A change at Disney means controversy. (I wonder how Walt would have handled the internet.)
The announcement that Splash Mountain will be re-themed into a The Princess and the Frog attraction is lighting up the message boards and Al and Andee throw their opinions in the mix.
During this episode we talk about the retheming and address comments such as:
“I never heard anyone complain about Splash Mountain!”
and
“What about the stories? There isn’t racism there!”
Al challenges the listeners who are struggling with the change to ask themselves: “What is the thing that is so valuable to you, that you’re getting out of this, that counters and is worth more than the harm that has been done through 400 years of subjugation of Africans and African Americans in the United States?”
All of our opinions are out in the open (as always) but we’d love to hear from you! Tell us something in the comments below or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a review wherever you go to for podcast listening. “C” ya real soon!
You must Remember This – Song of the South
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You
I found your podcast last week and I just finished listening to my first episode, “Retheming Splash Mountain” (#58). This highly compelling episode was exactly what I needed during my long road trip. Something that Al mentioned around minute 31-32, really struck home with me: the fact that the last 4 years and especially last 6 months have opened his eyes to there being a lot more racists in the US than he thought. Allow me to provide context: I am a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, who happens to be Latino. I have never been naive to think there wasn’t a racist problem in the US. Furthermore I’m very aware that I’m extremely fortunate to have had a series of opportunities line up and prepare me in away to earn and reach the place in life where I am today. I say this because, like Al, the last 4 years have opened my eyes to a level of racism in America much higher than I was ever aware of. Perhaps it’s because military life sheltered me? I don’t know. I have noticed that people would treat me one way when in uniform; those same people would treat me differently when out of it. To illustrate this: I would go from a respected service member picking up milk at the store while in uniform in the eyes of some, to those same people treating me with palpable disdain when not in uniform – even though I’d be performing the exact same errand. It happened more than once. Unfortunately these instances have increased, I believe, as a result of who is currently in office. It seems as though racism and racists have come out of the woodwork and made themselves known. It breaks my heart to know that in the nation I served 20 years to protect, there are groups of people who would not give a second thought to judge me by the color of my skin. These same people have the audacity to complain about retheming a Disney ride even while being fully aware of its controversial source material. Now that you know better, be better. Thanks for the podcast!
Carlos,
Thank you for your words, your service, and your vulnerability. I’m sorry it’s taken me (Andee) a few days to respond…the July 4th “holiday” always strikes me as odd to celebrate, ESPECIALLY because of the experience you share. You are a soldier no matter if you are in uniform. More importantly, you are a human being and no one deserves to be looked at as “less than”. I hope you continue to listen and contribute. May the pixie dust you share to others overwhelm the pettiness of racism and stupidity.