Is TLK Guilty of Racism? Gender issues? Homosexuality?

[2 Die FR]

I was in the library today, thumbing through a book about how racism, discrimination, and other nasty topics in Disney movies are teaching children bad concepts about life. Intrigued at how Disney animation could possibly be accused of such a thing, I immediately flipped to the index and searched for the "L" section. Yup, there it was- a link to two whole pages about how TLK is sending the wrong message to a juvenile audience.

It said that TLK is portraying a male-dominant society, as most of the characters are male and all of the leaders (Kings) who are in charge of the kingdom are of course male. The females all take minor roles (there is no song about being anxious about being queen, this book was so cheerful to notice), and even when Scar is in charge, they are obedient and do the master's bidding. The book ALSO points the fingers at the hyenas and says they are portrayed as Hispanics, and that since the hyenas are at the bottom of the food chain and neglected that TLK is being racial too. Lastly, it accuses Timon and Pumbaa being homosexual, being that they are two guys hanging out with each other (the book also mentioned Sulley and Mike from Monsters, INC. about the same thing).

Do any of you believe this? I have a real hard time. These are the same people who discriminate against Sesame Street because almost all the puppets are male. *sigh*

[la_reina]

In my opinion, it's all a pile of bull to me :disagree: It's a movie, c'mon, does society always have to do something like this??? Here's a question: did anyone else actually give these any mind? And why would they think that the hyenas are Hispanics? These movies were made for the pleasure of an audience for God's sake

[nathalie]

*hmm* It's an animated, made up story, a cartoon, etc ...

I'd like to stick to that, without asking and wondering all the time, or saying like: hey, that ain't true in real life (and stuff like that).

[Aurelian]

That is bogus.

It said that TLK is portraying a male-dominant society, as most of the characters are male and all of the leaders (Kings) who are in charge of the kingdom are of course male. The females all take minor roles (there is no song about being anxious about being queen, this book was so cheerful to notice), and even when Scar is in charge, they are obedient and do the master's bidding.

Then you might as well acuse real life lion prides of the same thing, because that is what it is based on. Besides, haven't all America's presidents and vice presidents, and all England's Prime Ministors been male?

The book ALSO points the fingers at the hyenas and says they are portrayed as Hispanics, and that since the hyenas are at the bottom of the food chain and neglected that TLK is being racial too.

There is absoulutly no basis to that claim. I have never gotten the idea of hyenas being hispanic. The only connection I know of is that the voice of Banzai, Cheech Marin, is Mexican. Also, hyenas are not at the bottem of the food chain. They eat wildabeats and antelopes just like lions. They play the brain washed hopefulls in TLK.

Lastly, it accuses Timon and Pumbaa being homosexual, being that they are two guys hanging out with each other (the book also mentioned Sulley and Mike from Monsters, INC. about the same thing).

While I have nothing against homosexuality, that is far fetched. Timon and Pumbaa are best freinds, to the extent of being virtual brothers. I suppose the idea came from the scene where Nala finds Timon sleeping on Pumbaa's stomach. However, this is no reference to sexual preference or activity between the two. It is supposed to show close freindship in a cartoony way, nothing more. Besides, meercats and warthogs are not compatable as partners.

[la_reina]

Originally posted by nathalie
*hmm* It's an animated, made up story, a cartoon, etc ...

I'd like to stick to that, without asking and wondering all the time, or saying like: hey, that ain't true in real life (and stuff like that).

That's exactly what I'm saying...some people just have to get into things.

[nathalie]

Yeah ...

And about that Timon & Pumbaa: so me and my best (girl)friend were both lesbiennes?
Because we were best friends, hang out together, etc ...

*oh please*

[Kiara Serengeti]

I can see the male thing (from THEIR point of view, not mine). But Hispanic hyenas? Where'd they get THAT? Sigh. This is about as stupid as the thing about changing 'Adam and Eve' to 'Eve and Adam'. And Timon and Pumbaa are just two buddies hanging out together. So are Sulley and Mike in MONSTERS INC. In fact, Mike had a girlfriend. TLK is a wonderful film!

[la_reina]

Yeah, I have a really close friend and we're always hanging out together...does that make us lesbian??? Good Lord...

[IchLiebeNALA]

Originally posted by 2 Die FR
I was in the library today, thumbing through a book about how racism, discrimination, and other nasty topics in Disney movies are teaching children bad concepts about life. Intrigued at how Disney animation could possibly be accused of such a thing, I immediately flipped to the index and searched for the "L" section. Yup, there it was- a link to two whole pages about how TLK is sending the wrong message to a juvenile audience.

It said that TLK is portraying a male-dominant society, as most of the characters are male and all of the leaders (Kings) who are in charge of the kingdom are of course male. The females all take minor roles (there is no song about being anxious about being queen, this book was so cheerful to notice), and even when Scar is in charge, they are obedient and do the master's bidding. The book ALSO points the fingers at the hyenas and says they are portrayed as Hispanics, and that since the hyenas are at the bottom of the food chain and neglected that TLK is being racial too. Lastly, it accuses Timon and Pumbaa being homosexual, being that they are two guys hanging out with each other (the book also mentioned Sulley and Mike from Monsters, INC. about the same thing).

Do any of you believe this? I have a real hard time. These are the same people who discriminate against Sesame Street because almost all the puppets are male. *sigh*

totat bullsh*t. for crying out loud, it's a disney film. and the aim of a disney film is to provide all family entertainment. and that is exactly what TLK does. there will always be some sad, pathetic losers who will spend their time writing useless crap like that trying to put across a point that totally eliminates the point they are trying to put across.

People in the world today are DYING becuase of their religon, and this author has nothing to say about the REAL issue in the world than writing about how this stuff is portrayed in a FICTIONAL MOVIE.

my advice to him: GO DO SOMETHING USEFUL WITH YOUR LIFE. SOLVE THE REAL PROBLEMS, AND HELP PEOPLE.

</rant>

[2 Die FR]

I know, fellas. I scoffed really loud when I read that, and you know libraries are rather quiet places; a few people gave me funny looks. But that sort of stuff just disgusts me.

[lionloversam]

I don't blame you for scoffing loudly, I heard that kind of stuff before but don't believe it. I also heard that TLK teaches kids Islamic belifs. Don't belive that either.

[unregistered user]

That's their point of view. Perverted thoughts come from perverted minds.

[simba2662]

All I can say is that these people accuseing kids cartoon movies of racism and gender issues have to much time on their hands. They should be commenting on how strong the relationships are between friends, regardless if there male or female. The movie would go off track if you introduced partners for timon and pumba. As for the hyenas well thats just ridiculous.

[Sombolia]

LOL.

So.. male dominant society? Yeah, it should've been King Sarabi and Queen Mufasa.

Racism.. how the heck do you connect hyenas to hispanics? And even so, if I were Mufasa, I'd be mad at ANYONE who attacked my son, regardless of race, gender, etc..?

And Timon and Pumbaa.. what a load of crap. Me and my (female) neighbor are TOTALLY having a sexual relationship, because we talk to eachother everyday and we hang out together all the time. Thanks for telling me that, I never knew!

On the whole, that book just makes me laugh...

[unregistered user]

[2 Die FR]

Maybe I was lurking in the wrong section of the library...meh is starting to think.

[Sharifu]

A male-dominant society? Oh please. Just because there were minor females roles doesn't mean that. I thought Sarabi and Nala were quite strong and stood their ground in what they believed in. Just because their parts weren't as big as the males, doesn't mean that it was male-dominant society. Really this is so stupid.

[2 Die FR]

I think it's a good thing I didn't tell you guys the title- otherwise I think you'd be running to the nearest library and bookstore and rip 'em up to pieces.
I say, it disturbed me, but books have a right to say whatever the crap they want.

[lion_roog]

...I want to read this book!!!....I love comedies!!....

Hmm...The hyenas represent Hispanics???....Well, Bonzai did say "Que Pasa"...and Cheech is Mexican....It's so Obvious!!!....

[Mizani]

Male dominated society?

WELL DUH!!!!!!!!!
Its a lion pride for godsake!!!! Males are dominate in a lion Pride! (except when the females turn on the lion, but thats besides the point)