Disney movies have always been a favorite among children and adults alike, but in recent times, the company has come under fire for various reasons. One such instance was when We The People, an online petition platform, called for the cancellation of a Disney movie.
What is We The People?
We The People is a petition platform created by the White House in 2011. It allows citizens to create and sign petitions on various issues. If a petition receives 100,000 signatures within 30 days, the White House will review it and provide an official response.
The Petition Against Disney
The petition against Disney was created in response to the company's decision to trademark the phrase "Hakuna Matata," which is a Swahili phrase that means "no worries." The phrase was popularized by the 1994 Disney movie, The Lion King.
The petition argued that the trademark was cultural appropriation and that Disney was trying to profit off an African phrase. It called for the cancellation of the upcoming live-action remake of The Lion King.
The Response from Disney
Disney responded to the petition by stating that the trademark was meant to protect their intellectual property and that they had no intention of preventing people from using the phrase "Hakuna Matata." They also stated that the live-action remake of The Lion King would not be canceled.
The Debate on Cultural Appropriation
The petition against Disney sparked a debate on cultural appropriation. Some argue that cultural appropriation is harmful and that companies like Disney should be held accountable for their actions. Others argue that cultural exchange is important and that it should be celebrated rather than criticized.
Regardless of which side of the debate you fall on, the petition against Disney shows that people are becoming more aware of cultural appropriation and its impact.
The Impact of Online Petitions
The petition against Disney is just one example of the impact that online petitions can have. While not all petitions receive the necessary number of signatures to receive an official response, they can still bring attention to important issues and spark discussions.
Online petitions have become a powerful tool for citizens to voice their concerns and hold companies and governments accountable.
Conclusion
The petition against Disney and the trademarking of "Hakuna Matata" may have caused controversy, but it also sparked an important discussion on cultural appropriation. Online petitions like this one show that people are becoming more aware of the impact of their actions and are using their voices to create change.