Disney produced animated films for families to enjoy since the 1930s -- a different era shaped by different values. Those antiquated values have become increasingly apparent in some of Disney's older films, including beloved classics such as Dumbo, Lady and the Tramp and Fantasia. Since the announcement of the Disney+ streaming service and its sizeable library, rumors circulated that offensive content would be edited or removed entirely.
That doesn't seem to be the case at all. All the old classics are available in their entirety, with both heartwarming moments and racist undertones intact. That's not to say that Disney has chosen to completely ignore the concerns of its many fans. Accompanying the description of each film is a brief warning that reads, "This program is presented as originally created. It may contain outdated cultural depictions."
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There are limitations to what Disney and its audiences are willing to accept, films for which a simple disclaimer will not suffice. The highly controversial film, Song of the South, is notably absent from the streaming service. The live-action/animated musical has been the subject of controversy for decades, owing to its offensive depiction of African Americans as well as its glorification of slavery.
Disney+ is now available in the U.S. and will launch on Nov. 19 in Australia and New Zealand, with content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic.