The Inaccurate Representation Of Racial Stereotypes In Disney Fairy Tales

Racism is “a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race” (“Racism”). This century old problem remains prevalent in our current day society as minority groups have continuously fought to gain equality. One main factor preventing minority groups from achieving equality is their negative portrayal in the media, more specifically in Disney fairy tales. Fairy tales today are instrumental to children’s childhood development, however the lack of diversity and the inaccurate representation of minority groups in these tales allow for mass media companies like Disney to perpetuate white supremacy, racial stereotype, and cause internalized racism.
Children have always used fairy tales as a source of escape from the real world as these tales brought their imaginations to life. Despite being the source of childish imagination, Disney is also home to many racist characters, statements, and gestures that are very offensive to racial groups.
Disney Fairy tales have always been used as a tool to maintain white supremacy, racial stereotypes, and internalized racism. Despite its use for entertainment; fairy tales have commonly been used as a strategy to inform and educate children about the real world. However, the information children received while watching these fairy tales are often filled with unrealistic stereotypes. This is mainly because many, if not all Disney films are used to produce a negative image for people of certain minority groups. Although Disney tries to make the stereotypical representations very subtle, they still manage to destroy any minority groups image in the growing mind of the children who