I actually had an idea that came to mind...it holds no merit, just my own thoughts....
I don't like Iger's excuse that it could offend some people - big deal, I stand by my comments about other controversial films being released.
When I read this quote....something smacked me right in the head and I was like...."Oh, maybe that's it.." So, my mind made up this explanation which could very well lean towards the truth...
Name the last controversial film that was released under the "Disney" title. Film companies can release controversial films all they want and so can Disney, but when it comes to Disney Feature Animation they have an image to uphold. When the film was made - things talked about in SotS were more common day thought (more or less) whereas today, they can spark a sharp backlash against the company. Disney Feature Animation is seen by everyone as the pinnacle of animation, a company that creates animated films that are family friendly and don't down play races or play up stereotypes. The release of SotS could very well tarnish the image of a company that trys very hard to play no favorites...a place where no matter what your race is that you are welcome. I don't believe that Disney wants to create a hostile environment for any of it's guests, by releasing SotS it could very possibly create an environment that could alienate a good portion of it's guests - not only from the parks, but also from it's animated films.
When you ride Splash Mountain, the stereotypes that are present in the movie and so played down that most people just consider it a fun ride with these amusing side characters and goofy little side songs.
I think that Iger is probably just trying to play it safe. If SotS (theoretically, of course) would be released and cause a backlash by minority groups then the entire company is affected, not just the film. Disney must make money for them to be successful (that is how companies are measured), if there is backlash from any group of people that feel as though they have been alienated, then they see "Disney" as the problem...not Song of the South and the name "Disney" encompasses so much more than Song of the South.
I believe the saying of: "Sometimes the needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the few or the one" is pretty appropriate here.
Do you sacrifice a companies image which they've been building over the years since Walt's death over the release of a single film? (This of course could be argued that it would have no affect on the company, but people are rather touchy when it comes to racial matters and the last thing the Disney is going to want to do is alienate people which could be eventual customers - it's just not good business).
I think you really need to try and examine both sides of this fence closely and try to think about why they may not be releasing it. I for one want this movie more so than any other movie they've made - I love the characters, but I also have made myself think about the reasons behind the hesitation of its release and try to understand them.
I don't know if any of this made any sense or not, sometimes I start rambling....but hopefully it will allow you to think about perhaps some reasons that maybe hadn't surfaced yet....
