The Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable has released the following press release:
- May 8, 2007
For Immediate Release
Contact: Earl Ofari Hutchinson
310-672-2542 - A Statement from Earl Ofari Hutchinson, President Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable on the discussion on Disney’s Possible Re-Release of the Racially Stereotypical Film, Song of the South.
In a statement in March Disney President and CEO Bob Iger said that Disney is considering a re-release for home video of the 1946 racially stereotypical film, Song of the South. The film depicts blacks as happy-go-lucky, submissive, storytelling, servants and helpmates. The Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable opposes the re-release of Song of the South without a disclaimer and a preface on the historic harm of racial stereotypes on American society. If Disney fails to provide a racially instructive statement to film purchasers on Song of the South, it sends the terrible message that Disney puts dollars ahead of its corporate responsibility to educate the public on the danger of racial stereotypes. The Don Imus flap was a warning to the entertainment and broadcast industry that racial stereotypes will be vigorously challenged.
The Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable and the Los Angeles Civil Rights Assn. will formally present this statement to Disney executives on Friday, May 11 at 10:00AM at Disney Corporate Offices 500 S. Buena Vista Dr., Burbank. They will request an urgent meeting with President and CEO Bob Iger on the film.
- Partial List of Endorsers:
Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable
Los Angeles Civil Rights Assn.
NAACP National Board Rep
Youth Advocacy Coalition
http://earlofarihutchinson.blogspot.com/
Thanks to Jim Smith for sending this press release to me.