Walt Disney is under consideration for reprimand by Arabs
Regional, International, 8/20/1997

The Arab League (AL) yesterday announced its intention to consider taking severe measures against the Walt Disney company because of the "anti-Arab" movies it produces, according to an AFP report.

The Arab League assistant secretary general signed a statement verifying that the AL had received a report from the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee which said that Disney films give a distorted image of Arabs and Moslems, and are "undermining their religion and Arab civilization. These movies didn't stop accusing Arabs of being brutal and archaic, although warned by anti-defamation committees," the statement said.

As a consequence, the Arab League announced its decision to consider taking "the staunchest collective measures against this company" and taking action over its films.

In an August 20 statement, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) said that Disney's newest film, "GI Jane," contains "a gratuitous end sequence with star Demi Moore and her Navy Seal chums on a rampage killing Arabs. This is apparently how Moore can show she is truly worthy of being a Seal. Once again, scores of faceless Arabs bite the dust and the world is better off with their extermination."

Other Disney films such as "Kazaam" and "Operation Condor" are also cited by the ADC as containing negative portrayals of Arabs.

Sam Husseini with ADC, an Arab-American grassroots organization in the USA, indicated that Disney, "unlike other major studios, has repeatedly declined to meet with the ADC. The ADC assures Hollywood that there are Arabs who are normal. We're waiting for them to make it to the big screen. "

The Walt Disney company denied that its films are anti-Arab or wrongfully portray Arabs or Islam, according to the AFP report.

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