Disney’s production team probably didn’t think about this when The Lion King hit theaters in 1994 — they were more likely concerned with how to make Shakespeare’s Hamlet appealing to younger viewers.
Whether they meant to or not, however, the animated classic provides a strong allegorical tale about the dangers of socialism, and a the cult of personality that usually comes with it.
For those who haven’t watched the film in a while, let’s do a quick recap.
Scar, the main antagonist in the film, first appears showing his contempt for the existing social order. With the birth of Mufasa’s son Simba, the disgruntled lion’s claim to the throne is revoked.
Instead of joining the rest of his family in governing the Pride Lands, Scar associates with what is essentially the “disenfranchised working class” — the hyenas, who typically complain about not getting their fair share. When Scar rallies them to his cause, he makes a bold promise that they will never go hungry again, as seen in this meme posted to Reddit’s “The Donald”.
Of course, we all know how that went. With the new king’s subjects confined to the borders of the Pride Lands, Scar’s centralized planning leads to mass starvation.
It’s interesting to see the messaging in Disney films in the early 1990s and beforehand, compare to the SJW-friendly films they release now. Apparently, the company used to promote a far more pro-American message.
~ Facts Not Memes
