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Disney+ Removes Some Foul Content From Streaming Library, But Is It Enough?

Photo by vadymvdrobot via Envato Elements

Disney+ Removes Some Foul Content From Streaming Library, But Is It Enough?

By Jessilyn Lancaster, Managing Editor

Disney+ is reportedly removing some foul content from titles in their streaming library.

According to The Verge, Disney+ edited a scene in Tom Hanks’ SPLASH to digitally cover a woman’s rear end; removed obscene language from ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING and FREE SOLO; and removed racial slurs from THE ADVENTURES OF BULLWHIP GRIFFIN.

Disney+ previously opted to not stream SONG OF THE SOUTH for racial undertones, and removed a sexually implicit post-credits scene from TOY STORY 2.

Furthermore, according to Inside the Magic:

In addition, it’s also been confirmed once again that Disney will be sanitizing its content beyond just excluding films from the lineup of Disney+ titles. The Jim Crow scene from the original animated Dumbo film will be edited out of the film on Disney+ due to its racial insensitivity. This means that the Jim Crow characters will be removed from the film, as they are racist caricatures, and the “When I See an Elephant Fly” song won’t be available for viewing, either. Dumbo already has a pretty short runtime, and this will remove three minutes from the film.

While the streaming giant has received some flak for removing or editing more adult content on the mostly family-friendly service, it could come as a relief for parents who want to raise their children to be media-wise.

Media literacy involves training the student to access, analyze, interpret, and create media messages.

Before a parent lets a child watch a certain program or movie, the parents should ensure the child understands how to properly process the content.

As Movieguide® Founder and Publisher Dr. Ted Baehr wrote in “The Culture-Wise Family”:

Access means that the student not only has access to media delivery devices, such as a TV, computer, or VCR, but also understands how to them on, operate them and use them to deliver messages.  A student can’t “access” a VCR if he doesn’t know how to plug in the various wires, insert a tape, record, and playback.

Analyzing means that the student comprehends the storyline or meaning of a program and understands how it may have been put together.  Understanding a media program requires some comprehension of the way it was made.

Interpretation means that the student understands both the story and the agenda, which may be part of the underlying message.  If the program is produced by a celebrity with an agenda, such as Oliver Stone, or sponsored by an advocacy group, such as the World Wildlife Fund, one can assume the producer or sponsor will use the program to promote their views. Some television networks have designed their programs to appeal to the world of singles who live together and who accept divorce and homosexuality.  By doing so, they often stretch the bounds of acceptable programming.

Creating media messages helps the student understand what to look for in the media.  When teenagers produce a creative short video, the script, actors, sets, shots, sounds, and scenery become important decisions. When I helped disenfranchised adolescents in New York City in 1978 and 1979 create media messages based on Jesus’s parables, many of these teenagers accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and many became actively involved in their local church.

By editing out some lewd content on their streaming service, Disney+ is giving parents the opportunity to teach their children how to be media-wise consumers at an age-appropriate level.

However, Disney+ and the Walt Disney Company still have too much lewd content in many of their other movies and shows.

The Walt Disney Company recently announced a flash sale on many movies, many of them appalling for families.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.