Response to "Saving Other Women from Other Men in Aladdin"

           In Erin Addison's article, "Saving Other Women from Other Men in Aladdin," she argues that Disney's Aladdin (1993) is wildly racist. Addison points out that Arabs as a whole are portrayed negatively with the exception of Aladdin. But, Aladdin has been made to look like Tom Cruise, so can he even be considered as an Arab? Arabs are portrayed as needing rescuing from their own cultures. Jasmine rejects the Q'ran and Aladdin offers her the American perspective of marriage. I agree with Addison that Islamic culture has been villianized in Aladdin. Islamic culture should not have to be saved by 
          The most interesting point I think this article makes is the significance of Aladdin's last few lines in the movie. When Aladdin and Jasmine are finally together by the end of the movie, Aladdin says to Jasmine, "call me Al." Now, not only does Aladdin look like an American (Tom Cruise specifically) just with slightly darker skin, he now has just a typical American name. Aladdin has now become fully Americanized. Addison also raises the issue that Aladdin is influenced by greed, which is portrayed positively, while Jafar is influenced by power, which is portrayed negatively. This is an entirely capitalistic American perspective, which is highly biased.
          But why should we care if this silly cartoon portrays Islamic culture in a negative light? We should care because American portrayal of Islam and Muslim people as in need of our help needs to stop. Aladdin  depicts Muslim culture in such a way that it needs “rescuing” by American culture, when that is not the case. It villianizes Eastern culture by introducing an elitist American perspective.