Our skin is no costume, say irate Polynesians
NEW YORK: Disney has done something it often does: it has released a new Halloween costume on its online store.
But, unlike its Buzz Lightyear spacesuit, Elsa princess gown or Mickey Mouse bodysuit, this costume depicted actual skin – brown skin covered in tribal tattoos, to be specific.
The costume is that of Maui, a demigod in Polynesian mythology who has been animated and voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as a character in Disney’s upcoming Moana. Although Disney has featured brown-skinned people in its films before – Pocahontas comes to mind – it has not released a costume in which brown skin is part of the outfit.
The costume’s description reads: “Your little one will set off on adventures in this Maui costume featuring the demigod’s signature tattoos, rope necklace and island-style skirt. Plus padded arms and legs for mighty stature!”
Accompanying the description is a photograph of a young boy, who has brown skin, wearing the costume.
Predictably, almost immediately outrage spread across social media from people decrying the idea of skin colour being used as a costume.
“As a Poly I support our folk involved in #MOANA. But this? NO. Our Brown Skin/Ink’s NOT a costume,” one user tweeted.
“Many people are Rightfully upset about this new piece of #Moana merch. Cultures are NOT costumes,” tweeted another.
“This might be the creepiest thing Disney has ever done. ‘Wear another culture’s skin!’ ” yet another person tweeted.
“We are not a costume,” tweeted one user.
Some users claimed that those offended by the costume were overreacting, since it was based on a cartoon.
“People are seriously complaining about the Maui costume from Moana?! It’s a costume!! Find something else to complain about,” tweeted one user.
Although Moana is not being released until November, it has inspired debate – some lauding the film and some damning it.
The movie follows a Pacific Islander princess as she seeks a fabled island. Throughout her adventures, she meets characters – some from Polynesian mythology, such as Maui.
The movie has garnered praise for telling the story of Pacific Islanders, a people under-represented in Hollywood, and for using voice actors of colour.
But after the film’s first trailer was released, a number of prominent Polynesians said the depiction of Maui was offensive to their culture’s mythology. – The Washington Post