Minstrel shows reflected the racial anxiety of white people. Mickey’s facial characteristics, white gloves, exaggerated movements, and ability to take punishment all bear a striking resemblance to minstrel show characters – except that Mickey was a cartoon.
Disney went full minstrel in the 1933 short film “Mickey’s Mellerdrammer,” a parody of the novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” He darkens his face and becomes the wild-haired, raggedy urchin who speaks“Black dialect.”
Mickey’s short films weren’t just based on minstrel shows, they were minstrel shows. And there’s nothing cute about it, no matter how beloved Mickey Mouse is now.
Disney has tried to whitewash Mickey Mouse's history. However, when we know the truth, we can chart a clear path to our own liberation, and we’ll definitely have the last laugh.