For all the times that your kids ask you questions about what really happened in the movie, some of these facts just might get you some peace and quiet when you tell them to your kid.—Caitlin
This is a Miss Bianca appreciation post.
This song pops into my head at very in-opportune times. Thanks, ADHD.
Get ready to uncover the dark truths behind your favorite Disney movies with Caitlin and Jenny on the CK & GK Podcast. From Pocahontas to Frozen, they'll explore the historical inaccuracies and societal implications that may have been overlooked. What happens when the tales we love are not what they seem? Find out on this episode of the CK & GK Podcast, "6 Lies In Popular Disney Films: Uncover the Dark History with CK & GK."
About Your Hosts
A diehard fan and self-proclaimed history nerd, Caitlin loves uncovering the lesser-known stories that inspired these beloved Disney films. Join her as she dives into fascinating histories and dark truths from the likes of Pocahontas, The Little Mermaid, and other childhood favorites. Jenny’s love for Disney adds a touch of magic to Caitlin’s historical analysis while offering captivating information for fans to explore. Sit back and enjoy the delightful blend of humor and intelligent analysis that only CK & GK can deliver!
Deepen Your Knowledge
Check out the BuzzFeed article on the original, darker story of The Little Mermaid.
Consider reading the original Hans Christian Anderson story of The Little Mermaid to compare to the Disney version.
Research the Greek and Roman mythology behind Hercules to learn more about the true story.
Listen to the soundtrack of Disney's Hercules and enjoy the music (like the Tarzan soundtrack, this one is a banger).
Watch Beauty and the Beast and see if you can spot the anachronisms, like the Eiffel Tower.
Research the French Revolution and the literacy of women during the time period of Beauty and the Beast.
Visit a Renaissance Fair and enjoy the anachronisms while recognizing that it's not historically accurate (duh).
Resources We Used For This Episode:
10 Absurd Historical Inaccuracies In Disney Movies (Hollywood.com)
15 Historical Inaccuracies In Classic Disney Cartoons (TheThings.com)
6 Historically Inaccurate Disney Movies That Really Bend The Facts (Bustle)
Arendelle (Disney Fandom Wiki) and Hardest Mandelbrot Zoom (for fractals!) (YouTube)
6 Disney Films: The Dark History of These Favorites
Pocahontas
In this part of the episode, Caitlin Kindred and Jenny GK discuss the historical inaccuracies present in the popular Disney movie, Pocahontas. While creative liberty is expected in fictional portrayals, it is important not to forget the real story and context of such historical figures. They emphasize how careful considerations should be made when adapting historical events to avoid misrepresentations, which could lead to skewed perspectives on people and events that are an intrinsic part of our history.
During their conversation, Caitlin points out that the romantic relationship between Pocahontas and John Smith was a fabrication by Disney. In actuality, Pocahontas was only 11 years old and later married John Rolfe instead. She also mentions that Pocahontas was taken to England, where she eventually died.
The Little Mermaid - The Original Story
Caitlin and Jenny delve into the darker and more tragic aspects of the original Hans Christian Andersen story of The Little Mermaid, which is in stark contrast with the more sanitized Disney rendition.
They discuss how the original text reveals a crueler world, filled with more anguish and complicated moral choices.
In their chat, Caitlin brings up the painful reality of the mermaid's transformation, where her tongue was cruelly cut out 😳 , and she experienced excruciating pain with each step taken on land. Caitlin highlights the fact that Ariel's ultimate fate in the original tale was far from the happy ending we see in the Disney version.
Beauty and the Beast
The hosts examine the historical missteps in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, such as the anachronistic attitudes and behaviors of the characters within the 18th-century French cultural context.
During this conversation, Caitlin comments on the likelihood of the townspeople being incredibly unhappy (because this was pre-French Revolution) and the unlikelihood of Belle having been well-read in the movie's historical setting, given her gender (sorry to burst your bubbles here).
The Princess and the Frog
In this segment, Caitlin and Jenny discuss the historical impossibilities portrayed in The Princess and the Frog, particularly regarding Tiana's dream of owning a restaurant in Jim Crow-era New Orleans. They explain how the challenges faced by African American women during that time extended far beyond what the movie conveys and emphasize the necessity of considering historical accuracy when enjoying period pieces.
Caitlin points out that Tiana would have encountered numerous obstacles, such as racial prejudice and the inability to own a business without a man's support. She also points out how the movie ignores the reality of interracial relationships during that time being illegal.
The Fractal Inaccuracy in Frozen
Jenny examines the anachronic inclusion of the term 'fractal' in Disney's Frozen. Set in 1843, Frozen references a concept not yet coined until 1975! Of course, Caitlin comments on her love for Frozen 2 and its soundtrack.
While this detail about fractals may seem minor, it's a reminder of the importance of accuracy when crafting stories that evoke historical contexts.
In Summary
Both hosts encourage listeners to consider the sometimes subtle line between creative liberties and historical accuracy in storytelling, emphasizing the importance of discerning between them and striving for balance. Their analysis of Disney films showcases the importance of properly discerning fact from fiction, especially when sharing stories involving real historical figures. Through their dialogue, they encourage listeners to maintain a critical perspective while enjoying popular entertainment and be aware of the many nuances and complexities often glossed over by such films.
Made it this far? You rock!
💚
CK & GK
P.S. ICYMI, the Mirriam-Webster Instagram account is slowly becoming Caitlin's fave. Here's the post that officially made it a must-follow for her!