Disney´s Aladdin Negative Sterotypes of Arabs - 712 Words

Application reflection project Orientalism in western pop cultural is something that occurs more than most of us realizes, weather its a popular TV show, movie, comic book, or even a catchy song on the radio. Exploitation of Arabs seems to be a very popular subject in many western pop cultural artifacts. Even when it comes to children’s movies exploitation of eastern cultures often still exist. The children’s Disney movie Aladdin may not be so innocent after all, this movie portrays negative stereotype on Arabs. (Wingfield Karaman, 1995) This children’s movie discriminates Arabs as violent, poor, and thefts. Through images, scenes, and even songs this movie portrays racism towards Arabs. The most controversial of all is opening song of the movie titled â€Å"Arabian nights†. The lyrics read Oh, I come from a land, From a faraway place, Where the caravan camels roam, Where they cut off your ear If they don‘t like your face, It‘s Barbaric, but hey, it‘s home.(Wingfield Karaman, 1995) These lyrics were thought to be so offensive that The American-Arab Anti Discrimination Committee (ADC) got involved. Wingfield Karaman, 1995) Disney agreed to change the original lyrics to the song. The new lyrics read It‘s flat and immense, and the heat is intense. It‘s barbaric, but hey, it‘s home.† (Wingfield Karaman, 1995) Although the lyrics improved many Arabs dont consider this much progress, and still see the new lyrics as racist. (Wingfield Karaman, 1995) PG rated movies