RedHotMama
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2016
I had just typed this comment on a Splash Mountain thread that was going downhill quick. Before I posted it, the thread was removed. Moderators, if you want to remove this, too, I completely understand. But I have another take on Song of the South that I wanted to share.
If anyone comments on this, please keep your head and think twice. (Calling anyone a racist who disagrees with you is against the rules!)
Splash Mountain is only a problem if Song of the South is really an evil story.
I'm wondering how many of those who want it changed have seen the movie. Or are they simply jumping on the bandwagon and think it's bad because someone told them it is?
I've seen it, although it's been years, and think it is a sweet story. Yes, the blacks are shown as a lesser class. They all work for a white family, and they live in small, inferior homes. But that is our history. I don't think it should be erased or forgotten. If black people are to be portrayed from that time and place, this is what it looked like. Well, this is the most positive that it could have looked like; some had it much, much worse.
What I took from the movie was the incredible contrast between the "big house" and the community where the blacks live. Uncle Remus's house is warm, and welcoming, fun, and comfortable (not physically, but emotionally). It is a place where one can learn and be honest, and be yourself. It is safe and loving. The boy's mother and grandmother love him, but their house is formal, and overly strict. They don't listen and they don't teach, only command.
Uncle Remus is the hero of the story. He is extraordinarily patient, long-suffering, kind, loving, and humorous, too! He is a leader and teacher. He chooses to be happy and maintain his self-respect in difficult circumstances. Everyone loves and respects him. I saw him as a role model. He's the one we're rooting for.
There is a power struggle that happens in the movie, between the mother and Uncle Remus. They both are honestly trying to do the right thing. They even love and respect each other, I believe. They just see things differently. And, if I remember correctly, they come to an understanding at the end. Don't we need more of that in the world today, not less?
So yes, if you take this movie as the shallow description of showing blacks beneath whites, yes it does. But look deeper. Learn from our past. Learn from those who chose to rise above their trials. And you might appreciate Splash Mountain even more than you do now.
If anyone comments on this, please keep your head and think twice. (Calling anyone a racist who disagrees with you is against the rules!)
Splash Mountain is only a problem if Song of the South is really an evil story.
I'm wondering how many of those who want it changed have seen the movie. Or are they simply jumping on the bandwagon and think it's bad because someone told them it is?
I've seen it, although it's been years, and think it is a sweet story. Yes, the blacks are shown as a lesser class. They all work for a white family, and they live in small, inferior homes. But that is our history. I don't think it should be erased or forgotten. If black people are to be portrayed from that time and place, this is what it looked like. Well, this is the most positive that it could have looked like; some had it much, much worse.
What I took from the movie was the incredible contrast between the "big house" and the community where the blacks live. Uncle Remus's house is warm, and welcoming, fun, and comfortable (not physically, but emotionally). It is a place where one can learn and be honest, and be yourself. It is safe and loving. The boy's mother and grandmother love him, but their house is formal, and overly strict. They don't listen and they don't teach, only command.
Uncle Remus is the hero of the story. He is extraordinarily patient, long-suffering, kind, loving, and humorous, too! He is a leader and teacher. He chooses to be happy and maintain his self-respect in difficult circumstances. Everyone loves and respects him. I saw him as a role model. He's the one we're rooting for.
There is a power struggle that happens in the movie, between the mother and Uncle Remus. They both are honestly trying to do the right thing. They even love and respect each other, I believe. They just see things differently. And, if I remember correctly, they come to an understanding at the end. Don't we need more of that in the world today, not less?
So yes, if you take this movie as the shallow description of showing blacks beneath whites, yes it does. But look deeper. Learn from our past. Learn from those who chose to rise above their trials. And you might appreciate Splash Mountain even more than you do now.