As of July 17, Country Bear Jamboree reopened at Walk Disney World after a lengthy closure with one beloved character missing.
The attraction has officially removed a beloved character due to concerns that the figure was “insensitive and outdated.”
Changes to the Attraction
The revamped attraction is now called the Country Bear Musical Jamboree and will feature several new genres of country music, such as Bluegrass, pop-country, Americana, and rockabilly.
The seven-month hiatus was ordered due to fears that a certain character would come under fire. The park took the opportunity to completely revamp and redesign the attraction for a new generation.
What Character Is Missing?
Upon reopening, Liver Lips McGrowl, one of the 18 classic animatronic bears that have been in the park since 1971, was missing.
McGrowl famously performed the song “My Woman Ain’t Pretty (But She Doesn’t Swear None).”
Why Was the Character Removed
According to a reputable Disney blog called Inside the Magic, the decision to remove McGrowl was spurred by the name itself.
Liver lips McGrowl was deemed by Disney officials to be “insensitive and outdated” because of its derogatory racial connotations against Black and Jewish communities.
Why Is the Name Offensive?
Apparently, the term “liver lips” is offensive as it is associated with excessive alcohol consumption, resulting in liver damage, and was an insult used towards ethnic minorities.
The website states that, “The phrase is deemed to be insensitive and outdated, prompting Disney’s decision to modify the character.”
Disney’s Effort to Modernize the Parks
The website states that removing the beloved character is part of a broader trend in Disney parks to address and rectify outdated stereotypes.
Over time, attractions can lose their luster with crowds or become outdated. This is part of the parks’ efforts to modernize and update old and irrelevant characters and rides.
McGrowl’s Replacement
In the newly updated and revamped ride, parkgoers will enjoy a new character in McGrowl’s place.
An animatronic bear with the same surname, Romeo McGrowl, who has a similar facial resemblance, will join the cast of characters at the attraction. Romeo will sport a blond quaff of hair and sing alongside Henry the Bear, Big Al,, Ernest the “Dude,” Terrence “Shaker,” Wendell and Teddi Barra, and Trixie with Bunny, Bubbles, and Beulah.
Not the First Time a Character Has Been Retired
McGrowl isn’t the first character of his kind to be removed due to fears of racial discrimination or new inclusion efforts.
The new Splash Mountain and Jungle Cruise have both gone under similar renovations, removing old and offensive characters like Indigenous people and animals.
Brand New Script Will Be Heard
Along with the change of characters, guests can expect a whole new script and playlist at the attraction.
New music from a variety of genres will be used to present a more inclusive view of country music.
Is McGrowl Cancelled?
Although no specific groups came out to cancel McGrowl per say, there is an argument to be made that removing the bear from the animatronic lineup is a cancellation.
The park has not made any statements regarding the cancellation of McGrowl. It appears that the choice to remove him was an internal decision.
Some People Applaud the Change
Many people have joined the online discussion to applaud the decision to cut McGrowl from the act.
Many note that when Walt Disney was in charge during the 1920s, the view towards different racial groups was incredibly different from what it is today. Now, many fans enjoy that the park is able to be modernized and updated to reflect a more diverse culture.
Backlash
Beloved fans of the park and the ride think that removing Liver Lips McGrowl won’t do anything to help racial sensitivity in the park.
Many claim that the bear does not offend any racial groups, and removing him only serves to maintain the lengthy culture war present in the country.
