Though the costume looks great, the company is under fire as some people are 'upset about this new piece of #Moanamerch,' saying, 'This is not just a cartoon.'
- September 19, 2016
AceShowbiz -
Ahead of the film's debut, Disney has released its line of clothing, toys and accessories for the upcoming animation "Moana". Recently, the company made Maui's costume full-on "brownface." The full-body children's suit is designed to look just like the Polynesian demigod, including his "signature tattoos, rope necklace and island-style skirt" as well as "a padded arms and legs for mighty stature!"
New Zealand site Stuff reports that Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox says Disney is just looking to "make a profit off the back of another culture's beliefs and history". She adds, "[Disney's Maui costumes are] no different to putting the image of one of our ancestors on a shower curtain or a beer bottle."
Though the costume looks great, the company is under fire as some people are also "upset about this new piece of #Moanamerch," saying, "This is not just a cartoon, this is our culture and how we are represented." One Twitter user said that "cultures are NOT costumes." Another user added, "Is this cultural appropriation at its most offensive worst? #BrownFace. OR just a fun celebration of Pasifika?"
Many people are Rightfully upset about this new piece of #Moana merch. Cultures are NOT costumes. pic.twitter.com/J4R5W9ZLsy
— NPOC (@nerdypoc) September 18, 2016
Is this cultural appropriation at its most offensive worst? #BrownFace. OR just a fun celebration of Pasifika? https://t.co/wVEtA0FMpX
— Samoa Planet (@SamoaPlanet) September 17, 2016
Disney hasn't given any comments on the negative reactions. In the meantime, the items are still available for sale.
"Moana", which is set to hit U.S. theaters on November 23, centers on an adventurous teenager named Moana (Auli'i Cravalho), who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, she meets the once-mighty demigod Maui (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder.
Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds. Along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she's always sought, her own identity.
The animated film also features songs and music by "Hamilton" star and creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa'i and Mark Mancina. Alan Tudyk, Nicole Scherzinger, Temuera Morrison, Jemaine Clement and Rachel House are among the voice actors.
