The removal of the iconic Splash Mountain sign at Tokyo Disneyland has sparked controversy, with critics accusing Disney of a 'woke' agenda. The sign, which once read 'Have a Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Day' in both Kanji and English, has been replaced with a simple 'Thanks for dropping in!' in English only. This change has raised eyebrows, especially considering the sign's connection to the controversial 1948 Disney film 'Song of the South'.
The film, set in a plantation in Georgia, features Uncle Remus, an elderly Black worker, telling stories to a young boy. It has been criticized for its racist stereotypes and is notably absent from Disney's home media releases in the US, including its streaming platform, Disney+.
This isn't the first time Disney has faced backlash for its 'woke' initiatives. From banning gendered greetings to replacing dwarf actors with CGI, the company's attempts at political correctness have drawn mixed reactions. Actor Peter Dinklage, who has dwarfism, criticized Disney for its portrayal of the seven dwarfs, questioning the company's commitment to progress while maintaining outdated narratives.
The Splash Mountain attraction, which closed in US Disney parks in 2023, is now a symbol of Disney's evolving, and some say, problematic, approach to its classic content. Critics argue that the sign change is a step towards distancing Disney from its own history, even if it means altering the original experience for visitors.
