Racism • The Walt Disney Company • Disneyland Resort • Disney Parks, Experiences and Products: In recent times, the Disney community has witnessed a concerning rise in the presence of influencers, and while some of them undoubtedly contribute positively, many others have become a source of trouble. It's no coincidence that the surge in influencers aligns with an increase in unfavorable behavior among Disney Park guests. Influencers thrive on gaining followers and generating clicks, often resorting to sensationalized content to capture attention and boost engagement.
Now, let me be clear, there are Disney Influencers whom we genuinely appreciate. As fellow content creators, we recognize the effort they put into producing meaningful and entertaining videos. However, not all influencers are equal. We gravitate towards those who share their experiences with heartfelt sincerity and a genuine love for the Parks.
Unfortunately, one particular TikTok user, @soulful.sarahtonin, recently caused quite a stir for all the wrong reasons. During a recent livestream, she embarked on a racist rant, mocking Asians by adopting an exaggerated and offensive accent. This portrayal relied on harmful stereotypes that deeply hurt many viewers. To make matters worse, she proceeded to laugh off the consequences, claiming that it was all just a joke.
In an attempt to justify her actions, she cited a comedy skit by Angjelah Johnson, a Latina comedian. However, numerous individuals rightly pointed out that her imitation was not acceptable and attempted to educate her about the negative impact of perpetuating stereotypes, particularly on vulnerable communities. Regrettably, she responded by blocking anyone who dared to criticize her.
The livestream itself took on the style of stand-up comedy as she strolled down Main Street USA. While she may have believed she was merely making jokes, her audience did not find them amusing. As the comments on her livestream turned against her, she grew irritated and expressed her desire for a solely positive atmosphere, disregarding the valid concerns raised by viewers. The comment section began filling up with posts featuring the hashtag #stopasianhate.
Since the video surfaced, a wave of outcry has erupted on social media. Friends of the influencer are being pressured to condemn her actions, and if they fail to comply, they face bullying and the threat of being unfollowed. One individual felt compelled to create an entire TikTok account dedicated to holding Sarah accountable. The comments section of her videos has been flooded with requests for an apology.
However, as of now, she has not offered an apology. Instead, she appears to be removing comments and blocking those who try to enlighten her. Despite numerous Asian viewers informing her of the hurt they experienced, she adamantly insists that her words were harmless.
It is important to note that the years following the COVID-19 pandemic have been particularly challenging for people of Asian descent. There has been a distressing surge in racially motivated violence against Asians, driven by the unjust scapegoating of individuals of Asian descent for the spread of the virus. Consequently, the hashtag #stopasianhate has gained significant traction as a means to combat this unfortunate and concerning trend.
We must all strive for empathy, understanding, and the dismantling of harmful stereotypes. It is our responsibility to hold individuals accountable for their actions and educate others when their behavior perpetuates harm. Let us foster an environment that respects and celebrates the diversity of our communities, ensuring that everyone feels safe, valued, and heard.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
0 Comments