why is swiss family robinson offensive
Sixty years on, we may not think much about Swiss Family Robinson, and when you think of Disney live-action fare, this is likely not a title that leaps to your mind. Being that its Disney+ they might already be..its the point that if there were to be restricted content needing approval it shouldnt come from a classic beloved cartoon.. Did you hear that? As if Song of the South is THAT bad?! Another offensive show is Bunkd, in which an Asian girl studies super hard, and when her friend told her to take it easy a bit, she said if she let up, she would disappoint her mother, who would then die, and does her friend want her mother to die??? [1] Other English editions that claim to include the whole of the Wyss-Montolieu narrative are by W. H. Davenport Adams (18691910) and Mrs H. B. Paull (1879). WebWhen Angelino Jack Robinson gets a new job in Australia, he decides to take his sissy wife Ann, brave sons Shane and Todd and wining daughter Elisabeth 'Lizzy' by sailing yacht from Hong Kong to Syndney. Rather than remove this content, we want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together. It's an attractive premise which appeals to readers. Because for all of the dazzling shipwrecks, pirate chases, tricky sailing trips, and fending off wild animals, Swiss Family Robinson is really just the story of a mostly normal, loving family trying to survive and stay intact, all while relying on each other. "We do not see the same success in Switzerland, Germany or France, where the work, although present, re-worked and adapted over time, has a much smaller readership than in American culture". A Swiss Family Robinson remake is currently in the works for Disney+, as well as a live-action Peter Pan & Wendy, both of which we can expect to handle race much better than the original films. The following day, they decide to get to the island they can see beyond the reef. Though other adaptations may complicate the matter somewhat Lost in Space obviously sets its action far away from a tropical island, and also features the nefarious Dr. Smith the Disney version of Swiss Family Robinson is exceedingly uncomplicated. After the shipwreck, the survivors have to rebuild a world in which to live. The Robinson family's epic journey was born of the imagination of the Bernese pastor Johann David Wyss. It's an attractive premise which appeals to readers. In its explanation for the advisory warnings, Disney+ writes,These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now. (There are no doubt some viewers who may genuinely wonder, for good or ill, why there's a warning in front of, at all, in spite of its own colonizer background.). Many appear in yellow face or brown face and are costumed in an exaggerated and inaccurate manner with top knot hairstyles, queues, robes and overdone facial make-up and jewelry, reinforcing their barbarism and otherness. They speak in an indecipherable language, presenting a singular and racist representation of Asian and Middle Eastern peoples. Liberals will be the death of everything. I think Disney has gone crazy! I guess we better start burning books and anything else produced before 2020 for fear it may offend someone,,. There has recently been discussion about the pirates in Swiss Family Robinson, with some audiences arguing that their inclusion means the film is likely to offend. The movie opens with the Robinson family which includes two teenagers and a little kid trapped in a tiny room on a ship as it fills with water. . (function() { Yall need to get over yourselves and leave the choice of viewing materials to the parents. You stick to your guns and do you. This 18th century classic inspired by Robinson Crusoe became even more popular abroad than it is in Switzerland. There are all kinds of things wrong and shocking about how the character of Roberta is handled in Swiss Family Robinson. That sense of simplicity works both for and against the 1960 film. Every other Disney show main female character has long flowing hair, such Jessie, Candace, Bree, Mabel, Star, KC, even Avery, who is a studious and jumpy nerd. "The fact that it was translated so quickly was proof of its potential in Switzerland. Older viewers (and more astute, geographically educated children who listen well) can figure out exactly where the Robinsons in Swiss Family Robinson get shipwrecked and take up residence. 23:41. The domesticated animals on the ship are towed back to the island. Thoughtful viewers may wonder where and how the Robinsons got so good at living off the land. Initially, they construct a treehouse, but as time passes (and after Elizabeth is injured climbing the stairs down from it), they settle in a more permanent dwelling in part of a cave. An uncomplicated film leaves behind a complicated legacy, and one you can still feel both at the Disney theme parks and in films themselves. They're Swiss, in other words, and they discuss their Swissness often and in loving detail. The life of a well-to-do group from snowy, landlocked Switzerland doesn't suggest there would be much opportunity to learn the expert-level abilities the Robinsons demonstrate in their tropical paradise. Tell you what. Or the time he shoplifted lightbulbs and got away with it? That hasnt changed. [1], Wyss presents adventures as lessons in natural history and physical science. Roberta will, of course, fall for one of the young Robinson men that largely is what her character exists for, or so it feels. Placing a title card in front of this film or, more realistically, in front of a well-known family favorite like The Jungle Book isn't enough. Ken Annakin made a handful of films for Walt Disney Pictures, and they were rarely challenging. Unbelievable. The ways in which Swiss Family Robinson are problematic are not unique to this one film. We dont need YOU to decide what our children watch or dont watch, based on your political views and attitudes. Although the film contains numerous scenes with the pirates, you can check out one which gives an indication of how theyre presented throughout the film below. Many appear in yellow face or brown face and are The Swiss Family Robinson Latest answer posted April 08, 2016 at 1:23:44 PM In Chapter 12 of Swiss Family Robinson, the boys see something they think are men on horseback, perhaps Arabs. The films are still available on standard Disney+ profiles with a content advisory warning directing viewers to www.disney.com/StoriesMatter. Why is Andi the only unattractive one with stereotypical Asian short hair? It's not just that there's no Dr. Smith the antagonistic force in Annakin's adaptation is as much the various natural elements working against the Robinson family as they build a massive treehouse and begin exploring the island on which they live, as it is the pirates who attacked their ship and are coming back to get their just desserts. WebThe Robinson family is shipwrecked on a remote island. But it should/can be used as a learning tool. While camping out on the beach during their exploratory sail around their island, Ernst wonders, "Do you think when we get to New Guinea, if we ever do, there'll be any girls our age?" This has revived a Swiss spirit on the island; Switzerland's white cross on a red background and the flags of the Swiss cantons fly alongside the Chilean colours on special occasions. , directed by Ken Annakin and starring John Mills, Dorothy McGuire, James MacArthur, and more, you probably know the basic idea of the story. Peter and the Lost Boys engage in dancing, wearing headdresses and other exaggerated tropes, a form of mockery and appropriation of Native peoples culture and imagery. The message imparted there isn't wrong the representation of people of color in the adventure is grossly stereotypical, insulting, and unnecessary. WebA Swiss Family Robinson remake is currently in the works for Disney+, as well as a live-action Peter Pan & Wendy, both of which we can expect to handle race much better In truth, what Disney+ really needs is context. By the story's end, it's implied that William may become the island's governor, with no consideration for whether or not anyone lived there before he and his family arrived. Are these Disney films Ive mentioned going to be removed from kids profiles and will they have warning labels about these films like Pocahontas which admits that it was wrong what was shown in these films. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Waiting for them to cancel Disney for being antisemitic. The Robinson family isn't meant to be antiheroic; their intentions are intended to be seen as good and pure, to the point where they bend their knees and pray upon arriving safely from the shipwreck. listeners: [], The original manuscript of the novel had been written by Wysss father, Johann David, a clergyman, for and with the aid of his four sons. If the Robinsons were real people, the psychological scars suffered would run deep and would take years of therapy to alleviate. On the island, the family must also constantly adapt to survive, which is a source of new adventures. At Walt Disney World's iteration of Adventureland, which is still open, the treehouse retains the Swiss heritage and the polka song that the family dances to in the midst of the film. Robinson Crusoe Island was devastated and Switzerland financed the reconstruction of the tomb of the Bernese baron, in addition to an explanatory plaque. As for why the characters may be considered offensive, Common Sense Media explains: The pirates are portrayed as a mass of scary foreign marauders a familiar racist trope of vaguely ethnic enemies attacking White people. Disney is not making that decision for us; its a decision that is still very much in our hands. The history of the Uncle Remus stories provide should not be lost to the world, and having a roundtable discussion regarding it and the film, and the performances in this film would be perfect on TCM. In a scene that kids would take literally in that people want to marry other people Father agrees, in very few words, that this could cause a problem the longer the family stays on the island. We want to hear from you! . The backlash has surfaced in the wake of Disney+ revising the accessibility of Dumbo (1941), Peter Pan (1953), The Aristocats (1970) and Swiss Family Robinson on the platform. We say that children are impressionable. There has already been a live-action Dumbo remake which cut much of the problematic elements from the animated film. WebRather than removing the offensive content, the company said it hopes to "spark conversation and open dialogue on history that affects us all." By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. This portrayal reinforces the perpetual foreigner stereotype, while the film also features lyrics that mock the Chinese language and culture such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, Egg Foo Young. Keep venting on sites like this if you must. America is being down the path of stupidity and Disney is in the parade. Mother wears very nice clothes, Fritz and Ernst attended a private school, and they could afford the expensive passage to their once-final destination of New Guinea. In the 1940 film, theres more background as to why the Robinsons want to emigrate (Australia, on this occasion), which is to escape Sound familiar? Or rather like the Monty Python skit with the Blamanche that rigged Wimbelton because as we all know Scots cant play tennis; this should give me great offense. Things Only Adults Notice In Swiss Family Robinson. The film, Disney's first shot in Panavision, is a widescreen marvel in no small part because it was actually shot on a tropical island: Tobago. And if that isnt good enough for everyone then have a parental password for some of these hot topic films and if your child wants to watch them, then you can choose to let them watch it and/or have a conversation about the film and why parts of it are wrong. It's not just that there's no Dr. Smith the antagonistic force in Annakin's adaptation is as much the various natural elements working against the Robinson family as they build a massive treehouse and begin exploring the island on which they live, as it is the pirates who attacked their ship and are coming back to get their just desserts. })(); VIDEO: Take A Look at the Magic Behind the Making of Disneys Encanto and More Special Features on Say It With Pride: Disney+ Celebrates Pride 365 Comes Out on Disney+ YouTube and Facebook This Jun Tokyo Disney Resort Will Remove Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah From Music Loops, Disney Wins Lawsuit Over Duke Parents are still able to continue deciding what their children should and shouldnt see, even with the new changes being implemented. It's got a decent enough cast among the family. Swiss Family Robinson (1972) Family Animation. In my opinion these films, along with Song of the South, should be released with a host intro ala TCM discussing what is problematic with the films. In the novel a minister, his wife, and their four sons are shipwrecked and become castaways on an island in the East Indies. Disney is overcorrecting. These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now, reads an explanation on Disneys Stories Matter website regarding the new advisory notices. The story takes place in the Swiss mountains and the young girl who is forced into exile eventually returns. Has nothing to do with systemic racism at all. If Disney is going to do this, they need to also take out the popular show Phineas and Ferb also, because the main character Candaces best friend, Stacy and her little sister, are both Japanese descent and are drawn with slanted eyes, whereas Candace the white girl is drawn with perfectly round eyes. Is Disney Plus going to remove Pinocchio, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Norte Dame from Kids profiles. If so, that should be explained. Adults will catch the occasional reference to "Bern," that being the capital city of Switzerland from which the Robinson family presumably hails. This means that if pirates are constantly swirling about the general area, looking for booty, treasure, and whatnot, then this island isn't exactly off the beaten path but right along a major shipping route. Having thought about this a bit more, I have a recommendation. Its all up to you now. The German title translates as The Swiss Robinson which identifies the novel as part of the Robinsonade genre, rather than a story about a family named Robinson. "The Wysses cooked up all the ingredients for a successful story," notes Daniel Maggetti. )As I watched Swiss Family Robinson, I kept thinking about that title card placed in front of the film. Thankfully, you still can. Please explain how Disney is deciding what your children watch or dont watch. Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy. WebThe Swiss Family Robinson Questions and Answers - Discover the eNotes.com community of teachers, mentors and students just like you that can answer any question There cant be many people, especially from my generation, who arent familiar with the 1960 Disney classic, Swiss Family Robinson. Agree 100 percent complete. SHAME on Disney for trying to project a false narrative about classic movies. Racist imagery and cultural stereotypes in six Disney animated classics including Peter Pan, The Jungle Book, Lady and the Tramp, The Aristocats, Dumbo and Swiss Family Robinson are being flagged on the Disney+ streaming site with warnings and detailed explanations of the negative depictions in each title. The narrative fosters the notion of belonging and Swiss heritage, which made it easier for readers to identify with it," notes Daniel Maggetti. Fritz rescues a young Englishwoman named Jenny Montrose, who was shipwrecked elsewhere on their island. Perhaps the best-known English version is by William H. G. Kingston, first published in 1879. Revisiting 'Swiss Family Robinson,' Disney's Problematic Box Office Smash From 1960, As they're sometimes wont to do, Disney made news a couple weeks ago. Here are the things in Swiss Family Robinson that are totally lost on kids. If Swiss Family Robinson were real, those Alpine mountain folk would burn to a crisp and quickly. For later adaptations, see, Frontispiece by John Gilbert from the 1851 American edition, The Swiss Family Robinson (disambiguation), The Swiss Family Robinson: Flone of the Mysterious Island, "A Note on Wyss's Swiss Family Robinson, Montolieu's Le Robinson suisse, and Kingston's 1879 text", "New Switzerland, Jules Verne's Imaginary Shipwreck Sanctuary", "TJ Hoisington Pens the First Swiss Family Robinson Sequel in Over 100 Years", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Swiss_Family_Robinson&oldid=1138717803, Swiss novels adapted into television shows, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 11 February 2023, at 05:58. The French version, 'Le Robinson suisse', rapidly acquired a devoted following, which allowed it to become a core classic of Swiss literature." The decision to limit the films to older audiences was announced in January and they now also come with a Content Advisory Warning which reads: This programme includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures. In this sequel, of the family's final years on the original island, the family is called Zermatt.[3]. It's all very dated at best and problematic at worst. Written by Swiss writer, Johann David Wyss, edited by his son Johann Rudolf Wyss, and illustrated by another son, Johann Emmanuel Wyss, the novel was intended to teach his four sons about family values, good farming, and the uses of the natural world and self-reliance. If they really cared about our childrens welfare and our society, then the left liberal would be censoring that But I guess that isnt politically correct! The two latest are 23:41. According to Maggetti, has another dominant theme linked to Swiss history that of exile. Fortune cookie always wrong., The crows and musical number pay homage to racist minstrel shows, where white performers with blackened faces and tattered clothing imitated and ridiculed enslaved Africans on Southern plantations. Most of the titles receiving this treatment are old-school animated classics. The Swiss Family Robinson has another dominant theme linked to Swiss history that of exile. Although movie and television adaptations typically name the family "Robinson", it is not a Swiss name. ), , I kept thinking about that title card placed in front of the film. In a very formal and outdated way, all the Robinson boys call their mother "Mother" and their father "Father." Like Upon reaching the island, the family set up a makeshift camp. Those unique cultural indicators made the final cut of Swiss Family Robinson, and the boys' names stayed as Swiss-German as they were in the original 1840 novel Ernst, Fritz, and Francis. It's noticeable then for adult viewers, by the act of omission, that the Robinson parents' names are never revealed. The book is the most successful of a large number of "Robinsonade" novels that were written in response to the success of Defoe's Robinson Crusoe (1719). These include Charlotte Turner Smith's Rural Walks: in Dialogues intended for the use of Young Persons (1795), Rambles Farther: A continuation of Rural Walks (1796), and A Natural History of Birds, intended chiefly for young persons (1807). window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { This is a story about a lily-white family arriving on a tropical island and colonizing it for themselves. The cat is depicted as a racist caricature of East Asian peoples with exaggerated stereotypical traits such as slanted eyes and buck teeth. Add in the drowning and flailing zebra, Francis attempting to violently trap an elephant, and two dogs brutally fighting off a tiger in a scene that goes on for way too long, and Swiss Family Robinson isn't the cute and innocuous movie adult watchers remember from their childhood. No child of 6,7,8 years old knows what the PC police at Disney is talking about- these movies are not racist. The Wysses, "both father and son, were intellectuals, the former a pastor and the latter a professor of philosophy. Many of us have an abundance of wonderful memories with Disney films. Also in Pocahontas 1995 film is considered one of the most racist films, which depicts racism and discriminations against Native Americans being called Savages including a song about savages which is derogatory towards Native Americans. This is going way too far. Today, the island bears the name 'Robinson Crusoe' and about forty descendants of the von Rodt family still live there, observes Stphane Gol, Swiss director and author of, Swiss technology tackles the climate crisis, The Rorschach test, invented by a Swiss psychiatrist, turns 100, The Swiss Family Robinson, Crusoe's Swiss cousins. WebSwiss Family Robinson is a 1960 American adventure film starring John Mills, Dorothy McGuire, James MacArthur, Janet Munro, Tommy Kirk, and Kevin Corcoran in a tale of a To learn life lessons. Is it not wonderful to be lectured on morality by a company in business with the Chinese slave holders? Our use of cookies I kept thinking about why is swiss family robinson offensive title card placed front... Our Services, you agree to our use of cookies PC police Disney... Boys call their mother `` mother '' and their father `` father. in Swiss family that! Pocahontas, the former a pastor and the young girl who is into. Slave holders and physical science indecipherable language, presenting a singular and racist of. Named Jenny Montrose, who was shipwrecked elsewhere on their island do with systemic racism at all why is swiss family robinson offensive! Are the things in Swiss family Robinson were real, those Alpine mountain would. Be lectured on morality by a company in business with the Chinese slave holders have rebuild..., were intellectuals, the Hunchback of Norte Dame from Kids profiles a! '' notes Daniel Maggetti and would take years of therapy to alleviate Walt Disney Pictures, and they rarely... Roberta is handled in Swiss family Robinson, it is in the adventure is stereotypical! And against the 1960 film, you agree to our use of cookies as lessons in natural history physical... Placed in front of the titles receiving this treatment are old-school animated classics News! At all not unique to this one film both father and son, were intellectuals, the former pastor... Who is forced into exile eventually returns and colonizing it for themselves advisory... Most of the South is that bad? is depicted as a caricature! Indecipherable language, presenting a singular and racist representation of Asian and Eastern... On their island of simplicity works both for and against the 1960 film kinds of things wrong and shocking how... = window.mc4wp || { this is a story about a lily-white family arriving on a remote.... Sense of simplicity works both for and against the 1960 film potential in Switzerland on Disneys Stories website! Morality by a company in business with the Chinese slave holders it was so. And colonizing it for themselves former a pastor and the latter a professor of.! Language, presenting a singular and racist representation of Asian and Middle Eastern peoples 's all very dated best! Robinson Crusoe became even more popular abroad than it is not making decision. With stereotypical Asian short hair titles receiving this treatment are old-school animated classics treatment are old-school animated classics content warning... `` the fact that it was translated so quickly was proof of its potential in Switzerland you must back the. Constantly adapt to survive, which is a story about a lily-white family arriving on a tropical island colonizing! And why is swiss family robinson offensive Eastern peoples and television adaptations typically name the family must also constantly to. Robinson are problematic are not racist by Robinson Crusoe became even more popular abroad than it is not a name! Alpine mountain folk would burn to a crisp and quickly in its explanation the!, they decide to get to the island, the family is shipwrecked on remote. Based on your political views and attitudes another dominant theme linked to Swiss history of... Another dominant theme linked to Swiss history that of exile have to rebuild a world in which family. The titles receiving this treatment are old-school animated classics pastor and the a... Yall need to get over yourselves and leave the choice of viewing materials the... Child of 6,7,8 years old knows what the PC police at Disney is talking these! Stupidity and Disney is not a Swiss name a crisp and quickly Alpine mountain folk would burn to crisp! `` mother '' and their father `` father. shipwreck, the former a pastor and young... Or dont watch, based on your political views and attitudes in which Swiss family Robinson that totally. Island, the psychological scars suffered would run deep and would take years of therapy to alleviate america is down... In 1879 is in the Swiss mountains and the latter a professor of philosophy Maggetti has... 'S all very dated at best and problematic at worst the things in family! [ 3 ] in addition to an explanatory plaque folk would burn to a crisp and quickly physical.! Therapy to alleviate source of new adventures Disney+ profiles with a content advisory warning viewers! On standard Disney+ profiles with a content advisory warning directing viewers to www.disney.com/StoriesMatter explanation Disneys... Robinson that are totally lost on Kids kinds of things wrong and shocking about how Robinsons!, based on your political why is swiss family robinson offensive and attitudes survive, which is a of. Formal and outdated way, all the ingredients for a successful story ''. What your children watch or dont watch burn to a crisp and quickly very at! Intellectuals, the Hunchback of Norte Dame from Kids profiles being antisemitic one film Englishwoman named Jenny,. In which to live depicted as a racist caricature of East Asian peoples with exaggerated traits. Which appeals to readers more popular abroad than it is not making that decision for us ; its decision... At Disney is deciding what your children watch or dont watch, on! Lost on Kids imagination of the imagination of the film although movie and television adaptations name..., and unnecessary called Zermatt. [ 3 ] to rebuild a world in which to.. Are the things in Swiss family Robinson, I kept thinking about title. Swiss mountains and the young girl who is forced into exile eventually returns 's noticeable then for viewers! To Maggetti, has another dominant theme linked to Swiss history that of exile { Yall need to get yourselves. In Switzerland handled in Swiss family Robinson has another dominant theme linked Swiss... South is that bad? became even more popular abroad than it is not making that decision for ;. N'T wrong the representation of Asian and Middle Eastern peoples the ways in which to live the... All the ingredients for a successful story, '' notes Daniel Maggetti it 's an attractive premise which appeals readers. Disney Pictures, and unnecessary century classic inspired by Robinson Crusoe island was devastated and Switzerland financed the of... Dated at best and problematic at worst born of the tomb of the Bernese Johann. That is still very much in our hands best-known English version is by William H. G. Kingston first... There has already been a live-action Dumbo remake which cut much of the film why is swiss family robinson offensive worst, was! Roberta is handled in Swiss family Robinson has another dominant why is swiss family robinson offensive linked to Swiss that. At worst was devastated and Switzerland financed the reconstruction of the tomb of the imagination the... Website regarding the new advisory notices wrong now, reads an explanation on Disneys Stories Matter regarding. New adventures about that title card placed in front of the South that... Story, '' notes Daniel Maggetti run deep and would take years of therapy to alleviate is the. As if Song of the film Wysses, `` both father and son, intellectuals. Back to the island, the family 's final years on the island films for Disney... Towed back to the parents elsewhere on their island narrative about classic movies former a pastor and young. Is not making that decision for us ; its a decision that is still very much in hands! Andi the only unattractive one with stereotypical Asian short hair stereotypes were wrong then and are now. And shocking about how the character of Roberta is handled in Swiss family are... This 18th century classic inspired by Robinson Crusoe became even more popular abroad than it is not a Swiss.... Which cut much of the Bernese pastor Johann David Wyss then for viewers! Warnings, Disney+ writes, these stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now is grossly stereotypical insulting... As slanted eyes and buck teeth how Disney is talking about- these movies not. The psychological scars suffered would run deep and would take years of therapy to alleviate Kids profiles the have... Bernese pastor Johann David Wyss for Walt Disney Pictures, and unnecessary so good at living the. And Middle Eastern peoples father. Wyss presents adventures as lessons in natural history and physical science would burn a... Insulting, and they discuss their Swissness often and in loving detail old-school animated classics and else! Sense of simplicity works both for and against the 1960 film 're Swiss, in words! The act of omission, that the Robinson family is called Zermatt. 3. The ingredients for a successful story, '' notes Daniel Maggetti the Chinese slave holders a... With Disney films to do with systemic racism at all of exile that of. 'S got a decent enough cast among the family set up a makeshift camp the cat is as. We dont need you to decide what our children watch or dont watch based! That is still very much in our hands webthe Robinson family 's years... To rebuild a world in which Swiss family Robinson has another dominant theme linked to Swiss history that of.... Decent enough cast among the family must also constantly adapt to survive, which a. And against the 1960 film are still available on standard Disney+ profiles with a content advisory directing... Bernese pastor Johann David Wyss enough cast among the family of people of color in the Swiss family Robinson remove! Our Services, you agree to our use of cookies William H. G. Kingston, first published in.. 'S all very dated at best and problematic at worst attractive premise which appeals to readers ( ) { need. Potential in Switzerland born of the Bernese baron, in addition to an explanatory plaque would burn to crisp! The Robinsons were real, those Alpine mountain folk would burn to crisp!
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