Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – On May 27, 1933, Walt Disney released a short animated film entitled “Three Little Pigs”. As the name suggests, the film focuses on the role of 3 cartoon pigs who are then told the story of building a house.
Initially everything went smoothly. They build houses while singing and laughing cheerfully. However, while he was busy taking care of the house, suddenly a black wolf with scary fangs appeared.
The wolf looked like it wanted to attack him. The three pigs were practically scared. And like the plot of a cartoon in general, a chase takes place.
Long story short, the pig managed to hide itself at home. The wolf forced its way in using various methods: breaking down the door and using explosions, but all to no avail.
Until finally, the wolf found the best way: climbing the roof and entering through the chimney. Unfortunately, this method was already guessed by the pig. Right at the bottom of the chimney where the wolf landed, the pig had already prepared a pot of hot water.
Sure enough, when the wolf landed from the chimney, its body went straight into the pot. He screamed in pain and ran away. The pig suddenly laughed out loud as if celebrating the victory of the evil wolf.
The film finished.
For innocent little children who watch it, it’s clear it’s just entertainment. Especially in the 1930s, young children really liked cartoon films made by Disney whose credibility was beyond doubt. Moreover, “Three Little Pigs” a year after its premiere received the highest award in the world of cinema, namely the Academy Award.
However, for adults who already understand everything in the world, the film feels strange. The appearance of the black wolf, which is given an antagonistic character, reminds people of Jews. Moreover, the wolf’s costume goes in that direction: he wears a typical Jewish costume, complete with a long, round-topped hat.
This means that many people think that ending the scene with the wolf’s defeat is tantamount to cornering the Jews. From here, wrote the British media The Independentthere have been accusations of anti-Semitism against Disney since he was alive until now, even though the person is dead.
Quote Encyclopaedia Brittanica, anti-Semitism refers to hostility or discrimination against Jews as a religious or racial group. This term was coined by Wilhelm Marr, a German citizen who campaigned heavily in the anti-Jewish movement at the end of the 19th century.
This movement would reach its peak when Adolf Hitler became Chancellor of Germany on January 30, 1933. During his time in power, Hitler carried out actions beyond humane limits towards Jews who he considered inferior.
On this basis, this accusation feels strong because the release date of “Three Little Pigs” coincides with Hitler’s actions. So, by looking at this connection, it is not surprising that many people at that time responded to the cartoon in an unusual way.
Rumors and accusations of anti-Semitism against Disney then continued to spread. Still quoting The Independentthese accusations were also based on several cartoons and other Disney attitudes.
One example is when Mickey Mouse in the series “The Opry House” was depicted dressing up and dancing like a group of Hasidic Jews. There are also those who say that Walt Disney and his lawyer Gunther Lessing visited the pro-NAZI organization, the German American Bund, in the late 1930s. Not only that, in 1938 Disney is also known to have welcomed Nazi director Leni Riefenstahl into his studio shortly after the incident. Kristallnacht, riots in Germany that targeted Jews.
Unfortunately, these rumors and accusations were never straightened out by Walt Disney during his lifetime. As a result, the label of anti-Semitism against Disney continues to this day. Among the elite, this accusation surfaced again in 2014 when Hollywood actress Meryl Streep at a prestigious awards event called Disney a figure who “supports an anti-Semitic industry.”
The only rebuttal to these accusations was issued by Disney biographer Neal Gabler. Quoting the site Vulture, Gabler said Disney was not an anti-Semite based on the evidence. The reason this accusation occurred, he said, was due to Disney collaborating with the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals organization. Incidentally, the organization is anti-Communist and anti-Semitic.
“And although Walt himself, in my estimation, was not anti-Semitic, he was willing to align himself with people who were anti-Semites, and that reputation stuck. He was never really able to shake it throughout his life. […] among the Jews who worked there, it was hard to find anyone who thought Walt was an anti-Semite,” Gabler said.
Despite the denials, Gabler is right: the reputation has already stuck. Despite the anti-Semitic accusations that surround Walt Disney and the entertainment giant Walt Disney Company until now, one thing is certain now that the company has declared its support for the Jewish state, Israel.
On the company’s official website, Walt Disney is known to have provided assistance to Israel on October 15 to deal with the impact of the Hamas militia attack. The total assistance reached US$ 2 million or the equivalent of IDR 31 billion.
“After the horrific terrorist attacks targeting Jews in Israel last weekend, we must all do what we can to support the innocent people who are experiencing so much suffering, violence, and uncertainty, especially children,” said CEO Walt Disney Company, Robert A. Iger, on his official website was quoted last Monday.
[Gambas:Video CNBC]
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