# Walt Disney's "SONG OF THE SOUTH"-Forbidden to be Shown? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** movies, disney-hulu\ **Created:** [January 20, 2003, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796 "2003-01-20T14:18:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Fenris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fenris/32/498_2.png) [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2003, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796/21 "2003-01-22T11:57:59Z")
Um… **Redboss**? I don’t know if I’m misreading you, but you do know that the cartoons\* are exceptionally faithful reproductions of several stories of one of the best black writers of the 19th century, right? I mean, the dialect in the cartoons is just like it is in the Joel Chandler Harris (Uncle Remus) stories, as is the plots, etc. And I’ve seen analysis that say that Bre’r Rabbit vs Br’er Fox and Bear is supposed to be a slaves vs whites allegory (I don’t see it myself). I mean, feel free to dislike it all you want, but I don’t see how reproducing black literature can be “shallow, patronising” and stereotypical. On the other hand, if you’re talking about the live action stuff between the cartoons, well… \< coughs \> umm… Fenris ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2003, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796/22 "2003-01-22T12:09:00Z")
> [@](#): > > The only remaining feature that Disney has never released on home video is the wartime documentary Victory Through Air Power (1943), an Academy Award nominee for its score. Try finding a copy of **Der Fuehrer’s Face** or **The Story of Menstruation**. ---
**Author:** ![80sHairMetalMaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/8/ed655f/32.png) [@80sHairMetalMaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/80sHairMetalMaven)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2003, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796/23 "2003-01-22T14:55:38Z")
Well,yes, I was talking about that and the fact that Disney likes to put a movie out in theatres, keep it there for a few months and then when it finally makes it to video/dvd, they only keep it on shelves for a very SHORT period of time (ex."Beauty and the Beast,sp. ed…total time in stores…2 mos)before ‘retiring’ it to the Vault for an absurd length of time. There are a few Disney movies I’d like to own on DVD but I can’t get them because they are in the Vault right now.☹ That or they haven’t released the movies I’d like to get on DVD yet for whatever reason(ex. Lady and the Tramp,Cinderella,The Black Cauldron) and the videos aren’t available either due to being in the Vault. IDBB ---
**Author:** ![Daniel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Daniel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daniel)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2003, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796/24 "2003-01-22T15:19:17Z")
IDBB: I have _definitely_ seen a DVD copy of The Black Cauldron in stores. It was insanely expensive (just like all other Disney DVDs), so I left it there, but it is certainly possible to find on DVD. Sooner or later, I _will_ go back there with enough money in my pocket to once again join my old friends Taran and Gurgi . . . ---
**Author:** ![Tasha\_Yar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f14d63/32.png) [@Tasha\_Yar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tasha_Yar)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2003, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796/25 "2003-01-22T15:26:25Z")
I also found it rather dull. The cute animal cartoon segments are funny but the film itself is flat. The little rich white boy really was very annoying too. It’s kind of a trivial complaint but the kid just got on my nerves so much. It’s no **Mary Poppins** (a film I do enjoy, very much), that’s for sure. Of course, that’s just my opinion. ---
**Author:** ![80sHairMetalMaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/8/ed655f/32.png) [@80sHairMetalMaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/80sHairMetalMaven)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2003, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796/26 "2003-01-22T15:51:09Z")
**Daniel** –What store was THIS at?😕 IDBB ---
**Author:** ![Arden\_Ranger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b487fb/32.png) [@Arden\_Ranger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arden_Ranger)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2003, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796/27 "2003-01-22T16:06:56Z")
The Black Cauldron is available on DVD from [Amazon](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00004R99W/qid%3D1043251597/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/104-1033184-9808728) ---
**Author:** ![Walloon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/fbc32d/32.png) [@Walloon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walloon)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2003, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796/28 "2003-01-22T17:21:07Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by CalMeacham \* > \*\*Try finding a copy of **Der Fuehrer’s Face** or **The Story of Menstruation**. \*\* Note that I said Disney _features_. ---
**Author:** ![Walloon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/fbc32d/32.png) [@Walloon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walloon)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2003, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796/29 "2003-01-22T17:28:16Z")
P.S. _The Story of Menstruation_ was a short film Disney did for hire for International Cellucotton Co. in 1946. Disney doesn’t own the film. Disney did a lot of contract work like that over the years, especially in the health sciences field: _Hemo the Magnificent_ (directed by Frank Capra, no less!), _Understanding Stresses and Strains_, numerous others. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Carter\_of\_Mars](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/2bfe46/32.png) [@John\_Carter\_of\_Mars](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Carter_of_Mars)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796/30 "2003-01-23T03:13:54Z")
‘Tis a fool indeed that would enter into dispute with Loki’s great wolf, **Fenris** , but here goes: Joel Chandler Harris, author of the Uncle Remus stories that _Song of the South_ is derived from, was a white man who lived in the Atlanta, Georgia area. The fables were written in the 1870’s. Harris did a great deal of fieldwork to get the stories and dialects of area black persons accurate. The stories themselves are African-Americanized versions of tales that originated in Africa. Reputable researchers have identified West African precursors for over two thirds of the two hundred “Uncle Remus” tales. The current (Jan/Feb 2003) issue of _Oxford American_ magazine discusses Joel Chandler Harris, his literary works, and the _Song of the South_ movie at length. Their article also includes discussion about the racial implications of the stories, both past and present, pro and con. I would recommend that anyone who has a serious interest in this subject check out the magazine story. [www.oxfordamericanmag.com](http://www.oxfordamericanmag.com) Back-Back, dammed wolf! ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796/31 "2003-01-23T03:22:55Z")
As a kid, my mom subscribed to this Disney Storybook thingy for me, and I have TONS of books from Disney-based on the movies and short cartoons. I had quite a few Bre’er Rabbit books, including one where he jumps in a mess of tar and twigs and stuff and chases after the Fox and the Bear and scares the bejeezus out of them. They were always my favorite as a kid-was that in the movies? ---
**Author:** ![tmwster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/57b2e6/32.png) [@tmwster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tmwster)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796/32 "2003-01-23T03:55:55Z")
I saw the movie when I was little, and loved it. I think I must have had the record album and books, too, because I remember the songs and B’rer Rabbit stories. But when I saw it again as a college student, in the 1980’s, I remember feeling a little shocked and offended at the blatant stereotyping. I also recall leaving the theater feeling that the quality of the movie was really lousy. But what great songs… zippity doo dah… ---
**Author:** ![Fenris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fenris/32/498_2.png) [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796/33 "2003-01-23T11:56:23Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by John Carter of Mars \* > \*\*‘Joel Chandler Harris, author of the Uncle Remus stories that _Song of the South_ is derived from, was a white man who lived in the Atlanta, Georgia area. The fables were written in the 1870’s. \*\* :eek: He was _white_? Jeez. I sure got _that_ one wrong! :eek: Thanks for the info! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796/34 "2003-01-23T12:37:27Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Walloon \* > \*\*Disney did a lot of contract work like that over the years, especially in the health sciences field: _Hemo the Magnificent_ (directed by Frank Capra, no less!), _Understanding Stresses and Strains_, numerous others. \*\* The Great Bird of Memory craps on my head again – I remember _Hemo_! Man, I used to love those films. [_Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom_](http://www.teemings.com/shorts/disney/years/1953/tootwhistleplunkandboom.html) was a particular favorite. ---
**Author:** ![80sHairMetalMaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/8/ed655f/32.png) [@80sHairMetalMaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/80sHairMetalMaven)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796/35 "2003-01-23T15:27:32Z")
**jr8** –if you love _Toot Whistle Plunk and Boom_–go buy yourself a copy (if’n ya can find it!)of _Fantasia 2000_. It’s in the “Bonus Features” section of that DVD.🙂 IDBB ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796/36 "2003-01-23T16:30:42Z")
Woohoo! ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796/37 "2003-01-23T16:39:16Z")
And if anyone can tell me when ‘Aladdin’ will be out on DVD I’ll wash your car. ---
**Author:** ![whiterabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/cab0a1/32.png) [@whiterabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whiterabbit)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796/38 "2003-01-23T18:46:26Z")
Lady and the Tramp is out on DVD – my brother found it for my mom’s last birthday. However, he had to get it online somewhere and paid $40 for it. I think it’s been withdrawn so it’s REALLY hard to find. ---
**Author:** ![Moirai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/96bed5/32.png) [@Moirai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moirai)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796/39 "2003-01-23T20:51:39Z")
I was shocked when I saw _Dumbo_ as an adult, just recently. My mom got it for my 3 year old son to watch, and we were all horrified at the racial stereotyping of the “blackbird”, etc. I imagine the reaction would be the same if I saw _Song of the South_ now. Of course, what was perhaps even more horrifying was that none of us (including my parents) remembered being horrified back in the day… ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Arden\_Ranger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b487fb/32.png) [@Arden\_Ranger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arden_Ranger)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796/40 "2003-01-23T21:40:52Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by whiterabbit \* > \*\*Lady and the Tramp is out on DVD – my brother found it for my mom’s last birthday. However, he had to get it online somewhere and paid $40 for it. I think it’s been withdrawn so it’s REALLY hard to find. \*\* [Amazon](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/offering/list/-/B00001QEE6/all/ref=sr_pb_a/104-1033184-9808728) has Lady and the Tramp for 29.77. One copy listed as imported. Everything else is 49.00+ [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-song-of-the-south-forbidden-to-be-shown/149796.md?page=3)