MovieChat Forums > Song of the South (1946) Discussion > More like stereotypical than racist

More like stereotypical than racist

posted 7 years ago by wordsatplaytoday
2 replies | jump to latest

I see the mis-used word of "Racism" applied to this movie thrown a lot around here.
It's more of a stereotype of blacks at the time, slaves or not of being happy and singing.

In any case, I don't see what there is to be offended by this movie.
Why not show blacks at the time being happy and telling stories?
If we want to see how miserable they were, then go and read a history book or dust off and watch a copy of Roots.
Walt Dizzy was all about entertainment and helping one escape the realities of life for a few moments.
There is nothing at all wrong with that even if it does manipulate history a bit.
Besides, maybe some of the blacks at the time really did act and feel the way Uncle Remus was and did entertain with stories the sons and daughters of plantation owners.

Humans are not the only species on earth.
We just act like it.

[–] YRLY59E 7 years ago

Having studied resconstruction I found that part fairly acceptable, I actually found the bullying aspect of the story involving the kids far more disturbing in a current light. Would I block its release on either count? No I'd simply rate the movie accordingly for a slightly older audience.

[–] avlis-nec 7 years ago

I watched the movie yesterday for the first time (I´m 21 years old) and after growing up with the Gone with the Wind movie and the Uncle Tom´s Cabin book I don´t get why this movie is considered so controversal, if anything I find it groundbreaking for the time it was made and wish people would watch it today.