Disney slaps a 'racism' alert on iconic cartoons

It says: “This programme includes negative depictions and / or mistreatment of people or cultures.

“These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now.”

The message says rather than remove the content “we want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together”.

Dumbo, released in 1941, features singing crows with exaggerated black voices and their leader is Jim Crow, voiced by white actor Cliff Edwards.

Jim Crow is a reference to segregation laws in the US South.

In 1970’s The Aristocats, Asian cat Shun Gon has slanted eyes, buck teeth and plays the piano with chopsticks. Native Americans are called “redskins” in 1953’s Peter Pan.

The warnings follow talks between the studio and an advisory council which included the African-American Film Critics Association and Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment.

Warner Bros also warns about “ethnic and racial prejudices” in some of its cartoons.

source: express.co.uk