Germana Carillo The offensive and degrading stereotypes in Peter Pan demonstrate the lack of sensitivity of American culture towards the culture of Native Americans: this is the reason why at Disneyland, after numerous negative comments, it was decided to change some of the scenes of a precise attraction
@Michael Hundgen/Linkedin
Time and again, discussions arise about the portrayal of racism in Disney classics. This should come as no surprise, given that many of these films were created in the early 20th century. As a result, Disney has often found itself at the center of controversies concerning its depictions of Native Americans. In movies like Peter Pan (1953) and Pocahontas (1995), these portrayals are not only stereotypical but also dehumanizing and frequently inaccurate.
Misrepresentation of Native American culture
Both Peter Pan and Pocahontas exploit Native American culture to such an extent that they distort reality, undermining the unique cultures of Native peoples in the United States. These films likely convinced entire generations that these portrayals were based on fact.
Looking at it through a modern lens, Peter Pan embodies the racist sentiments that plagued the 20th century. In the film, Native Americans reside in Neverland alongside mermaids, fairies, and other fantastical creatures, demonstrating a blatant refusal by “white” society to acknowledge their existence. Disney essentially treats them as caricatures, depicting the Blackfoot Indians with red skin and sharp, angular noses.
Racial slurs and offensive depictions
Two of the white characters even use racial slurs when referring to the Native Americans. For instance, Captain Hook says, “The redskins know this island better than I know my own ship,” as he examines his map of Neverland and devises a plan to locate Peter Pan’s hideout. In essence, Captain Hook, who represents a European “explorer“, plans to exploit the Native Americans to defeat his fellow white adversary.
John, Wendy and Michael’s brother, sings, “Let’s go fight the Injuns because he [Peter Pan] told us to,” a line that encapsulates the rationale behind why white soldiers ravaged Native cultures: because someone in power instructed them to do so. Later, John refers to the Native Americans as “savage” and asserts, “The Indian is cunning but not intelligent.” Furthermore, the elderly women are depicted as ugly, fat, and toothless. The chief wears a headdress so exaggerated that he barely resembles a human being. The Natives speak broken English and even use sign language as a means of communication.
These are clear indicators of a disdain that persisted for decades and no longer has a place in today’s society. This led to a historic decision by Disneyland officials to remove all such references.
Now, in the Peter Pan’s Flight ride, one of the original attractions at the theme park, the negative depictions from the 1953 animated film have been removed. The Imagineers have eliminated what many classified as caricatures of indigenous people inspired by the movie.
“Now, guests will find the magnificent and evocative scene of the ‘Neverland Tribe’s Harvest Celebration with Tiger Lily,’” explains Michael Hundgen, Vice President Creative, Walt Disney World Portfolio of Walt Disney Imagineering.
