Entertainment

Controversy Surrounds Disneyland's Snow White Ride Due To Prince's 'Non-Consensual' Kiss

Disneyland is facing criticism for featuring the Prince's 'non-consensual' kiss in the Snow White attraction.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, released in 1937, was Walt Disney Productions' debut animated film.

The story draws inspiration from an 1812 German tale penned by the Brothers Grimm.

In the movie, a young princess lives under the rule of her evil stepmother, the Queen, who reduces her to the role of a maid.

After an assassination attempt by the Queen, Snow White escapes to the forest where she befriends its creatures.

She ends up living with seven dwarves named Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy, and Dopey, who are miners nearby.

After the film hit big, a whole range of Snow White merchandise flooded the market.

Moreover, the movie's brand expanded to various platforms, like a Broadway show and amusement park attractions.

When Disneyland opened its doors on July 17, 1955, one of the attractions was Snow White and her Adventures, according to MiceChat.

During the recent shutdown, this ride underwent a significant revamp, altering its storyline and leaving many fans disappointed.

Before, the ride showcased the Princess's interactions with the Queen, but now it centers on her romance with Prince Ferdinand.

Now called Enchanted Wish, the attraction has faced backlash for emphasizing what many see as the 'film's main issue.'

Theme park critics Katie Dowd and Julie Tremaine have shared their concerns on SFGATE.

"Haven't we already agreed that consent in early Disney movies is a major issue?" they wrote.

"That teaching kids that kissing, when it hasn't been established if both parties are willing to engage, is not OK?"

"It's hard to understand why the Disneyland of 2021 would choose to add a scene with such old-fashioned ideas of what a man is allowed to do to a woman."

Yet, not everyone on Twitter shares this sentiment.

One individual expressed vehemently: "The criticism of this scene in the ride is absurd. Also shows complete ignorance of the story of Snow White and fairytales in general."

"Snow White already knew he was her true love, otherwise, she wouldn't have woken up."

Another commented: "Give me a break! Stop taking the classics that made us all wish for a happy ending, dreams, and possibilities of better! Who raised these whiney asses?"

While some feel the attraction has regressed with its updates, others are irate about potential changes to the beloved tale.

Ladybird books are said to be reevaluating potentially troubling elements of Snow White – and Cinderella – by consulting sensitivity readers.

The Telegraph has noted that certain story details are under scrutiny, like the notion of love at first sight.

This idea is seen as problematic since young readers might believe that physical attractiveness is the primary virtue.

It's also reportedly concerning that the main characters often have high social status, leading kids to think that societal rank matters a lot.

Moreover, 'good' characters are often young, while antagonists are typically older – promoting ageism.

In addition to the ride's alterations and possible book revisions, the live-action adaptation slated for release next year is stirring up some discontent.

The film, starring the young Latina actress Rachel Zegler, 22, as Snow White, is in the limelight for its innovative approach to the narrative.

Word has it that Disney plans to swap out the seven dwarves for 'magical beings' to sidestep reinforcing clichés.

Zegler further notes that "times have changed since 1937", implying that the Princess won't be rescued by the Prince in this version.

"We absolutely wrote a Snow White that is not gonna be saved by the Prince," the West Side Story star informed during a recent red carpet event.

"She's not going to be dreaming about true love. She's dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be."

The casting of Zegler has also faced criticism, with some arguing she doesn't match the portrayal of having "skin as white as snow."

Responding to the critique, Zegler stated in a tweet, which she has since removed (as reported by BuzzFeed), "Yes I am Snow White. No, I am not bleaching my skin for the role."

Can you sense the drama brewing?