Disney Revamps DEI Initiatives: What’s Changing and How It Affects Animation
Changes to Disney’s DEI Approach
Disney is revamping its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, making significant changes to its approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This shift follows a trend among companies, including federal agencies, in response to US President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting DEI programs.
Internal Changes
Internally, Disney is replacing Diversity & Inclusion performance ratings with a new Talent Strategy category. The most notable change is the cancellation of the Reimagine Tomorrow initiative, designed to promote underrepresented voices.
Impact on Character Design and Storytelling
The removal of content advisory warnings from classic films on Disney+ will be a visible change. However, the deeper impact will be on character design, talent promotion, and the types of stories Disney can now tell. This shift may affect the kinds of stories and characters Disney creates, potentially limiting the representation of underrepresented groups.
Recent Efforts to Promote Diversity and Inclusion
In recent years, Disney has made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion. Notable examples include:
- The Princess and the Frog
- Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel in The Little Mermaid
- Pixar’s Elemental, featuring a non-binary character
- Turning Red, focusing on a Chinese-Canadian girl’s journey
- Moana, Raya and the Last Dragon, and Strange World, which feature diverse characters and stories
The Future of Animation
Will Disney’s shift away from DEI initiatives spell the end of original and inventive storytelling and character design? The answer lies in the company’s ability to adapt and evolve while maintaining its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Conclusion
Disney’s revamp of its DEI initiatives may signal a new era for the company, one that prioritizes talent strategy over diversity and inclusion. While this change may have significant implications for character design and storytelling, it is essential to remember the progress made in recent years. The future of animation remains uncertain, but the impact on Disney’s commitment to diversity and inclusion will be closely watched.
FAQs
Q: What does the removal of content advisory warnings from classic films on Disney+ mean?
A: It is a visible change that may indicate a shift away from promoting diversity and inclusion.
Q: What is the significance of the cancellation of the Reimagine Tomorrow initiative?
A: It was designed to promote underrepresented voices, and its cancellation may limit opportunities for underrepresented groups to be represented in Disney’s content.
Q: How will this change affect Disney’s character design and storytelling?
A: The shift may lead to a decrease in representation of underrepresented groups, potentially limiting the stories and characters Disney creates.
Q: What does the future of animation look like for Disney?
A: The future is uncertain, and it is essential to monitor the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion to understand the impact on character design and storytelling.
