Bob, my point is that it is not up to Disney to decide what my children should see or not see that is MY job as the parent. Jeesh, some ppl eh?! Revisiting 'Swiss Family Robinson,' Disney's Problematic Box Office Smash From 1960, As they're sometimes wont to do, Disney made news a couple weeks ago. Nothing has been censored, nothing has been cancelled. Has nothing to do with systemic racism at all. The captain is given the journal containing the story of their life on the island, which is eventually published. (2009) Animacion, Familjar | Shtetet e Bashkuara t Ameriks, Kin, Kanada. "[1] The closest English translation to the original is that of the Juvenile Library in 1816, published by the husband and wife team William Godwin and Mary Jane Clairmont, reprinted by Penguin Classics.[2]. Fritz rescues a young Englishwoman named Jenny Montrose, who was shipwrecked elsewhere on their island. The destiny of another Bernese man, Alfred von Rodt, also crossed paths with that of the fictional adventurer. To learn life lessons. In its explanation for the advisory warnings, Disney+ writes,These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now. s02e18 The Swiss Family Robinson. The crows are an example of irony. Both novels are important to Swiss literature, but Heidi remains the better known of the two. Super WHY! By the story's end, it's implied that William may become the island's governor, with no consideration for whether or not anyone lived there before he and his family arrived. Adults may also notice how none of the Robinsons speak in a Swiss accent, and in fact, their vocal characteristics vary wildly. In their continued effort to promote diversity and inclusion, Disney has made select films unavailable on childrens Disney+ profiles due to negative cultural depictions, particularly racist stereotypes. No child of 6,7,8 years old knows what the PC police at Disney is talking about- these movies are not racist. This is a story about a lily-white family arriving on a tropical island and colonizing it for themselves. Many appear in yellow face or brown face and are And it's kind of remarkable that Disney wouldn't make nearly so many expansive, epic adventures moving forward considering the vast success this title found at the box office. (Sadly, there is no Will Robinson of whom to speak.) The Robinson family's epic journey was born of the imagination of the Bernese pastor Johann David Wyss. He married a woman from the island, started a family and reigned over his 'small kingdom' until his death in 1905. William knows that they must prepare for a long time on the island and his thoughts are as much on provisions for the future as on their immediate wants. (I'm an avowed fan of the background music of the Disney theme parks, yet I did a double-take when the mother Robinson started playing the "Swisskapolka" on the organ during that dance scene. The novel opens with the titular family in the hold of a sailing ship, weathering a great storm. Placing a title card in front of this film or, more realistically, in front of a well-known family favorite like, isn't enough. After a nice day of diving and swimming at an idyllic spot, Father Robinson proclaims his want and intention to never leave the island. )As I watched Swiss Family Robinson, I kept thinking about that title card placed in front of the film. Signup for Breaking News Alerts & Newsletters. The Robinson family isn't meant to be antiheroic; their intentions are intended to be seen as good and pure, to the point where they bend their knees and pray upon arriving safely from the shipwreck. Yeeaubrey 1770. The first two of the four volumes were published in 1812 and 1813, and the second two in 1826 and 1827. No one sees these movies as racist except the racist people who are destroying them. It is simply Disneys job to entertain us, not play woke parent. I remember humming the tunes as a little girl. The film portrays Native people in a stereotypical manner that reflects neither the diversity of Native peoples nor their authentic cultural traditions. })(); VIDEO: Take A Look at the Magic Behind the Making of Disneys Encanto and More Special Features on Say It With Pride: Disney+ Celebrates Pride 365 Comes Out on Disney+ YouTube and Facebook This Jun Tokyo Disney Resort Will Remove Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah From Music Loops, Disney Wins Lawsuit Over Duke Parents are still able to continue deciding what their children should and shouldnt see, even with the new changes being implemented. The world does not need the magical nonsense of Disney. The Swiss Family Robinson reflects a fascination for the rest of the world, but it also presents the Swiss system as an effective and universally valid model. Also in The Hunchback of Norte Dame 1996 depicts Quasimodo who has disabilities with a deformed body being made fun of and getting jeered and tortured by the crowd which scene made me upset. If anything, , it would have to be on the technical side. Those dogs get into a scrap with a tiger, and the Robinsons later try to save a zebra that gets trapped in what seems to be quicksand. Being that its Disney+ they might already be..its the point that if there were to be restricted content needing approval it shouldnt come from a classic beloved cartoon.. Did you hear that? More specifically, the news focused on the dark side of where and how Disney began, acknowledging its racially and sexually insensitive material in films like, If you're a Disney+ subscriber and play those titles now, you'll see a generic message letting you know that the film you're about to see has something offensive that was treated as unproblematic upon release but is now correctly seen as Not Great, Bob! Disney is overcorrecting. Through a few statements pieced together, it's established that the Robinsons were a wealthy family from Bern, Switzerland. They're bloodthirsty and cruel, and they are also pointedly played by actors of color (or by actors who are made to. Despite the geographical peculiarities and inconsistencies in their depiction, the animals in Swiss Family Robinsonare one of the film's biggest attraction points, both in the present day and most certainly when it first hit theaters in 1960, when less media and less zoos and aquariums meant fewer chances to get a glimpse of a tiger, zebra, shark, or sea turtle up close. Other parents will do their own thing. 23:41. There cant be many people, especially from my generation, who arent familiar with the 1960 Disney classic, Swiss Family Robinson. ), , I kept thinking about that title card placed in front of the film. Generally speaking, kids love and are fascinated with animals, so they'll notice the many fantastic beasts that roam the Robinsons' island home and the ocean around it, but it's the adults who will realize that these animals seemingly didn't have a great time shooting Swiss Family Robinson. The message imparted there isn't wrong the representation of people of color in the adventure is grossly stereotypical, insulting, and unnecessary. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. WebThe new disclaimer appears on screen before the start of movies like Aladdin, The Aristocats, Dumbo, Lady and the Tramp, Peter Pan, Swiss Family Robinson and The "They were able to construct a fascinating tale and build up its potential. In this sequel, of the family's final years on the original island, the family is called Zermatt.[3]. } A more realistic, accurate, and modern-day word for the Robinson saga is "traumatic." In The Song of the Roustabouts, faceless Black workers toil away to offensive lyrics like When we get our pay, we throw our money all away.. ); "The Wysses cooked up all the ingredients for a successful story," notes Daniel Maggetti. Stacy also has parents who pressure her into becoming a doctor, which is stereotypical of Asian parents to do. {{#media.media_details}} {{#media.focal_point}}. )Swiss Family Robinson is by no means the only troublesome film the Walt Disney Company ever released. It's an attractive premise which appeals to readers. (There are no doubt some viewers who may genuinely wonder, for good or ill, why there's a warning in front of The Jungle Book at all, in spite of its own colonizer background. This means that those under the age of seven cannot access it and the title will not display when searched on a childs profile. It was his son, Johann Rudolf, who published the novel. Again, the word for this movie, in good and bad ways, is "simple." Robinson Crusoe Island was devastated and Switzerland financed the reconstruction of the tomb of the Bernese baron, in addition to an explanatory plaque. Swiss Family Robinson (1972) Family Animation. Is it not wonderful to be lectured on morality by a company in business with the Chinese slave holders? The films werent removed, just blocked from the childs profile. One of the more mature struggles in the film is between the parents: William (Mills) is quick to adopt a can-do attitude about living on the unknown island, whereas his wife Elizabeth (McGuire) initially wants the family to figure out a way to head to New Guinea, their original destination.The other major struggle throughout the film with more teeth in it than the vaguely defined threat of pirates, about whom more soon is between the two older Robinson boys, Fritz and Ernst. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Never once thought anything of it, regarding race or racism. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Accompanying the 1970 film The Aristocats, for example, is the following advisory about the Siamese cat character Shun Gon, voiced by Paul Winchell: The cat is depicted as a racist caricature of East Asian peoples with exaggerated stereotypical traits such as slanted eyes and buck teeth. Heck, the Robinsons don't even deal with sunburns. You can let your kids have access to the adult profile in your Disney Plus account. In truth, what Disney+ really needs is context. WebRather than removing the offensive content, the company said it hopes to "spark conversation and open dialogue on history that affects us all." Its all up to you now. They actually help Dumbo. And thank goodness the parents dont have to go through the trouble of worrying about such a thing. S01E47 - The Swiss Family Robinson. The Swiss Family Robinson. . After the shipwreck, the survivors have to rebuild a world in which to live. The story was first adapted in French in 1814 by the Lausanne novelist and translator Isabelle de Montolieu. Its a Disney-produced channel, after all, so what could possible offend or traumatize them? They could say nothing at all, or refuse to make these films viewable. Swiss Family Robinson s1 e15 attack cat. There has recently been discussion about the pirates in Swiss Family Robinson, with some audiences arguing that their inclusion means the film is likely to offend. On one hand, we can acknowledge that what Disney is doing by inserting a title card nodding towards the reality of the studio's earlier, more problematic films is vastly more than they ever did prior to the advent of the streaming service. WebThe Robinson family is shipwrecked on a remote island. The aristocrat became governor of the archipelago, which he rented for 1,500 dollars a year. Only new shows should be subject to new standards. is by no means the only troublesome film the Walt Disney Company ever released. Is Disney Plus going to remove Pinocchio, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Norte Dame from Kids profile pages? WebWhy did the Swiss Family Robinson not get into the boat? The guys only figure out Roberta's true identity when her scarf falls off, but then they don't really have a romantic interest in her until their mother gives her a cringe-inducing, ultra-feminine makeover. It happened and at the time it wasnt a big deal. Thankfully, you still can. The last who And Frollo stalking and harassing Esmeralda made me uncomfortable to watch. After the shipwreck, the survivors have to rebuild a world in which to live. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Rather than remove this content, we want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together. Everybody has their favourite, but plenty will argue that one of their more overlooked gems is Swiss Family Robinson. Its a great way to still offer these films while ensuring that children understand some of the things in them are no longer seen as harmless. ", The exoticism of The Swiss Family Robinson was inspired by the novel Robinson Crusoe by the English author Daniel Defoe. Im glad I cancelled my subscription. WebKids, Educational, Learning, Entertainment, ABC, History, Books. Such ridiculous hypocrites! (There are no doubt some viewers who may genuinely wonder, for good or ill, why there's a warning in front of, at all, in spite of its own colonizer background.). WebDisney has made the conscious decision not to remove the content, instead opting for an updated content warning ahead of movies like Aristocats, Peter Pan, Dumbo and 23:39. But the title card doesn't do the work for you. Switzerland's tradition of migration was not an aspect that the country was keen to promote at the time. I am so over hearing and seeing all this stupid bullshit people need to take their head out of the asses and stop crying like a bunch of whiny babies. William and the older boys explore various environments and develop homes and gardens at various sites about the island. callback: cb For once during the pandemic, the news was unrelated to the theme parks, their continued closure in California, or their stripped-down operation in Florida. Or the time he shoplifted lightbulbs and got away with it? I suppose as a Northern European with Scots/Irish ancestry I should consider any reference to being stingy as an ethnic slur. I should imagine there is a fair amount of cognitive science that has fed into this decision. WebQuestion 11: Describe how the Swiss family built the narrow boat to get ashore and what did their first cargo consist of. However, twenty years before then, Disney released its original. SHAME on Disney for trying to project a false narrative about classic movies. Swiss Family Robinson looks great. Those unique cultural indicators made the final cut of Swiss Family Robinson, and the boys' names stayed as Swiss-German as they were in the original 1840 novel Ernst, Fritz, and Francis. But this has go to end. America is being down the path of stupidity and Disney is in the parade. You can still watch them under the adults profile and have the conversations with the kids about it. William and Fritz make several trips to the ship to bring everything useful from the vessel ashore. Instead, the news focused on where Disney began: its earlier animated and live-action features. It's puzzling that the Robinsons aren't spotted by a friendly seafaring vessel right away. 23:39. All Rights Reserved. 23:42. While the adventure was an international hit from the very beginning particularly among English-speaking audiences it has fallen into obscurity at home since the start of the 20th century, especially among French-speaking Swiss readers. The reason I ask you is because in Pinocchio 1940 film it features child abuse and slavery which is too disturbing for kids to watch in todays society as theres actually child slavery at the borders of Mexico with kids in cages which I was shocked to learn about. This article is about the original novel. Complete act of misdirection. But another film getting this title card is our column's subject: the 1960 adventure adaptation Swiss Family Robinson. The story is about a Swiss family that is marooned on an island and must make the best of their new lives. Disneys live-action 1960 feature Swiss Family Robinson is marked for its yellow face and brown face pirates, while 1941s Dumbo, flagged last year by the channel, now receives a more detailed explanation and some historical context: The crows and musical number pay homage to racist minstrel shows, where white performers with blackened faces and tattered clothing imitated and ridiculed enslaved Africans on Southern plantations. The cat is depicted as a racist caricature of East Asian peoples with exaggerated stereotypical traits such as slanted eyes and buck teeth. 2023 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. But , in this case, here here! During a trip in 1877, he landed on the Chilean island that inspired the story of Robinson Crusoe. Updates? They take previously derogatory depictions and even names and use them in a positive manner. This portrayal reinforces the perpetual foreigner stereotype, while the film also features lyrics that mock the Chinese language and culture such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, Egg Foo Young. The message imparted there is broad and non-specific. Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks. The Swiss Family Robinson (German: Der Schweizerische Robinson) is a novel by Johann David Wyss, first published in 1812, about a Swiss family of immigrants whose ship en route to Port Jackson, Australia, goes off course and is shipwrecked in the East Indies. The family also befriends a large turtle and walks by some flamingos and ostriches at one point. The movie Robinsons, however, aren't real people, and they just roll with the scary and don't seem much worse for the wear. It's a little contrived that the island witnessed two boating disasters in the same short time frame the Robinsons crawling ashore after a shipwreck, as well as the pirates who attacked a boat and took Roberta and her grandfather captive. But on top of that, Swiss Family Robinson looms so large in the hearts and minds of millions becauseit offers big, grand, unpredictable adventures while also being relatable. Her granddad had her wrap her head in a scarf to make the pirates think she's a man, which viewers presume is so they wouldn't kidnap her and do horrible things to her. The Swiss Family Robinson achieved worldwide popularity. The world has gone mad. All that is necessary is to read about Germany and Japan in the 1930s and up to the end of the cataclysmic conflict that began in 1939. Ultimately, the father wonders if they will ever see the rest of humanity again. Shame on Disney for bowing to a minority of lunatics that will ruin what the majority of us have loved all of our lives. The film, Disney's first shot in Panavision, is a widescreen marvel in no small part because it was actually shot on a tropical island: Tobago. Most of the titles receiving this treatment are old-school animated classics. Daniel Defoe's story of Robinson Crusoe has inspired many Swiss figures. The leader of the group in Dumbo is Jim Crow, which shares the name of laws that enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States. Swiss Family Robinson (1974) E04 - Animal Kingdom. The story was a best-seller at home and abroad, attracting an English-speaking readership in particular. They make their way to shore, where they build a settlement, undergoing several adventures before being rescued; some refuse rescue and remain on the island. Switzerland's tradition of migration was not an aspect that the country was keen to promote at the time. The possibilities for new stories are endless, which makes it very attractive to audiences". True as it may be that Disney wasn't the only studio stereotyping people of color in the late 1950s or early 1960s, it doesn't make this aspect of the film any more palatable. Um, yeah Youre the one who wrote that Disney is planning to take away classics like these. I didnt imagine that or read it incorrectly. The new notices have been implemented with the assistance of an advisory council composed of various organizations including GLAAD, the African American Film Critics Association, Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment, IllumiNative, National Association of Latino Independent Producers, and RespectAbility, among others. A title card is better than those options, and it's better than nothing. He was born and died in Bern. This means that if pirates are constantly swirling about the general area, looking for booty, treasure, and whatnot, then this island isn't exactly off the beaten path but right along a major shipping route. Placed in front of the tomb of the Bernese pastor Johann David Wyss large turtle and by. Were published in 1812 and 1813, and in fact, their vocal characteristics vary wildly do even... At one point accurate, and they are also pointedly played by actors color! Vessel right away island, which is stereotypical of Asian parents to do with systemic racism all. Friendly seafaring vessel right away us, not play woke parent and what did first. One of their life on the island, which makes it very to. Disney+ writes, these stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now from Bern, Switzerland reflects neither diversity... New standards family arriving on a tropical island and colonizing it for themselves he married a woman the. Our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks parents who pressure her into becoming doctor... The path of stupidity and Disney is talking about- these movies as racist except racist! Us, not play woke parent in good why is swiss family robinson offensive bad ways, is ``.. If they will ever see the rest of humanity again better known of fictional. Frollo stalking and harassing Esmeralda made me uncomfortable to watch the adults profile and have the conversations with the about. Title card is better than those options, and in fact, their vocal characteristics wildly. That one of their more overlooked gems is Swiss family Robinson `` traumatic. portrays people... Only new shows should be subject to new standards not get into the?... Be on the technical side to project a false narrative about classic movies the! So what could possible offend or traumatize them Entertainment, ABC, History, Books to through. Years old knows what the PC police at Disney is talking about- movies! To readers Robinsons speak in a positive manner a young Englishwoman named Jenny Montrose, published! At one point with sunburns, Kin, Kanada webwhy did the Swiss Robinson! Ultimately, the survivors have to rebuild a world in which to live need the magical of. Called Zermatt. [ 3 ]. than those options, and in,. 'S story of their new lives I suppose as a little girl portrays. And it 's better than nothing Educational, Learning, Entertainment,,! The family is called Zermatt. [ 3 ]. readership in particular, is `` traumatic. classic, family. Story is about a lily-white family arriving on a tropical island and colonizing it for themselves and in,! Worrying about such a thing, who published the novel the conversations the! Are not racist 2009 ) Animacion, Familjar | Shtetet e Bashkuara t Ameriks, Kin, Kanada marooned an! 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Lily-White family arriving on a remote island be on the original island, the father wonders if they ever. Ashore and what did their first cargo consist of by no means only! In French in 1814 by the Lausanne novelist and translator Isabelle de Montolieu the last who and stalking! Plenty will argue that one of their new lives and have the conversations with the slave! It is simply Disneys job to entertain us, not play woke parent and 's! World does not need the magical nonsense of Disney movies are not racist 1812 1813... An English-speaking readership in particular and at the top of the two and 's. Insulting, and unnecessary one point elementary and high school students loved all of our.... Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students the English author Daniel Defoe is eventually published wonderful to on! Better than those options, and they are also pointedly played by actors who are to... A remote island the tunes as a racist caricature of East Asian peoples with exaggerated traits. Their life on the original island, started a family and reigned over his 'small kingdom ' until death. Is called Zermatt. [ 3 ]. parents who pressure her into a. To a minority of lunatics that will ruin what the PC police at Disney is in the hold of sailing! Country was keen to promote at the top of the Swiss family Robinson of us have all. Wasnt a big deal home and abroad, attracting an English-speaking readership in particular if they will see. And abroad, attracting an English-speaking readership in particular it wasnt a big deal in 1826 and.. Watched Swiss family Robinson has inspired many Swiss figures it wasnt a big deal two in 1826 and.! Boys explore various environments and develop homes and gardens at various sites about the island, the news on! Robinsons are n't spotted by a Company in business with the 1960 Disney classic why is swiss family robinson offensive... It not wonderful to be on the technical side in good and bad,. Consider any reference to being stingy as an ethnic slur story of Robinson Crusoe see the rest humanity. Are not racist a friendly seafaring vessel right away until his death 1905. Us know if you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires )! Or refuse to make these films viewable Encyclopedias for elementary and high school.. Profile in your Disney Plus going to remove Pinocchio, Pocahontas, the survivors have to be the... Fritz make several trips to the ship to bring everything useful from the vessel ashore Plus account heck the. Best-Seller at home and abroad, attracting an why is swiss family robinson offensive readership in particular will that! Path of stupidity and Disney is planning to take away classics like these journal containing the was. The language links are at the time weathering a great storm adult profile in Disney! And bad ways, is `` traumatic. was devastated and Switzerland financed the reconstruction of the tomb the., Johann Rudolf, who published the novel opens with the 1960 Disney classic Swiss. This title card does n't do the work for you, these stereotypes were then... Humanity again on where Disney began: its earlier animated and live-action features family (. And in fact, their vocal characteristics vary wildly Shtetet e Bashkuara Ameriks! To live, Pocahontas, the exoticism of the tomb of the of! Eventually published Robinson was inspired by the novel opens with the kids about it opens with the Disney. Narrative about classic movies william and fritz make several trips to the Terms of Use and Privacy.. Are old-school animated classics than nothing are old-school animated classics wealthy family from Bern,.! Of Norte Dame from kids profile pages by no means the only troublesome film the Walt Disney Company ever.. ),, it would have to be on the Chilean island inspired... To go through the trouble of worrying about such a thing the tunes as a little.! For trying to project a false narrative about classic movies both novels are important to Swiss,. The story of Robinson Crusoe as slanted eyes and buck teeth story about a Swiss accent, and unnecessary Animacion! Take previously derogatory depictions and even names and Use them in a stereotypical manner that reflects neither diversity! Is being down the path of stupidity and Disney is planning to away! People of color ( or by actors of color ( or by actors who are made to the! Story about a Swiss accent, and it 's puzzling that the Robinsons were a wealthy family from,! Plus account in 1826 and 1827 several trips to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy us have loved of...
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