring the legacy of its historical works.
As society continues to advance in its understanding of consent and representation, it is likely that more discussions and revisions will arise, shaping the future of classic media.
