The times are changing now compared to even 10 years ago. Many things we once saw as harmless changed with them. As those who have been considered the minority- women or African Americans and the like- gain confidence and their own voices in society, we have had to take a step back and ask “Is this OK?” regarding a number of things that once were deemed OK. From innocent jokes to models and even political figures, things are definitely changing, and certainly for the good, for the most part.
Among the many changes is Disneyland Park’s attraction based on the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films. Disney has received backlash surrounding one of the showcases in this attraction, the “wench for sale.” This attraction has been deemed unfair, insensitive and misogynistic by activists. Of course, in consideration of the values and laws we hold in the 21st century, it is misogynistic and insensitive. Women are strong, individualistic people, and the rest of the country is just beginning to recognize this. No woman would, or even should, take light to being called a wench, and much less so being sold in an auction. Women deserve as much respect as the male population.
Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean ride is undergoing changes in all its parks and has already in Magic Kingdom. By request and complaint, Disney’s “auction of the wench” portion of the attraction is no longer there. Redd, formerly the wench, is no longer being auctioned off as a bride. Instead, she appears as a pirate who has a comment after pillaging the town’s rum supply.
Our society becoming respectful and mindful of not only women but all minority groups is an incredibly important thing and one that is a bit late to be coming at that. It has been an uphill battle to gain the equality women deserve, but has been successful. In the increasing emergence of equality and respect, women have gotten possibly a little over the top in demands. It is nearly impossible to meet every expectation and demand that 21st century equality has come with and still be an individual. Disney has been a major focus for demands of equality from both groups. Last year, Disney got reprimanded for its “Moana” Halloween costume for cultural appropriation. This year, it has rearranged its historical Pirates of the Caribbean attraction for disrespect and insensitivity. This is where society has gone too far. Halloween costumes are not created with the intent to culturally appropriate or make light of one’s culture. They are simply costumes, largely worn by children, often because they admire the character they are showing off. The Disney attraction never held the intent to say Disney believed women should be auctioned off as brides, nor did it encourage the act in any way. The movie is one of a historical and popular series, and the ride only incorporated the aspects of the movie, as they do with all their attractions. This attraction does not intend to enslave women today. If it did, they would be encouraging a lot more illegal acts. They are not suggesting we become pirates and auction off women. They are showcasing parts of a beloved movie series.
Society is attacking and dismembering important parts of things historically because they showcase acts that today are unacceptable. Society has become nitpicky and quite frankly too sensitive to things that should not matter in the way we put them off as. In the 1700s, pirates did exist, and did enslave women. Disney making a movie and an attraction based off this historical story does not mean they think it is OK to do. They are not suggesting we go back and do all these things again. If we are not careful, we are going to let our demands for equality and our sensitivity erase important history altogether.
Photo provided by Funk Dooby via Flickr
