The World Behind Disney Films

This thesis explores the history of Disney films, analyzing diversity and racism concerns in the media giant's children's and family films for nearly 100 years and researching how the company is making changes to overcome its negative image in this specific regard. This body of research also reviews The Walt Disney Company's evolving leadership, with a particular focus on the many initiatives that have worked, as well as those that have not proven successful, for the company. As the researcher details Disney's evolution of leadership, patterns emerge, showing how quickly things shifted in the 1990s and how diversity in Disney's films and characters have developed and become more common in the last decade. There are also comments about numerous Disney films that have impacted audiences, from strong negative feelings surrounding Fantasia to those who see The Little Mermaid as Disney's saving grace. The research also points out what was wrong in beloved films like Aladdin and the Lion King and how these movies were remade into more culturally appropriate stories through the drive and opinions of fans. This research reveals a great many things survey subjects did not notice when growing up watching Disney films. This study identifies those before unnoticed scenes, racial gestures, and voice-over nuances while providing the reader and industry professionals information which will help shape best practices for future filmmakers, especially in the children's and family film industry.