White People Can Go Where Ever They Want

They can just stroll into any restricted zone they please. The worst they'll get is a, "Sir, can I help you with something?" That's why they do all that urban exploring, abandoned buildings shit. When people of color do that it's called trespassing. I'm not even mad; they're used to being able to do whatever they want, they can't help it.

 

Taking Responsibility

I love Disney. I grew up during Disney's animation renaissance; The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Aladdin... I don't think any other film house can claim such an impressive string of hits. And we're not even talking about Disney's golden age; Snow White, Cinderella, Bambi, Fantasia, The Jungle Book, Dumbo....
Let's look at those last two.
While The Jungle Book and Dumbo are undoubtedly classics, they, like many other films of their time, have the unfortunate position of being racially insensitive. What? You don't remember.



King Louie is basically a black guy. He speaks jive and sings jazz. He "wants to be human." Come on.
Still not convinced?
How about Dumbo?



Get the hell outta here! I mean, the leader's name is Jim! Jim Crow!
And it's not just blacks who were misrepresented by the big ears. Heres a more recent clip from The Aristocrats.



Now do you realize why they don't show these on ABC Family?
I know Disney isn't the only culprit here. There's a whole slew of racist characters portrayed by mainstream and beloved companies. Bugs Bunny. The Spirit. Don't dig too far into their back catalogue if this stuff bothers you.
I bring up Disney because, well, I really like Disney. I believe Walt's story is one of the greatest in American history. Disney is responsible for generations of imaginative and creative individuals.
So, how do we deal with this?
It's time for Disney to accept responsibility. I'm not looking for anybody's head, here. I don't think that anyone working there now should feel guilty about a past they didn't participate in. But how awesome would it be for Disney to step up to the plate here, and use this as a learning tool?
Here's what I suggest: Re-release these movies on DVD and Blu-ray. The default version should be an edited cut, with the inappropriate characters edited or removed. But I don't believe in altering the past, pretending what happened didn't happen (I'm looking at you Lucas). So put the original cut on there as a special feature.
But don't stop there. Include a 30 minute round table discussion. Have an exec there (Bob Iger) and a few professors or historians who are experts on racial and cultural issues. Add a younger celebrity, too (Raven Simone).
Disney should own the situation. Put the stigma behind them. Let's celebrate the art, but better understand the context.

Overheard at a KFC Marketing Meeting

"People! KFC has asked us to produce a new commercial for their Black market. I want ideas."
"Why do they even need a commercial? They're going to buy it, regardless."
"Don't worry about it, it's an easy job. Brain-dead stuff. Work with me, people."
"Hhmm... A Black commercial... We can do Southern. Southern Black has made a huge comeback since that thing in New Orleans."
"Popeyes is doing it."
"Oh, yeah."
"What about young Black. You know, hip?"
"No. No violent stuff."
"No, I meant cool and sophisticated. Like 'Ebony' magazine, you know?"
"I'm pretty sure they stopped publishing that."
"I like it. Today's Black customer wants to convey a sense of maturity, sophistication."
"Guys, to tell you the truth, I'm a little uncomfortable with this whole conversation..."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, should we really be talking like this?"
"Oh, I see. We should be saying African-American, right?"
"Yeah, I think so."
"I'm not saying that; too long."
"Wait! We have just a word for this... Damn. What was it?"
"Urban?"
"Yes! Urban! Urban people love chicken!"
"So, cool, black- I mean urban- people enjoying chicken, in a social setting..."
"We'll play some smooth R&B in the background, but nothing overly ethnic or cultural, just generic shit."
"Do you think we should mix in a few other ethnicities. Puerto Rican? Maybe some type of Asian? The beer and insurance companies seem to be doing a lot of multi-racial stuff lately."
"Naw. If we just use Black actors it will be cheaper."
"Make sure we add some sexual overtones. Those people really sleep around."
"We'll run heavy rotation during NBA games and on BET."
"I'm liking it, people! Sounds like our work here is done. Let's break for lunch."
"Where to?"
"California Pizza Kitchen?"
"Just try and stop me."