History Trivia / SongOfTheSouth

** While the characters would occasionally pop up time to time in cameos or small roles (''WesternAnimation/HouseOfMouse'', ''WesternAnimation/TheLionKingOneAndAHalf'', and ''Kinect: Disneyland Adventures''), after the aforementioned protests, Disney has decidedly scrubbed all mentions and possible appearances of the characters, mainly by re-theming ''Ride/SplashMountain'' to “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure”, omitting "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" and "Splash Mountain Medley" from their Disney Hits Sirius XM radio station, and by the characters being one of the few glaring omissions in ''WesternAnimation/OnceUponAStudio''.

* BannedInChina: In 2011, Bob Iger said that Song of the South would not receive future distribution in the United States to avoid controversy over its depiction of black people in the Southern US during the Reconstruction era. In March 2020, this was revealed to be an outright ban, as Iger told people at a shareholders event that the film would never get a release on Disney+, not even with an added disclaimer at the beginning, as long as he was in charge.

* NoExportForYou: Inverted; practically every country ''except'' North America has given this film a home video release.

* KeepCirculatingTheTapes:
** In North America, Creator/WaltDisneyHomeVideo has never officially released the full movie, although some [=DVDs=] and Blu-Ray Discs include clips. The ''WesternAnimation/DisneySingAlongSongs'' video ''Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah''[[note]]released on VHS to promote ''Song of the South'''s 1986 theatrical re-release[[/note]] has also never come to DVD; even though it kicked off the ''Sing-Along'' series, Disney hasn't sold it in any form since 2001 (though another volume with a song from the film did see a DVD release in 2006). Disney CEO Bob Iger even vowed to investors that this film will ''never'' see a Creator/DisneyPlus release either, as long as he remains in charge. However, ''Song of the South'' still occasionally airs on TV in the UK, just not on any channels owned by Disney.
** A Blu-ray was released in Spain in 2021, but only with Spanish, German, French and Italian audio, with subtitles being the only English option.

* CreatorBacklash: Not exactly the creator/s, but the Disney Company under new management since Michael Eisner-Bob Iger leadership prefers not to talk about this movie too much, even though "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" is considered one of Disney's signature songs. They have [[https://d23.com/a-to-z/song-of-the-south-film/ an entry for it in their Disney A to Z encyclopedia,]] but that's about it.

* DistancedFromCurrentEvents: In wake of the George Floyd protests, Hallmark pulled a Mickey Mouse ornament because it played "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah", which came from this movie.

* KeepCirculatingTheTapes: In North America, Creator/WaltDisneyHomeVideo has never officially released the full movie, although some [=DVDs=] and Blu-Ray Discs include clips. The ''WesternAnimation/DisneySingAlongSongs'' video ''Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah''[[note]]released on VHS to promote ''Song of the South'''s 1986 theatrical re-release[[/note]] has also never come to DVD; even though it kicked off the ''Sing-Along'' series, Disney hasn't sold it in any form since 2001 (though another volume with a song from the film did see a DVD release in 2006). Disney CEO Bob Iger even vowed to investors that this film will ''never'' see a Creator/DisneyPlus release either, as long as he remains in charge. However, ''Song of the South'' still occasionally airs on TV in the UK, just not on any channels owned by Disney.

** While the characters would occasionally pop up time to time in cameos or small roles (''WesternAnimation/HouseOfMouse'', ''WesternAnimation/TheLionKingOneAndAHalf'', and ''Kinect: Disneyland Adventures'', after the aforementioned protests, Disney has decidedly scrubbed all mentions and possible appearances of the characters, mainly by re-theming ''Ride/SplashMountain'' to “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure”, omitting "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" and "Splash Mountain Medley" from their Disney Hits Sirius XM radio station, and by the characters being one of the few glaring omissions in ''WesternAnimation/OnceUponAStudio''.

** While the characters would occasionally pop up time to time in cameos or small roles (‘’WesternAnimation/HouseOfMouse’’, ‘’ WesternAnimation/TheLionKingOneAndAHalf’’, and ‘’Kinect: Disneyland Adventures’’, after the aforementioned protests, Disney has decidedly scrubbed all mentions and possible appearances of the characters, mainly by re-theming ‘’Ride/SplashMountain’’ to “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure”, and by being one of the few glaring omissions in ‘’WesternAnimation/OnceUponAStudio’’.

** While the characters would occasionally pop up time to time in cameos or small roles (‘’WesternAnimation/HouseOfMouse’’, ‘’ WesternAnimation/TheLionKing1½’’, and ‘’Kinect: Disneyland Adventures’’, after the aforementioned protests, Disney has decidedly scrubbed all mentions and possible appearances of the characters, mainly by re-theming ‘’Ride/SplashMountain’’ to “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure”, and by being one of the few glaring omissions in ‘’WesternAnimation/OnceUponAStudio’’.

* CreatorBacklash: Not exactly the creator/s, but the Disney Company under new management since Micheal Eisner-Bob Iger leadership prefers not to talk about this movie too much, even though "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" is considered one of Disney's signature songs. They have [[https://d23.com/a-to-z/song-of-the-south-film/ an entry for it in their Disney A to Z encyclopedia,]] but that's about it.

* ActingForTwo: Not only did James Baskett portray Uncle Remus, he also voiced Br'er Fox. Also, when Johnny Lee, the voice of Br'er Rabbit, was called away to do promotion for the picture, Baskett stepped in to voice Br'er Rabbit for the "Laughing Place" scene. Oh, and Baskett also played a butterfly he was originally auditioned to play.

* BuryYourArt: Disney has never released the movie on home video (with the exception of occasional clips on VHS, [=DVDs=] and Blu-Rays) and it has not appeared on Disney+. ''Song of the South'' does occasionally air on TV in the UK, but never on channels owned or operated by Disney.

* MarthDebutedInSmashBros: Sometimes it seems like they won't shut up about Br'er Rabbit and company, billing them as characters "from" Splash Mountain and ''WesternAnimation/TheLionKingOneAndAHalf''. Deliberate AdaptationDisplacement? By Disney?

* WhatCouldHaveBeen: ''Song of the South'' has two screenwriters, who had two rather different ideas of how to handle the matter. The first and primary screenwriter was Louisiana-born Dalton S. Reymond. Available information places Reymond's initial treatment as even more likely to cause ValuesDissonance than the final version; he had the white people call black people "darkies" and the black people call white people "massa". Worse, he's the screenwriter who blew off the advisor from the NAACP, Clarence Muse.

* MexicansLoveSpeedyGonzales: Since the release of the film, several African-Americans personalities spoke in favor and defense of the film and everything related to it:
** In a February 1947 interview, printed in The Criterion, Oscar-winning African American actress [=Hattie McDaniel=], who appeared in the film, stated, "If I had for one moment considered any part of the picture degrading or harmful to my people I would not have appeared therein." In the same article, James Baskett, who played the role of Uncle Remus and voiced other characters, defended the film and commented "I believe that certain groups are doing my race more harm in seeking to create dissension than can ever possibly come out of ''The Song of the South''."
** Herman Hill in The Pittsburgh Courier felt that ''Song of the South'' would "prove of inestimable goodwill in the furthering of interracial relations." The magazine Ebony had denounced the movie as "lily-white propaganda", but Hill dismissed such criticisms as "unadulterated hogwash symptomatic of the unfortunate racial neurosis that seems to be gripping so many of our humorless brethren these days."
** Clarence Page, nationally syndicated columnist for the Chicago Tribune, called the film one of his favorites from his childhood and one he had hoped to share with his son. He said in an interview, "There's a deep African tradition in ''Song of the South''. Br'er Rabbit is an emblematic figure of African folklore, a direct descendant of the trickster who gets by on his wits. Where 'Political Correctness' gets ridiculous is when corporations trying to avoid a controversy just presume that if something is stereotypical, then African Americans aren't going to like this. There is a diversity of images in the media now that reflect our diversity in real life. We can look at ''Song of the South'' with a new awareness and appreciation."
** When accepting her award as a Disney Legend in 2017, Whoopi Goldberg expressed the desire for ''Song of the South'' to be re-released publicly to American audiences in its entirety again and stated, "I'm trying to find a way to get people to start having conversations about bringing ''Song of the South'' back, so we can talk about what it was and where it came from and why it came out."
** In 1989, Nick Stewart, the voice of Br'er Bear in ''Song of the South'' and Specks Crow in ''Dumbo'', was called back to Disney to reprise the role of Br'er Bear for the Splash Mountain ride. Disney Historian Jim Korkis asked him if he thought it was at all degrading to play Br'er Bear in ''Song of the South'', regarding all the controversy of the portrayal of African-Americans. Stewart laughed and replied "Disney treated us like Kings".
** Nick's daughter Valarie Stewart and niece Maya Stewart, passionately supported the social media campaign ''Save Splash Mountain''.
** The veteran African American animator and close Walt Disney's friend Floyd Norman, who first saw the film as a kid in theater, has been more passionate in the defense of the film, the following is in fact a series of written statements from his blog Mr Fun's Journal and shared in various interviews all put together, like that "Walt Disney...was clearly nervous how ''Song of the South'' would be accepted by this particular audience. When the film finally came to an end the reception was positive overall. Though the motion picture failed to garner glowing reviews, most found the Disney film immensely entertaining. The African American audience absolutely loved the movie and even requested a second screening of the Disney classic. While Walt Disney can be fairly criticized for his rather naive approach to the post-Civil War South, the Old Maestro can also be praised for his heart-warming story of a kindly old gentleman helping a young boy through difficult times. Yet, the controversy continues, especially among those with a political or social agenda. The Disney motion picture remains an easy target for those anxious to color the story to fit their own needs. I often remind people that Song of the South is not a documentary on the American South. I'm convinced that this charming film will eventually be made available to all to enjoy - and maybe even argue over. After all, some arguments are worth having...I find the film underrated in spite of the rather clunky live-action sequences in the motion picture. Although, some of the live-action is often pretty darn charming in my opinion. I love the relationship Uncle Remus has with the woman of the house. She's a white woman, of course. Clearly, they've known each other for years and are the best of pals. However, the issues of color limit their friendship. I've also loved the scene between Uncle Remus and the cook played by Academy Award winner, [=Hattie McDaniel=]. Even an Oscar win failed to change the career of this talented African American actress. She remained pretty much restricted to the roles of a cook or a servant for the remainder of her career...However, these social issues were never the primary concern of Walt Disney. The Old Maestro was simply doing what he always did best. Walt was simply telling the story of a special relationship between an old black gentleman and a troubled young boy. The film is charming in its simplicity and sadly people tend to read too much into the film. Issues that are simply not there. The Tar Baby being the most notorious example. It was never meant to be a metaphor for black children, yet those with a social agenda often point to this particular story to prove their point. Of course, that's why Walt Disney's Song of the South will continue to remain on the shelf for the near future. It is with deep regret the film remains mired in accusations of "racism" and "insensitivity to African Americans". Those who know their Disney history know this is exactly what Walt Disney hoped to avoid...America has yet come to terms with its racist past and the Walt Disney Company remains uncomfortable with this marvelous motion picture that still causes me to tear up every time I view it. I suppose one should feel sorry for the Disney Company because this film continues to be a cultural hot potato. So much so that Disney CEO Bob Iger is determined not to release the motion picture on DVD. While I understand the concerns of the company and the social impact they fear, I’m afraid I’ll have to disagree with this decision...Cynics may call the film “sappy”. Those with a social or political agenda may call the movie “racist”. However, if you’re a fan of classic Disney storytelling, I guarantee you’ll not find a better film. Walt Disney's ''Song of the South'' is a remarkable motion picture and I'll continue to support the wonderful film whenever given the opportunity. I can do this without any hesitation because deep down inside, this is a Walt Disney motion picture I've always loved...And, for all us animation fans there's really no need to say this film contains some of the most brilliant Disney character animation ever seen on the big screen...Forgetting history is never a good idea. Walt Disney understood that, and so should the rest of us."

* BuryYourArt: Disney has never released the movie on home video (with the exception of occasional clips on VHS, [=DVDs=] and Blu-Rays) and it has not appeared on Disney+. ''Song of the South'' does occasionally air on TV in the UK, but it's not on channels owned or operated by Disney.

* NamesTheSame: No, this film's Ginny and Remus have nothing to do with the ''Literature/HarryPotter'' characters.

** Clarence Page, nationally syndicated columnist for the Chicago Tribune, called the film one of his favorites from his childhood and one he had hoped to share with his son. He said in an interview, "There's a deep African tradition in ''Song of the South''. Br'er Rabbit is an emblematic figure of African folklore, a direct descendant of the trickster who gets by on his wits. Where 'PoliticalCorrectness' gets ridiculous is when corporations trying to avoid a controversy just presume that if something is stereotypical, then African Americans aren't going to like this. There is a diversity of images in the media now that reflect our diversity in real life. We can look at ''Song of the South'' with a new awareness and appreciation."

** In a February 1947 interview, printed in The Criterion, Oscar-winning African American actress Hattie Mc Daniel, who appeared in the film, stated, "If I had for one moment considered any part of the picture degrading or harmful to my people I would not have appeared therein." In the same article, James Baskett, who played the role of Uncle Remus and voiced other characters, defended the film and commented "I believe that certain groups are doing my race more harm in seeking to create dissension than can ever possibly come out of ''The Song of the South''."

** The veteran African American animator and close Walt Disney's friend Floyd Norman, who first saw the film as a kid in theater, has been more passionate in the defense of the film, the following is in fact a series of written statements from his blog Mr Fun's Journal and shared in various interviews all put together, like that "Walt Disney...was clearly nervous how ''Song of the South'' would be accepted by this particular audience. When the film finally came to an end the reception was positive overall. Though the motion picture failed to garner glowing reviews, most found the Disney film immensely entertaining. The African American audience absolutely loved the movie and even requested a second screening of the Disney classic. While Walt Disney can be fairly criticized for his rather naive approach to the post-Civil War South, the Old Maestro can also be praised for his heart-warming story of a kindly old gentleman helping a young boy through difficult times. Yet, the controversy continues, especially among those with a political or social agenda. The Disney motion picture remains an easy target for those anxious to color the story to fit their own needs. I often remind people that Song of the South is not a documentary on the American South. I'm convinced that this charming film will eventually be made available to all to enjoy - and maybe even argue over. After all, some arguments are worth having...I find the film underrated in spite of the rather clunky live-action sequences in the motion picture. Although, some of the live-action is often pretty darn charming in my opinion. I love the relationship Uncle Remus has with the woman of the house. She's a white woman, of course. Clearly, they've known each other for years and are the best of pals. However, the issues of color limit their friendship. I've also loved the scene between Uncle Remus and the cook played by Academy Award winner, Hattie Mc Daniel. Even an Oscar win failed to change the career of this talented African American actress. She remained pretty much restricted to the roles of a cook or a servant for the remainder of her career...However, these social issues were never the primary concern of Walt Disney. The Old Maestro was simply doing what he always did best. Walt was simply telling the story of a special relationship between an old black gentleman and a troubled young boy. The film is charming in its simplicity and sadly people tend to read too much into the film. Issues that are simply not there. The Tar Baby being the most notorious example. It was never meant to be a metaphor for black children, yet those with a social agenda often point to this particular story to prove their point. Of course, that's why Walt Disney's Song of the South will continue to remain on the shelf for the near future. It is with deep regret the film remains mired in accusations of "racism" and "insensitivity to African Americans". Those who know their Disney history know this is exactly what Walt Disney hoped to avoid...America has yet come to terms with its racist past and the Walt Disney Company remains uncomfortable with this marvelous motion picture that still causes me to tear up every time I view it. I suppose one should feel sorry for the Disney Company because this film continues to be a cultural hot potato. So much so that Disney CEO Bob Iger is determined not to release the motion picture on DVD. While I understand the concerns of the company and the social impact they fear, I’m afraid I’ll have to disagree with this decision...Cynics may call the film “sappy”. Those with a social or political agenda may call the movie “racist”. However, if you’re a fan of classic Disney storytelling, I guarantee you’ll not find a better film. Walt Disney's ''Song of the South'' is a remarkable motion picture and I'll continue to support the wonderful film whenever given the opportunity. I can do this without any hesitation because deep down inside, this is a Walt Disney motion picture I've always loved...And, for all us animation fans there's really no need to say this film contains some of the most brilliant Disney character animation ever seen on the big screen...Forgetting history is never a good idea. Walt Disney understood that, and so should the rest of us."

** In a February 1947 interview, printed in The Criterion, Oscar-winning African American actress Hattie McDaniel, who appeared in the film, stated, "If I had for one moment considered any part of the picture degrading or harmful to my people I would not have appeared therein." In the same article, James Baskett, who played the role of Uncle Remus and voiced other characters, defended the film and commented "I believe that certain groups are doing my race more harm in seeking to create dissension than can ever possibly come out of ''The Song of the South''."

** The veteran African American animator and close Walt Disney's friend Floyd Norman, who first saw the film as a kid in theater, has been more passionate in the defense of the film, the following is in fact a series of written statements from his blog Mr Fun's Journal and shared in various interviews all put together, like that "Walt Disney...was clearly nervous how ''Song of the South'' would be accepted by this particular audience. When the film finally came to an end the reception was positive overall. Though the motion picture failed to garner glowing reviews, most found the Disney film immensely entertaining. The African American audience absolutely loved the movie and even requested a second screening of the Disney classic. While Walt Disney can be fairly criticized for his rather naive approach to the post-Civil War South, the Old Maestro can also be praised for his heart-warming story of a kindly old gentleman helping a young boy through difficult times. Yet, the controversy continues, especially among those with a political or social agenda. The Disney motion picture remains an easy target for those anxious to color the story to fit their own needs. I often remind people that Song of the South is not a documentary on the American South. I'm convinced that this charming film will eventually be made available to all to enjoy - and maybe even argue over. After all, some arguments are worth having...I find the film underrated in spite of the rather clunky live-action sequences in the motion picture. Although, some of the live-action is often pretty darn charming in my opinion. I love the relationship Uncle Remus has with the woman of the house. She's a white woman, of course. Clearly, they've known each other for years and are the best of pals. However, the issues of color limit their friendship. I've also loved the scene between Uncle Remus and the cook played by Academy Award winner, Hattie McDaniel. Even an Oscar win failed to change the career of this talented African American actress. She remained pretty much restricted to the roles of a cook or a servant for the remainder of her career...However, these social issues were never the primary concern of Walt Disney. The Old Maestro was simply doing what he always did best. Walt was simply telling the story of a special relationship between an old black gentleman and a troubled young boy. The film is charming in its simplicity and sadly people tend to read too much into the film. Issues that are simply not there. The Tar Baby being the most notorious example. It was never meant to be a metaphor for black children, yet those with a social agenda often point to this particular story to prove their point. Of course, that's why Walt Disney's Song of the South will continue to remain on the shelf for the near future. It is with deep regret the film remains mired in accusations of "racism" and "insensitivity to African Americans". Those who know their Disney history know this is exactly what Walt Disney hoped to avoid...America has yet come to terms with its racist past and the Walt Disney Company remains uncomfortable with this marvelous motion picture that still causes me to tear up every time I view it. I suppose one should feel sorry for the Disney Company because this film continues to be a cultural hot potato. So much so that Disney CEO Bob Iger is determined not to release the motion picture on DVD. While I understand the concerns of the company and the social impact they fear, I’m afraid I’ll have to disagree with this decision...Cynics may call the film “sappy”. Those with a social or political agenda may call the movie “racist”. However, if you’re a fan of classic Disney storytelling, I guarantee you’ll not find a better film. Walt Disney's ''Song of the South'' is a remarkable motion picture and I'll continue to support the wonderful film whenever given the opportunity. I can do this without any hesitation because deep down inside, this is a Walt Disney motion picture I've always loved...And, for all us animation fans there's really no need to say this film contains some of the most brilliant Disney character animation ever seen on the big screen...Forgetting history is never a good idea. Walt Disney understood that, and so should the rest of us."

* CreatorBacklash: Disney prefers not to talk about this movie too much, even though "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" is considered one of Disney's signature songs. They have [[https://d23.com/a-to-z/song-of-the-south-film/ an entry for it in their Disney A to Z encyclopedia,]] but that's about it.

* KeepCirculatingTheTapes: In North America, Creator/WaltDisneyHomeVideo has never officially released the full movie, although some [=DVDs=] and Blu-Ray Discs include clips. The ''WesternAnimation/DisneySingAlongSongs'' video ''Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah''[[note]]released on VHS to promote ''Song of the South'''s 1986 theatrical re-release[[/note]] has also never come to DVD; even though it kicked off the ''Sing-Along'' series, Disney hasn't sold it in any form since 2001 (though another volume with a song from the film did see a DVD release in 2006). Former Disney CEO Bob Iger even vowed to investors that this film will ''never'' see a Creator/DisneyPlus release either, as long as he remained in charge. However, ''Song of the South'' still occasionally airs on TV in the UK, just not on any channels owned by Disney.