Song of the South (1949)

A wonderful family film that is being missed by so many

I am 38 years old and remember seeing this wonderful movie in the theater when I was around 10. I thought it was a wonderful story and fell in love with all of the characters. I loved hearing Uncle Remus tell his stories and if there was any portrayal of racism, which I never really think it does, what this film taught me was that you should never treat someone poorly just because they are poorer, a different color or from a different background than you. I wish my children could see such a classic film that teaches so many good values when so many of today's films teach much more about violence, hatred and where it is now acceptable to show rape on film. What a tragedy that this wonderful film should be banned when so many others that are truly horrific are widely accepted and applauded. I hope Disney sees the irony in this. October 9, 2008

Would love to see it again! ARE YOU LISTENING DISNEY!!!

You know when I watched this movie as a child I had no thought what so ever of racism...all I saw was a kindly old man telling wonderful tales.

I would dearly love to see it come out on dvd, and sit down and watch it with my grandkids.

September 25, 2008

Release for education, not for entertainment

I don't really believe any movie, book, or any other work of art should ever be withheld because it sparks controversy; indeed, Song of the South should be discussed in terms of history of film, America, and race. The problem is in the packaging and marketing. Song should be released to educate, but it's marketing and packaging should not lead people to think this is an appropriate, relevant, or happy-go-lucky piece of entertainment.

It's difficult to acknowledge that things we loved as children are not what we perceived them to be. As adults, though, we should turn a critical eye to things we learned as children and see them from different points of view. There are, like it or not, portrayals of black people and relationships between black and white people that are racist. Though the relationship between the white boy and Uncle Remus is friendly and loving, there still must be discussion on why that relationship exists, how voluntary it is, and what the power dynamics imply.

Song of the South is valuable in that it relates complex issues that teach universal lessons: that personal relationships often have broader societal contexts and that social conditions impact personal relationships; that America has always struggled with racism, classism, and sexism; and that insensitive portrayals of ethnic groups have often been wrapped in a colorful box. The film deserves (and should demand) much critical inquiry, but it absolutely does not deserve critical acclaim. September 14, 2008

Ridiculous to keep this out of circulation

Perhaps Gone With The Wind (one of the greatest novels of all time) and Uncle Tom's Cabin should also be removed from circulation. The past is the past and a great piece of art is a great piece of art. I don't mean to be insensitive, but is everyone really this delicate? Disney seems to think so, which seems to me to be more patronizing than anything in this film. September 12, 2008

What's on television is more offensive and damaging.

I never understood why the movie had so much negativity attached to it. Here is how I remember the movie I saw. It was wonderful story set in America's past at a time when slavery existed. The story showed a wonderful storyteller, his stories and love between people without regard for their race or stature, in a time where all of that was very prevalent. It was showing a positive side of the era. At least that is the feeling I got from it as a young boy and still feel that way today. To me there are far more offensive things on television, not to mention all the other forms of media, than this story. Not releasing this movie because you don't want to offend someone is ridiculous, I do not believe the story was meant to be offensive (it was set in a time where it could be believable). Would you create a story that takes place during WWII and leave Hitler (or the war for that matter) out of it? Perhaps I remember the movie incorrectly, but that's the way I remember it and not as a promotion for racism. August 21, 2008

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