Walt Disney is pursuing its tradition of ethnic stereotyping. Disney's Arab-bashing history includes the following incidents:
In 1993, following ADC's campaign against stereotypical aspects of "Aladdin," Walt Disney promised to consult with Arab Americans prior to the production of films containing Middle Eastern characters.
In 1995, Father of the Bride, Part II was released with no prior consultation and, sure enough, it perpetuated negative stereotypes of Arabs and Middle Easterners through the evil character of "Mr. Habib" and his submissive wife.
In 1996, Disney Adventures magazine printed a piece claiming that Arabs greet one another by blowing into each other's faces, no matter how bad their breath might smell.
Now it's Kazaam.; The film, rated PG-13, contains evil Arnerican characters of Middle Eastern descent modeled after "Mr. Habib" in Father of the Bride, Part II. The plot revolves around a genie by the name of Kazaan (Shaquille O'Neal) and a 12-year-old boy, Max (Francis Capra). Max's father, Travis Connor, is an entertainment producer with a dubious past and trouble with the law. The evil "Mr. Malek," a Middle Eastern Arnerican, works with Travis. Malek is portrayed as a shrewd gold-digger who would go to any length to enrich himself. He is a repulsive, unshaven individual with a devilish laugh, a thick Middle Eastern accent, and gluttonous eating habits.
Malek and his evil assistants, El Baz and Hassem – also of Middle Eastern origin, surprise, surprise – beat Travis and threaten Max. Malek wants Max to ask his genie, Kazaam, to make him rich – otherwise he'll kill his Dad. When Max and his father resist, the unscrupulous Malek throws the boy down a shaft. In the end, Mr. Malek is beaten by Travis and Kazaam, who makes a human bouncing ball out of him before tossing him in a garbage can.
This film, produced by Touchstone Pictures – a Walt Disney subsidiary – paints an ugly image of Arnericans of Middle Eastern ancestry. Enough is enough! We must make our voice loud enough for Disney to heed our concerns. But we can only do it with YOUR help.
CONDEMN Walt Disney for its offensive portrayal of Arnericans of Middle Eastern origin.
that young viewers are likely to form an unfavorable opinion of Arab Arnericans, Arabs, Muslims and Middle Easterners based on Disney's anti-Arab messages.
EDUCATE the company about the dangerous effects of ethnic stereotypes, which may lead to discrimination, hate crimes, harassment, and racism.
EXPRESS serious concern over Walt Disney's repeated offenses against Arabs and Arab Arnericans, citing the examples of Aladdin, Father of the Bride II, Disney Adventures' magazine blurb about how Arabs greet each other, and now Kazaam.
DEMAND a public apology, a meeting between Walt Disney and Arab Arnericans, and positive Arab characters in a future Disney production.
ALSO ASK Walt Disney to abide by its promise to consult with Arab Arnericans prior to the production of projects involving them – a promise made to ADC following negotiations over Aladdin in 1993.
Disney that you intend to boycott their products until they seek to redress these repeated offenses. Also indicate that you will ask your friends, relatives and family members to do the same – both here and abroad. Point out that Disney has many fans in the Arab world that they would be equally offended and willing to participate in a boycott.
