In this era, the term "woke" has permeated every aspect of our society, from politics to entertainment. It's a colloquialism that refers to a perceived awareness of issues that concern social and racial justice. But when does being "woke" become a threat to preserving our original culture and history? That question has become more pertinent than ever with the recent issue about the new Snow White movie.
In the latest iteration of the beloved fairy tale, the new Snow White who is now played by a Latina with Colombian descent appears to be no longer the damsel in distress who gets saved by a prince. She is now a fierce, independent woman who dismisses the old version as antiquated and sexist. And the iconic seven dwarfs? They seemed to have been replaced by seven politically correct accompaniment, a move that many see as a blatant attempt at forced diversity and inclusion.
While promoting diversity and inclusion in film and other forms of media is undoubtedly essential, there's a fine line between authentic representation and tokenism. The new version of Snow White seems to have crossed that line. The seven dwarfs, each with their unique personalities and quirks, were a significant part of the original story. Replacing them with politically correct figures not only dilutes the original narrative but also feels like a superficial attempt at diversity rather than a genuine effort to represent different groups.
The classic tales, myths, and fables that have been passed down over generations are more than just stories. They are part of our collective culture and history. They reflect the societal norms and values of the times they were written in. Modernizing these stories isn't inherently wrong, but it becomes problematic when it involves erasing elements of the original narrative under the guise of political correctness.
The push for excessive "wokeness" also risks creating a culture of fear and self-censorship. Content creators might feel pressured to conform to the woke agenda, fearing backlash if they don't. This could stifle creativity and discourage the exploration of complex and controversial themes.
Moreover, the obsession with political correctness could lead to a lack of diversity in storytelling. If every story has to align with the woke ideology, we risk ending up with a homogenized culture where only certain narratives are acceptable. This is contrary to the ideals of diversity and inclusion that the woke movement purports to uphold.
While it's important to evolve and adapt with changing societal values, it's equally important to preserve our cultural history and respect the original narratives. Being "woke" should not involve discarding elements of our past that don't align with modern sensibilities. Instead, it should be about learning from our past and using that knowledge to create a more inclusive and understanding society. The new Snow White rendition, with its overzealous political correctness, serves as a cautionary tale of what happens when wokeness overshadows storytelling. We must strive for a balance where diversity and inclusivity enhance our stories, not dilute them.
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Kuya J Pelayo IV is a Kapampangan broadcast journalist. For comments and suggestions, e-mail at 4th.pelayo@gmail.com