Social media ramped up discussion Wednesday morning about the Splash Mountain ride at Disney Parks, saying the theme of the ride should change due to its ties to a troubling Disney film.
What’s going on:
Disney fans speculated on social media about the potential to change the theme of Splash Mountain, which is based off the Disney film “Song of the South” — a story that takes place in the southern United States during the Reconstruction era. The story focuses on a boy who meets his Uncle Remus, who works on a plantation. The two discuss stories about Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox, and Br’er Bear.
“Song of the South” has been seen as a controversial film in recent years. So much so that Disney Plus took the film off its streaming platform. Critics said the film represents a racist and offensive portrayal of African Americans since it leans on stereotypes, as I reported for the Deseret News. The film also reportedly glorifies the plantation system.
The reaction:
- Social media members noticed these concerns and said Splash Mountain should embrace new themes to align with modern sensibilities.
- Here’s what people said:
There’s a petition, too
- Disney fans created a new petition to re-theme Splash Mountain, according to CinemaBlend. Fans specifically hope to remake the ride based on “The Princess and the Frog,” a tale that takes place in New Orleans with similar aesthetics and themes to “Song of the South.”