Is it fair to say that each scene offers a glimpse into a caricatured version of what might have comprised a pirate's life? And now, they wish to erase one single part of that history? Is it the mere depiction of these events, or the parody that is so offensive? Honestly, we can choose to be offended by the entire concept! Yet, it remains a popular attraction after 50 years (and one of my personal favorites). To the best of their abilities, men, women and children march out singing the title song. And, I am willing to bet that, aside from a handful of looney tunes, none of them has truly wished to embrace the pirate's life. Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me. We pillage, we plunder, we rifle and loot. Drink up me 'earties, yo ho. We kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot. Drink up me 'earties, yo ho. Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me. We extort and pilfer, we filch and sack. Drink up me 'earties, yo ho. Maraud and embezzle and even highjack. Drink up me 'earties, yo ho. Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me. We kindle and char and enflame and ignite. Drink up me 'earties, yo ho. We burn up the city, we're really a fright. Drink up me 'earties, yo ho. We're rascals and scoundrels, we're villains and knaves. Drink up me 'earties, yo ho. We're devils and black sheep, we're really bad eggs. Drink up me 'earties, yo ho. Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me. We're beggars and blighters and ne'er do-well cads, Drink up me 'earties, yo ho. Aye, but we're loved by our mommies and dads, Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.
I forget whether it was a New Year's Eve, or maybe the 1980 Grad Nite, but I remember one time riding Pirates right behind a boatload of boors, who'd written a verse that wouldn't have passed muster with Disney (or with Bruns and Atencio, either, even if they weren't working for Disney) It had a line about "We rape the women and kill the men," as well as a rather tasteless joke about homosexuality.
I think (like the town burning and some of the skeleton tableaux) that it's supposed to be a mix of serious and humorous. Whereas the auction scene scene seems purely humorous in intent. We're meant to laugh at what's happening, and that's the disconnect, I think.
Not entirely. I still hate those fat little 'toons in Small World. Wasn't too thrilled with the Jack Sparrow additions either though I can tolerate that. This has been very interesting reading and has definitely left me pondering. I have often wondered about that scene but still, somehow, enjoyed it. I love Pirates of the Caribbean and do not see a way to make the entire attraction sensitive. I don't think I ever took any of it seriously and I do not know if that is an asset or fault at this point. Like I said, these conversations have forced me to stop and think about it.
This is pretty much how I see it. The humor is dated and uncomfortable. And will only get moreso. Bring on the change.
