Yesterday, the Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable supposedly met with Disney executives on their opposition to Disney releasing Song of the South without “a disclaimer and a preface on the historic harm of racial stereotypes on American society.” (See yesterday’s news report for the full press release.) Today, they have posted a follow-up press release, which states:
- May 11, 2007
For Immediate Release
Contact: Earl Ofari Hutchinson
323-296-6331A Statement from Earl Ofari Hutchinson, President Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable Praising Disney’s Decision Not to Re-Release the Racially Stereotypical Film, Song of the South.
The Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable praises the decision by Disney Studios reaffirming its position not to release for home video sale 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 opposed the re-release of Song of the South without a disclaimer and a preface on the historic harm of racial stereotypes on American society. Disney’s decision not to re-release the film affirms that they are a socially responsible corporation that understands and is sensitive to the hurt of racial stereotypes. The Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable will continue to monitor and work closely with Disney and other studios to insure, quality, fair and balanced productions free of racially and gender demeaning images and stereotypes.”
Has Disney backpedaled on its decision? Granted, when Disney CEO Robert Iger said in March 2007 that the studio would “look at [Song of the South] again,” he wasn’t committing to releasing the movie, just stating that the studio would re-evaluate the film. But with this recent press release from the Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable, one can’t help but feel concerned that Disney is once again turning tail on the film instead of adding the proposed “disclaimer/preface” that everyone is in favor of. Thanks to Jimmy Lucky for the news report.