‘Fantasia’ and Change
This is in response to an Oct. 28 letter in which Dr. C. Fortenberry complains of an evening being ruined because three seconds of “Fantasia” were seen as racist.
Good God, first the old Dick Tracy cartoon, now this! Why are we comparing the morals and values of old movies and television to current standards?
Should Jackie Gleason’s “The Honeymooners” be censored because Ralph’s sexist attitude is not popular now? Is “Singin’ in the Rain” offensive because it’s not drought-conscious?
If “Fantasia” were to be made today, I’m sure a racially offensive scene would not even be considered. But 50 years ago even Walt Disney didn’t have the foresight to know that showing dark-skinned characters serving light-skinned characters would be considered offensive.
Fortunately, society has matured to a point that such portrayals are no longer appropriate. Let’s celebrate that fact instead of letting something that happened long ago ruin an evening.
PAUL SCHOWALTER
Pomona
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