Disney Adjusts Content Advisories and Reevaluates Diversity Strategy
Content Advisory Modifications
Disney has announced adjustments to its content advisories for older films on its streaming service, Disney+. These changes will aim to better acknowledge and address outdated and potentially offensive depictions within its classic titles.
Previously, the advisory for films like "Peter Pan" and "Dumbo" warned viewers about "negative depictions and/or mistreatment of peoples or cultures." The updated advisory will now read: "This program is presented as originally created and may contain stereotypes or negative depictions."
The revised language is intended to provide a more concise and direct notice of potentially offensive content, while still maintaining transparency about the film’s original context.
Background and Historical Context
In November 2019, Disney began adding content warnings to older movies featuring racist depictions, acknowledging the harmful impact of such content. Initially, the warning stated that the film "may contain outdated cultural depictions."
In October 2020, Disney extended the warning to include a more explicit message, stating: "This program includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures. These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now. Rather than remove this content, we want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together."
Strategic Shifts in Diversity and Inclusion
The content advisory changes coincide with broader shifts in Disney’s overall diversity and inclusion strategy. According to Axios and Variety, Disney has replaced its "Diversity & Inclusion" performance factor with a new "Talent Strategy" factor that emphasizes the alignment of values with business success.
Additionally, the company has discontinued the Reimagine Tomorrow initiative, which aimed to highlight stories and talent from underrepresented communities.
Contextualizing the Changes
The adjustments come amidst broader discussions about the role and influence of entertainment in shaping cultural norms and values. President Donald Trump’s 2022 executive order aimed to address perceived "radical DEI preferencing" in federal contracting.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs typically focus on eliminating hiring bias and promoting career opportunities for historically marginalized groups, including people of color, women, and LGBTQ individuals.
Iger’s Focus on Entertainment and Values
Upon his return as Disney’s CEO in 2022, Bob Iger emphasized the company’s primary mission of entertainment, prioritizing it over perceived "agenda-driven" values. He stated that Disney’s entertainment should "continue to have a positive impact on the world" but should not be explicitly driven by external agendas.
Implications for the Future
Disney’s adjustments to its content advisories and diversity strategy suggest a more nuanced approach to addressing potentially offensive content while focusing on business performance. It remains to be seen how these changes will impact public perception and the company’s long-term commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Additional Points of Interest
- The changes to the content advisories received mixed reactions, with some commending the transparency and others expressing concerns about potential censorship.
- Disney’s modified diversity strategy aligns with a broader trend in corporate America toward a more results-oriented approach to diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- The ongoing discussion about entertainment’s role in shaping cultural values is likely to continue, with Disney’s actions serving as a significant example.
