“The original story does not end with a kiss, Disney invented that kiss. They do have responsibility for changing the original plotline.”
There was a fierce debate on Good Morning Britain as guests clashed on whether Disney films give out confusing messages regarding consent.
Since reopening in California for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began, Disneyland had revamped many of its rides, including its Snow White Enchanted Wish ride, which now finishes with Prince Charming kissing a sleeping Snow White.
However GMB guest Nichi Hodgson, who is a dating historian, suggested that the famous kiss is problematic and promotes kissing without consent.
“Many parents don’t know what their children are watching,” she said. “And may not be paying attention.
“Disney has a moral duty. They can be an ethical business if they want to be. They make billions every year from their films. Children watch their films from a very young age, and they are some of the first stories they imbibe.
“The original story does not end with a kiss, Disney invented that kiss. They do have responsibility for changing the original plotline.”
Relationship expert Emiliana Silvestri disagreed though, saying that the two issues were being unfairly linked .
Silvestri responded to Hodgson, saying: “I watched all the Disney films as a child, so does my child, and neither of us are confused about consent.
“I think [consent teaching] is the responsibility of the parent. It’s an important conversation to be having, but it’s not Disney we should be looking to that’s the cause of this problem.
“Disney has evolved through criticism and they have changed the characters throughout the years. This is a very historical story and I don’t think they should have to change history because of this consent debate, when the story never caused any issues.”
Unsurprisingly, the conversation sparked a few opinions on the home of reasonable views, Twitter.
One woman wrote: “Can honestly say I’ve watched Snow White and all the rest of the Disney movies and have never sexually harassed anyone.
“If you don’t know not to touch people without consent then blame it on your parents, not a cartoon.”
Another said that Snow White has “the kiss of life. That’s far different to a gropey kiss!”
A third labelled the debate as “ridiculous” and said that Disney had actually made the Snow White story “more child-friendly,” as the original story was much darker.
This is actually true. The original fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm sees the Evil Queen eat what she thinks is Snow White’s innards, and is then forced to dance to death as a punishment.
And they all lived happily ever after.
So maybe we should just be glad that the film and rides that are based on it don’t include these details.
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