Disney has announced that it will “completely reimagine” Splash Mountain, its popular ride based on its 1946 film Song of the South. Song of the South, best known for the song "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah," has long been criticized for its anti-black stereotyping and romanticization of the antebellum south. In fact, the film is so controversial that Disney has kept it locked away for decades.
The ride, which was made in 1989 and exists both in Disneyland park in California and Magic Kingdom park in Florida, will be redesigned to to star characters from The Princess & The Frog, including Tiana, Disney’s first black princess. This decision to rebrand came after more than 20,000 people signed an online petition asking the company to change the ride’s theme. Disney says that the reimagined ride will be "inclusive" and "one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by."
This decision comes amidst a wave of corporate rebranding in response to recent Black Lives Matter protests. The decision has already become a hot topic online, with “Splash mountain” trending.
While some users seem genuinely upset with the decision, many more are having a field day poking fun at these angry reactions. Check out some of our favorite responses below.
https://twitter.com/_/status/1276204233822330881
https://twitter.com/_/status/1276191276283703297
https://twitter.com/_/status/1276199293205053440
