Today, Explained
Snow White and the Seven Controversies
Mar 21, 2025
Nadira Goffe, a staff writer at Slate with insights on pop culture, dives into the controversies surrounding Disney's live-action adaptation of Snow White. She discusses representation and the portrayal of dwarfs, addressing outdated stereotypes. Goffe examines casting choices that have sparked political debates and how they fit into broader inclusivity discussions. The impact of the original animated classic versus the new take is also explored, highlighting the ongoing tension between tradition and modern values in storytelling.
29:23
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Quick takeaways
- Criticism of the portrayal of dwarves in Disney’s Snow White highlights tensions between progressive representation and traditional storytelling elements.
- Casting decisions reflecting diversity led to backlash against Rachel Zegler, emphasizing changing narratives around women's roles in film.
Deep dives
Controversies Surrounding Dwarf Representation
One significant controversy stems from criticisms regarding the portrayal of dwarves in the original Snow White, deemed ableist for its childlike depiction of these characters. Peter Dinklage notably called out Disney for its handling of this aspect, prompting the studio to announce they would consult with the dwarfism community. However, a leaked photo from the film's set suggested a lack of meaningful change, as the dwarves appeared similar to their animated counterparts but with CGI elements. The response highlights ongoing tensions between progressiveness and traditional representations in storytelling.
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