Life

Marie Louise McConville: Disney's move to block classic movies is going too far

Disney has blocked access to some of its classic movies amid concerns they portray racial stereotypes
Disney has blocked access to some of its classic movies amid concerns they portray racial stereotypes Disney has blocked access to some of its classic movies amid concerns they portray racial stereotypes

I think it's all getting a little bit silly now.

Before long, our children won't be able to watch anything, do anything, say anything, eat anything or breathe for that matter - because there will be something wrong with that too.

I think it comes down to people simply having too much time on their hands and looking for things to do and shout about and probably, are in need of a little attention.

In recent times, us parents have been told that pretty much everything our mums and dads did with us as children, allowed us to watch or allowed us to eat, was wrong and damaging and therefore we shouldn't do it with our kids.

The latest, happy pastime to be targeted is Disney, which has moved to block access to some of its classic movies amid concerns they portray racial stereotypes.

Bosses at Disney have blocked anyone under the age of seven from watching movies including Peter Pan, The Aristocats, Dumbo and Swiss Family Robinson from its streaming service, Disney+

Reportedly, the decision to ban the films was made by a group of external experts who were brought in to assess if the content ‘represented global audiences’.

Is this a joke?

Are they saying that young children who watch these great movies may become racist as a result?

I despair, I really do.

Personally, I was never a fan of Peter Pan but I grew up watching Dumbo and Swiss Family Robinson and I just loved getting lost in the stories - nothing more.

It is understood Peter Pan has been blocked because it features a Native American tribe whose members are referred to as ‘redskins’ while The Aristocats has a Siamese cat character, whose appearance is described as a caricature of East Asian people.

The 1960 Swiss Family Robinson has been criticised for its `yellow face' and `brown face' pirates while Dumbo has been accused of ridiculing enslaved African-Americans on Southern plantations.

And while the films remain available on adult accounts, they come with a disclaimer.

I'll be honest, The Aristocats is a big hit in the McConville household and it has been watched many, many times and I have no issue with that at all.

My kids love it because of the singing and little Marie holds a special place in our hearts.

I certainly will not be stopping my kids from watching any movie I think is appropriate and really, I think Disney has made a big mistake here.

As far as I am concerned, none of these movies pose any threat to my children.

If anything, shouldn't we be more concerned about what behaviour children are seeing and hearing at home because that's where actions are replicated and beliefs formed.

I think it's time we let our kids be kids and have childhoods and just accept things at their innocent face value - such as a Disney movie - because that is all it is, nothing more.

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Liam, Liam, Liam, what are you at?

I'm a bit saddened this week after the big man from Ballymena revealed he is to quit action roles.

Best known for high octane performances in the likes of Taken and Unknown, Hollywood star Liam Neeson is the best action star around but now he says he's too old - at 68-and-a-half - to make them any more.

Come on Liam, age is just a number.

I for one love seeing you annihilating the bad guys and no one could take your place.

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Thank goodness for reality television this lockdown.

I don't know about anybody else but I don't think viewing has been up to much in recent times and really, except for the soaps, there hasn't been much else on.

As a household which doesn't have Netflix or Sky, we are a bit limited so I was over the moon when the new series of Dancing on Ice arrived.

Having never watched it before but desperate for something glitzy in my life, I decided to give it a go and I'm glad I did.

I am loving all the sparkle and sequins and tunes but above all that, I really adore the performances.

I'm quite surprised how much I have enjoyed seeing the celebrities progress but I am always on the edge of my seat waiting for a nasty fall.

There is one thing however I could do without, and that is judge John Barrowman's over-the-top commentary and remarks. I'm afraid I find him too much.

My money this series is on former Corrie actress, Faye Brookes to win. She was fantastic last week and I really enjoyed watching her. She was just so natural.

I also enjoyed Rebekah Vardy (but as I am Team Coleen Rooney), I am torn by this.

Tomorrow night brings Musicals Week so I am sure there will be lots of drama and lots of gorgeous costumes to keep us entertained.

So, jammies ready and snacks on hand - let's enjoy.

**Competitions will return in the coming weeks.