The Jungle Cruise ride at Disneyland and Disney World has been a fan favorite for decades. However, in recent years, there has been criticism about the ride’s problematic elements that perpetuate negative stereotypes of indigenous people and their cultures. Let’s take a closer look at what was offensive about the Jungle Cruise.
Background
The Jungle Cruise is a riverboat tour that takes guests through various scenes depicting exotic locations such as the Amazon rainforest and African savanna. The ride’s script is delivered by a tour guide who uses humor to narrate the journey and interact with guests. However, many of the jokes rely on outdated stereotypes and insensitive portrayals of indigenous people.
Depiction of Indigenous People
One of the most problematic aspects of the Jungle Cruise is its portrayal of indigenous people as primitive and uncivilized. For example, in one scene, an African safari camp is depicted with spear-wielding natives who are portrayed as a threat to guests’ safety. This reinforces harmful stereotypes about African cultures being violent or savage.
In another scene, an indigenous tribe in South America is depicted as headhunters who shrink heads as trophies. This perpetuates the harmful stereotype that indigenous tribes are barbaric and violent.
Cultural Appropriation
Another issue with the Jungle Cruise is cultural appropriation. The ride features various artifacts from different cultures such as African masks and totem poles from Pacific Northwest tribes. However, these items are often taken out of their cultural context and used for decoration without any consideration for their spiritual or cultural significance.
Racism and Sexism
The humor used by tour guides on the Jungle Cruise often relies on sexist or racist jokes that are offensive to certain groups of people. For example, some tour guides have made jokes about women being bad drivers or made derogatory comments about Native American culture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Jungle Cruise has a long history of perpetuating harmful stereotypes and cultural appropriation. While Disneyland and Disney World have made efforts to update the ride in recent years, there is still work to be done to ensure that the ride is inclusive and respectful of all cultures. It is important for theme parks and other entertainment venues to be mindful of the messages they are sending through their attractions and to strive for inclusivity and diversity in their content.