![]() Performance-wise, Smith picks to emphasize totally different inflection points than Williams, differentiating himself in subtle ways. In “Prince Ali,” the marquee number Genie uses to introduces Aladdin’s royal alter ego, the music has been amped up to have more of an Agrabah-meets-Mardi Gras big-band effect. Let’s start with some of the more minor, but noticeable changes. ![]() The changes range from subtle lyric twists to new songs, including a much-ballyhooed number for Jasmine written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. However-Disney has also allowed a handful of changes and new additions that will tweak the ear of any fan of the first Aladdin. In Disney’s new live-action iteration, directed by Guy Ritchie, that music stays largely the same, a testament to the soundtrack’s classic staying power. And Disney probably didn’t have bad intentions by making this movie, but in a time where hate towards Arabs and Muslims is so common, positive roles in the media is exactly what we need to change the way the west’s views the Middle East.Aside from Robin Williams’s iconic performance as Genie, the most enduring aspect of Disney’s 1992 Aladdin is the film’s soundtrack, with unforgettable music composed by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. I understand that the movie was released in 1992, a less progressive time. This shapes the way people look at Arab countries. Every movie based in the Middle East is almost always about war or terrorism. Whether it’s a lying thief in a Disney movie or a terrorist in a action blockbuster, Middle Easterners never get the representation they deserve. It’s disgusting, but not surprising.Īrabs barely get roles in Hollywood movies, but when they do, it’s constantly negative. There’s a lyric which states ‘where they cut off your ear if they don’t like your face it’s barbaric but hey it’s home’ Barbaric? Home? Disney is just obviously implying that Middle Eastern homes are barbaric. The part which worries me the most is the song Arabian Nights. Arab women are constantly sexualized in Western media, dressing like belly dancers and seducing men, which Jasmine later does in the movie. Not to mention how sexualized Jasmine’s outfit is. A princess that runs away from her controlling father? Come on. Jasmine’s character is just as problematic. Why are we showing such stereotypical behaviors to kids? Later on, he lies to Princess Jasmine about how he’s a rich prince in order to impress her. Middle Eastern kids deserve better.Īladdin lives on the streets and survives by begging and stealing food. ![]() Are you kidding me? How stereotypical can you get? When little Middle Eastern kids ask to see characters that look like them, this isn’t the example we should be giving. He’s a young Middle Eastern man and a homeless orphan that’s known for stealing and lying. But I’ve realized how problematic Aladdin’s character is. Growing up, I loved watching Aladdin, just like any other child that enjoyed Disney movies. It’s no secret that Disney isn’t the best at portraying different cultures and races in a positive way, but why is no one talking about how racist Aladdin is?Īladdin, which came out in 1992, is a popular movie with fun songs and an interesting plot.
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