“In the enchanting world of Disney’s beloved classic, Snow White, a timeless tale of beauty, magic, and good vs. evil, a generation of little people are now speaking out about a phenomenon that has left them feeling more like footnotes than fairytale figures. As the 80th anniversary of the iconic film approaches, a growing chorus of voices is demanding change, accusing Disney of erasing the very people they claim to celebrate. The revelation that 7-foot-2 actor Robert John Burke was used as a stand-in for the dwarfs in the 1937 original, rather than employing little people with disabilities, has ignited a heated debate about representation, inclusivity, and the true cost of technological advancements in Hollywood. As the curtain rises on a new era of cinematic storytelling, one question looms large: will Disney’s use of CGI and stunt doubles continue to marginalize the voices and bodies of little people, or will this era of technological innovation be a chance for the company to
Snow White: Little People Feel ‘Erased’ by Disney’s Use of CGI Instead of Real Actors
Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves has been embroiled in controversy over its decision to use computer-generated images (CGI) to create the seven miners, leaving little people feeling “disregarded” and “erased,” according to disability activist Fats Timbo.
Timbo, who has achondroplasia, a genetic condition that inhibits growth and affects around one in 27,500 people, believes that Disney has missed a golden opportunity to educate children about dwarfism and promote understanding and acceptance.
“Our representation is already small as it is – no pun intended,” Timbo says. “It’s already limited. To erase that and use CGI, like we’re mythical creatures or people that could be made on computers, it’s disregarding us in general.”
Timbo points out that using CGI versions of herself and other little people in films can be confusing and unhelpful for children, who may struggle to distinguish between reality and fantasy.
“Let’s say kids have never seen somebody that has my condition and they’ve seen a CGI version of me,” Timbo says. “It’s going to be a bit baffling to children. It could have been a real educational piece to have actors that have the condition and give them the role they deserve.”
The Limited Visibility for Small People in Media
Timbo highlights the lack of representation for people with dwarfism in media, which can have real-world consequences, such as perpetuating negative stereotypes and stigma.
“I used to get made fun of all the time,” Timbo says. “Kids would be saying ‘You’re one of the dwarves from Snow White,’ that kind of thing. I think now when somebody sees a little person, they’re not going to believe it’s real. They’re going to see that CGI version on Snow White instead of seeing a real little person that has real character with real depth.”
Timbo notes that other children’s films, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, have also been used to taunt her.
“The Oompa Loompas – I got called that all the time,” Timbo says.
The Importance of Representation in Education
Timbo emphasizes the potential for live-action films to educate children about dwarfism and promote understanding and acceptance.
“It makes no sense to me,” says Peter Dinklage, who has the same condition as Timbo, referring to Disney’s decision to use CGI instead of real actors. “You’re progressive in one way, but then you’re still making that f*ing backward story about seven dwarves living in a cave together?”
Disney has defended its decision, stating that it consulted with members of the dwarfism community to “avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film.”
A History of Erasure in Film
The 1937 animated film established Disney’s name as an industry leader, but also perpetuated negative stereotypes about people with dwarfism.
“The original Snow White was a classic, but it was also very limiting,” Timbo says. “It showed people with dwarfism as being subservient and subscale, and that’s not accurate.”
Other films, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Snow White and the Huntsman, have also used creative solutions to avoid casting little people in leading roles.
“It’s like they’re trying to erase us,” Timbo says. “They’re not even trying to hide it, they’re just accepting it and saying ‘oh, it’s okay, we don’t need to represent the little people’.”
Timbo points out that this lack of representation can have real-world consequences.
“I used to get made fun of all the time,” Timbo says. “I think now when somebody sees a little person, they’re not going to believe it’s real. They’re going to see that CGI version on Snow White instead of seeing a real little person that has real character with real depth.”
Expert Analysis and Insights
“The lack of representation for people with dwarfism in media is a major issue,” says disability advocate and expert, Sarah Hunt. “It’s not just about the number of roles, it’s about the impact it has on the community.”
“When people see themselves represented in media, they feel seen and valued,” Hunt says. “It’s a matter of equality and justice.”
Real-World Applications and Examples
Disney’s decision to use CGI instead of real actors in the live-action remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves has sparked a heated debate about representation and inclusion.
“It’s a prime example of how representation matters,” says Timbo. “If Disney had used real actors, it would have been a game-changer. It would have shown the world that little people are worthy of representation and inclusion.”
Timbo highlights the potential for live-action films to educate children about dwarfism and promote understanding and acceptance.
“It’s not just about the characters, it’s about the message,” Timbo says. “If Disney had used real actors, it would have sent a powerful message about inclusion and acceptance.”
Conclusion
The use of CGI instead of real actors in the live-action remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves has sparked a heated debate about representation and inclusion.
“It’s a matter of equality and justice,” says Hunt. “When people see themselves represented in media, they feel seen and valued.”
Timbo emphasizes the potential for live-action films to educate children about dwarfism and promote understanding and acceptance.
“It’s not just about the characters, it’s about the message,” Timbo says. “If Disney had used real actors, it would have sent a powerful message about inclusion and acceptance.”
Disney’s decision has sparked a heated debate about representation and inclusion, highlighting the importance of representation and inclusion in media.
What Can Be Done?
“There are many ways to improve representation in media,” says Hunt. “First, we need to increase the number of roles for people with disabilities. Second, we need to make sure that those roles are well-written and nuanced. And third, we need to promote diversity and inclusion in casting.”
Timbo emphasizes the importance of education and awareness about dwarfism and other disabilities.
“We need to educate people about what it’s like to be a person with a disability,” Timbo says. “We need to show them that people with disabilities are not helpless or dependent on others. We need to show them that we are capable and strong.”
By working together, we can create a more inclusive and representative media landscape that values diversity and promotes understanding and acceptance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent decision by Disney to utilize CGI technology in place of real actors to portray the Seven Dwarfs in their live-action adaptation of Snow White has sparked intense debate and outrage among little people within the entertainment industry. The article highlights the concerns of little people who feel ‘erased’ by this decision, as it denies them opportunities for representation and perpetuates the notion that their physical characteristics are best replicated through technology rather than showcased through their actual talents.
The significance of this issue extends beyond the realm of entertainment, as it touches on the broader societal implications of representation and inclusivity. The use of CGI in place of real actors not only undermines the career aspirations of little people but also reinforces negative stereotypes and contributes to their marginalization. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it is crucial that studios prioritize authenticity and diversity in their casting decisions, recognizing the value that real actors bring to their roles. By doing so, they can help to promote greater understanding and empathy towards little people, rather than perpetuating their erasure.
As we look to the future, it is imperative that the entertainment industry takes a more nuanced approach to representation, one that values the unique experiences and perspectives of all individuals, regardless of their physical characteristics. By doing so, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable industry that provides opportunities for all, rather than relying on technology to replicate the real thing. Ultimately, the decision to use CGI in place of real actors is a stark reminder that, even in the 21st century, there is still much work to be done to ensure that little people are seen, heard, and valued in our society.