Earlier this year it was announced that the new, in production, Snow White would be bar the 7 Dwarfs. Following ongoing controversy, Disney has opted to remove the little men completely and replace them with magical creatures. A justified resolution? Would modernising the parts and avoiding dwarf stereotyping have been a more fluid option?
The spectacular dwarfs are iconic through the notion of equality. They have equal sized portions of food, laid out on identical plates. They sleep in uniformly miniature beds and go to work daily in a troupe. In the Grimme Brothers favourite fairy-tale 2001 edition it goes as far as to call them ‘Commerads’. In German mythology dwarfs are often portrayed to dwell in the mountains or earth and to work in jobs similar to mining. As the original Snow White originated from Germany in the early 19th Century it is given that the 7 dwarfs are pick bearing miners.
During this period into present day height restricted persons fall prey to economic disadvantage through reduced employment opportunities. They are frequently financially dependent on others, relatives in particular. However, the 7 dwarfs are bread and butter grafters, excelling in tough, male dominated roles. They are robust, masculine and they get their hands dirty. Equally, they demonstrate high levels of intelligence and considerable foresight into the Queen’ devilish affairs through their toils to protect Snow White.
The positive aspects of dwarfism are overshadowed by the adverse connotations. ‘Dopey’ from the original Disney 1937 animation implies brain abnormalities. Dwarfs have regular intellectual capacity, only prevalent if there is a second complication of fluid surrounding the brain. To a degree they are rather sexist and preoccupied by beauty. They are in absolute awe of Snow Whites elegance and envisage her only role to fulfil domestic chores: cooking and cleaning. We perceive them to be asexual, none have formed partner relationships, all are living as ‘Male Singles’.
Sexual development within dwarfs may be impaired into adulthood, but mainly they face social prejudice, reducing marital opportunities. Ultimately, although short of stature is not considered a disability, Snow White is saved by the Prince. After all endeavours by the little men, combined with the toll of time, an able-bodied man saves the day! Is this more humiliating than an offensive slur, being brandished a midget?
Many dwarfs performed in the Freak Shows which were commonplace on both sides of the Atlantic from the mid-Victorian Period until the second World War. General Tom Thumb: Charles Stratton, entertained Queen Victoria and other Royals. To great applause he drew a small ceremonial sword and jousted with her prized spaniel. Although scores of dwarfs opted to take to the stage and savoured the financial independence they attained, others were coerced or even forced to masquerade on the boards. During 1840’s Freak Shows became mainstream, dwarfs became subject to ridicule across all entertainment venues including zoos and aquariums. By the 1940 these ‘Shows’ had fallen out of favour, more conscientious audiences turning their backs on them, and medical science had advanced to expound rare bodily conditions.
Is Disney merited in simply cutting the dwarf parts from the World’s greatest fairy story?
Ellie Simmons, Britain’s 5 gold medal winning Paralympian featured in a BBC documentary in spring 2022. The documentary deliberates over issues surrounding a new medication voxzogo. This can be used to treat the most common form of Dwarfism; achondroplasia. The medication counteracts growth restriction and allows the little person to grow to a height which could be deemed ‘Normal’.
This drug is widely available throughout the US, looking to be introduced in the UK from 2023. Ellie, in addition to many of her compatriots of restricted height argue against the drug and that they are effectively eradicating dwarfism. Opposing arguments are put forward by children consuming the drug, the treatment only effective when bodies are in growth development. Many desire to grow to the same height as those which they are encircled.
Dwarf removal: has Disney’s option been to eradicate Dwarfism in an era which calls for inclusivity, do we not want to view more examples of different body images throughout the media? Through deciding to cast a Latino actress as Snow White they are standing against White Supremacy, however is their stance on ableism at fault? Would the avoidance of dwarf stereotypes and showing them to be a little less chauvinistic not have been a more fitting option for a 2020’s production? Conceivably, they could have looked to include a giant which also suffer discrimination. A play on the Biblical classic, ‘David and Golliath’ where the brain exceeds braun.
On a positive note, away from the misgivings on the impetus behind Disney’s board room planning, I for one, am greatly anticipating the release of the latest Snow White and looking for answers found within the magic of the dwarf-replacement animals.
alisonlittleblog 
Leave a reply to vermavkv Cancel reply