The Dark Side of Fairy Tales

Disney recently came under fire after "Game of Thrones" star Peter Dinklage spoke out against the decision to remake a live-action version of the 1937 Disney movie, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." The movie depicts a fair-skin maiden who needs to be saved with a single kiss from a charming prince after eating a poisoned apple from the evil queen.

Dinklage went on the ‘WTF Podcast’ while promoting a new movie and spoke about his distaste for the live-action remake. Dinklage said, “I was a little taken aback when they were very proud to cast a Latina actress as Snow White — but you’re still telling the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs…It makes no sense to me. You’re progressive in one way, but then you’re still making that f**

*ing backward story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together?”

For most people, dwarfism is associated with inaccurate depictions of dwarfs from classics like the munchkins from “The Wizard of Oz,” the Oompa Loompa from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," and the diamond-mining dwarfs from "Snow White." It does not give a fair and accurate description of what real people with dwarfism go through with names like Dopey, Grumpy, and Sleepy. Popular culture repeatedly depicting a marginalized group creates a false narrative to that community.

In all three movies previously named, the characters are never taken seriously. They are portrayed as childish, fictional characters who need to be looked after by the ableist main characters' who are kind and nurturing. In each movie, their dwarfism became the main character trait with mischievous or aloof personalities. These depictions deeply damage a marginalized community when their reputation is inaccurately portrayed and their stories are rarely told in mainstream media to begin with.

However, some might argue that Snow White is a classic made in the 1930’s long before any movement or issues of diversity or representation were brought up. So can a classic be excused from modern-day backlash?

NO! Because it is a classic, it brings more attention to the issues of dwarfism that are not talked about in mainstream media.

These damaging depictions are dehumanizing and create a false narrative that people living with dwarfism are animalistic creatures and not humans living in an ableist world.

Others who are optimistic about the new live-action remake should reevaluate their trust in Hollywood and the movie industry. In the 2012, Kristen Stewart portrayed Snow White as an armor-wearing warrior who fought for her freedom, a completely modern take on the damsel in distress from the original movie. However, the actors who played Stewart's sidekicks were not played by actors with dwarfism, but their bodies were superimposed onto dwarf bodies. This editing was met with lots of criticism from viewers.

In a statement to the backlash, Disney released this statement addressing the issues and that they plan on “avoiding reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film.”

While Disney has not made a clear outline of its changes, it will be imperative to see how Hollywood and the mainstream media will represent this marginalized community. The newest Disney remake might determine if progress is being made.