Shark Tale the “Cartoon Movie” is racist and violent…Don’t let you kids see it.

[BoycottSharktale]

I thought we were moving past accepting stereotypes in America. Someone forgot to tell that to DreamWorks and Steven Spielberg.

I can’t believe DreamWorks and Steven Spielberg produced a movie that so blatantly stereotypes Italian Americans as ignorant, racist, murderers, and clearly stereotypes African Americans and Latinos negatively.
I’m glad someone is standing up for what is right. Go to www.boycottsharktale.com . Check it out and take some action!

[Unregistered]

Look, I’ve seen these postings all over the internet, calling for a boycott of the new cartoon movie Shark Tale. Upon seeing these postings, I immediately wrote them off and took my daughter to see the movie anyway. After seeing the movie, however, I did notice what these postings were all about. To make up for its lack of substance, the film really did include unnecessary stereotypes of many races and ethnicities and I don’t believe that a kids’ movie is the place for them. Sure, for us, these stereotypes are laughable and are just water off the duck’s back. But, for young impressionable minds, they really crossed the line. Look at several criticisms of the film; you’ll find that a lot of these critics are also noticing the stereotypes and denouncing them as unnecessary. It’s up to you whether or not you take your kids to see this, but keep in mind what folks have been saying.

[Unregistered]

IT'S A MOVIE! Get over it!

[Unregistered]

I agree!! Did you notice the movie also promoted acceptance of individual differences within a family and culture?? i.e. NOT stereotyping. Did you notice that the shark is NOT your typical shark people? How about promoting values like responsibility, valuing your own family, friends, background, elders, and neighborhood and not throwing everything away to "climb to the top." Good grief. Everyone has to be so politically correct these days they can't see the forest for the trees.

[Unregistered]

I went and saw this movie with my children. It was fun and full of action. I do not understand how anyone can call a cartoon about fish racist. Do you honestly believe that children are see that in this movie. Come now. This is as stupid an opinion as people claiming that Lion King was racist, because of the actors who played the voices. Children don't care who the voices are for certain characters, much less what color they are. The characters are animals. How can they possibly be racist. Grow up!!!!!!!! I'm a teacher and a coach. It's people who throw fits about CARTOONS being bad that makes the children try to find the bad in the movie. Otherwise they wouldn't know it.

[Unregistered]

I thought we were moving past accepting stereotypes in America. Someone forgot to tell that to DreamWorks and Steven Spielberg.

I can’t believe DreamWorks and Steven Spielberg produced a movie that so blatantly stereotypes Italian Americans as ignorant, racist, murderers, and clearly stereotypes African Americans and Latinos negatively.
I’m glad someone is standing up for what is right. Go to www.boycottsharktale.com . Check it out and take some action! Yeah. I know. we really have to watch how we degrade fish. They have feelings too you know. My little boy was aghast at the accents of the different races coming out of these fish mouths. He would cry, "Dad, did you hear that? They are making fun of the Italians!" OMYGOSHDAD! NOW THAT WAS AN AMERICAN INDIANS VOICE AND THIS IS NOT RIGHT!" Dad? did you hear and see that portrayal of an African American?" I think I am going right home and cry for a while. I can't believe it. now a Latinos voice out of that fish mouth. Sing that funky music white boy!

[Unregistered]

I thought we were moving past accepting stereotypes in America. Someone forgot to tell that to DreamWorks and Steven Spielberg.

I can’t believe DreamWorks and Steven Spielberg produced a movie that so blatantly stereotypes Italian Americans as ignorant, racist, murderers, and clearly stereotypes African Americans and Latinos negatively.
I’m glad someone is standing up for what is right. Go to www.boycottsharktale.com . Check it out and take some action! Why don't we boycott stupid people that see all of this stuff coming out in CARTOONS!?? This movie was for relaxation, laughs, KIDS? Why make anything more out of it?

[kingpin]

why you bothered about a movie theres worst movies than that! GET OVER IT!!!!!!

[kingpin]

its not that bad

[Evan]

Ok, first off this is the most hilarious thing I've ever seen. This is a Technology Teachers Forum and you're discussing boycotting Shark Tale? That's just insane. And even the title of the forum is hilarious "Teachnology Teacher Forum > Grades 3-5: Upper Primary Teachers Forum > Shark Tale the “Cartoon Movie” is racist and violent…Don’t let you kids see it." Don't let you kids see it. *coughmoroncough* Lastly, it is a movie, maybe a poorly made one, but still a movie. Let it go. There are a lot worse things that you should be boycotting, but you would like to settle for boycotting Shark Tale. Congratulations, you're <i>really</i> making a difference in the world.

[quitejaded]

Ugh, you've got to be kidding me. They don't do any different than a show like Rugrats. And I don't see how they stereotype ethnics negatively unless you count that "A lot of white people can't do the handshake" thing as something to fret about. The kids are going to laugh. I doubt any kid would complain "Mommy, that jelly fish has a JAMAICAN MAN'S ACCENT!" Or go around saying "Italians are going to kill black people!" I mean, these are FISH for goodness sake...

[Unregistered]

I agree with the ones that says it is an fun-loving movie! I think it is wrong to boycott a movie like that. Yes, there were some rough edges, but they were semented by the rest of the movie who is with me!

[Mrs B]

Well, isn't this a fine kettle of fish. :) How does a movie review end up in a teachers forum? To be quite honest, it appears to me that these type of National Enquirer "boycottes" spring up to gain attention. It's the preverbial stirring of the public pot. Gosh, every movie that has been made can stir this pot. It's attention seekers that love to point out problems with other people's work. It is very similar to people who go against the public opinion to gain attention to themselves. The best way to say this is silly is to not post. Gosh, and here I am posting. he he

stir stir

Mrs B

[Ms.L]

I loved the movie. I personally didnt think it was racist or anyhting. I mean c'mon. Get over it...geesh!!!

[Unregistered]

This is tooooooooo funny. I log on to find something totally different and relavent to the success of the new school year, and there are two pages of comments on "Shark Tale racism v entertainment". WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
However, thanks for several good laughs.

Portia

[Unregistered]

Why don't we boycott stupid people that see all of this stuff coming out in CARTOONS!?? This movie was for relaxation, laughs, KIDS? Why make anything more out of it?

I'm all for boycotting the stupid people!!

[jlhawkinson]

Too funny! I watched this movie with my children (ages 10 and 8) and frankly, I didn't see anything wrong with it. It was made for children, not for parents/adults to pick over it with a fine tooth comb. That's like people telling others to avoid Harry Potter because it promotes witchcraft and soon our children will be practicing that.

My children saw nothing wrong with this movie because they know it is just a cartoon movie. They know they can't take it all seriously.

[Sharktalelover]

Get ova it.Shark tale RULES!Its a KIDS movie.They wont undastand nun 'a' it. :mad:

[kburen]

I think it's funny...You people are so worried about movies that are ment to be fun and enjoyable...Yet you don't care that all your kids have to do is turn on the TV and they see all of this from REAL people. They're going to see it and understand it from the shows they watch long before they will from cartoons....Becides...Unless you make a big deal of it like this...They won't even know!

[Unregistered]

I love SHARKTALES! It had no real substance, but it's a kid's movie. Did these people boycott Cinderella? After all it stereotypes stepmothers. What about Snow White? I mean little men need love too. Why did she just hookup with Sleepy. Is it because he was a working man and she wanted a rich prince Charming. I mean can we see how silly it is to breakdown a cartoon. At the end of the day...IT IS A CARTOON. There is more to life.

[Unregistered]

It's a cartoon, get over it and move on. You guys have way too much time on your hands. If you are bored volunteer their are many schools that need volunteer help and countless charities. Why waste your time on a cartoon?
There are real people not cartoons that could use your time.

[Unregistered]

Thanks for publicly slamming a really sleezy movie. Entertainment industries efforts to constantly portray black people as criminals is bad enough, but this cartoon really glorifies organized crime to the youngest possible audience.

To all you people who feel superior by dissin' the commenters, at least they had something to say. If you don't like the subject, move on to the next, we don't really need to hear how you are far to intelligent to be interested in movies for kids or the comments of people who care enough to look past the pretty colors.

[Unregistered]

its not that bad
its a kids movie GET OVER IT GOSH

[??????????]

It is just a movie me and my kids watched it and we loved it our children are growing up we need to give them some memories of good times like for a christmas present take them to a ski logde But Going aginst a movie is what kind of example you are going to give them then you are just plain Wrong.

[Unregistered]

shark tale is an enternaining movie so whatever!

[Unregistered]

You Need To Move On And Stop Pinpointing Everything Out, Sit Back And Enjoy The Movie. If We Boycot Everything We See On Tv Or The Screen, We Would Have Nothing To Watch On Tv. I Think That When I Watched The Cartoon I Did Not Even Think Of Racist Things To Pick Out. You Are Looking Into This To Much. Relaxxxxxxxxxxxx.



Enjoy!!!!!!!

[Unregistered]

kids do not think of movies in this way unless you have taught them how to read the scenes and look for ohhh hes black or white i think thats racist yet i am 5 years of age - most 5year olds would not have a clue with racisim or care about it....it would also be considerd racist if no black or white people were featured .. and anyway this is supposed to be a teachers forum your not supposed to be discusing childrens movies :)

[Unregistered]

I agree that some movies these days for children are getting to racest. Like the new movie with Jack Black if that isnt makeing fun of the hispanic culture than i don't know what is!! Shark Tales on the other hand was an okay movie. It taught some lessons, but i agree that they shouldn't try soooo hard to make some of the voices sound so "authentic" or "racest". And what really bothered me was that they portrayed a veggitarian as "wimpy"!! No!! Just because we make a decision to better our life and not kill animals who haven't done anything to us does not mean, on any level, that we are wimpy!! And to those of you who say just get over it, people like you are the reason we still have movies like this. You ar either afraid or just don't give a crap about the youth!!

[Unregistered]

i wonder how is shark tale racist

[dont have one]

this website is the best it relly help me become a better teacher so come to this website . thank you

[Unregistered]

Ahhhhh yes, an ongoing issue. But in a CARTOON? Ahhhhh, NO! I think the aim of the various ethnic voices was not to be racist, but to embrace cultural differences. Now, I have only seen parts of the movie, but from this discussion, it seems people are complaining about voices of FISH in a movie portraying FISH of various ethnicity?? PUH....LEASE! I live in a big city and have heard many, many different accents. It's part of life!! It's true children understand racism IF they're taught about racism. Remember, children born are innocent. They are TAUGHT racism I am a 3rd grade teacher. My students saw Shark Tales. I asked them to summarize the movie for me, and not ONCE did any student mention this so-called racial element of Shark Tales. Not only that, but I am Caucasian and most of my students are African American or Hispanic. I bond with my students. I care about all students regardless of race. The only time racism is EVER seen or heard of in the classroom is when a student has been TAUGHT about it from outside the classroom walls. I'm not blaming parents, siblings, other relatives, or the like, however these VERY FEW students are learning about racism from outside influences. BUT DEFINITELY NOT SHARK TALES!!!!!

GET OVER IT.....PLEASE. IT'S MORE IMPORTANT TO FOCUS ON ISSUES RELATED TO YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATION RATHER THAN FOCUSING ON A MOVIE.

[Unregistered]

I Agree It's Horrible

[Unregistered]

I saw your messages about the movie Shark Tale and I thought you all were being the most immature people I've ever met. I've seen the movie (in fact I own it) and I thought it was good. While reading your rants and raves, I tried to see it from your point of veiw. Yeah, it depics Italians being violent and such, but you REALLY got to look for that in the movie. Little kids aren't going to be looking for that. They're going to be too busy laughing at the movie than checking for stereotypes. Children have very simple minds. They aren't going to care. They're going to think the movie is funny. Not racist. Not stereotypical. Maybe when they reach your age they will, but not right now. Stereotypes are all around you. Its inevitable that they (your kids) will face it one day, either in movies, school, or whereever. I'm 15 and I understand that you're going to not want them to see it, but hey, they're going to be exposed to stereotyping no matter what. I've been exposed to it since I was a baby. Still stereotyped today. The point is, they're going to see it and fall victim to it either way, so let them get hardened up and used to it. It's up to them to decide what's true and what's false. Not yours.

[Unregistered]

I have seen the movie several times, and I have yet to see any reason to boycott it. To be honest, we live in a world where many children don't have enough to eat at night, adequate medical care, or a safe place to sleep. If you need a cause to take up, try one of these; not an animated fish story.

[student]

You all are making this into a HUGE deal that has NOTHING to do with the movie itself. How (unless some idiotic parent let them) does a kid know what the mob is? I didn't learn until I was about 14. These kids don't care about interacial fish! They just think it's hilarious that a fish is friends with a shark!

PS-if you don't like the movie, that's YOUR problem, just don't take your kids to it. That doesn't mean the rest of the world can't enjoy it!

[Chocolate_New_Orleans]

I fail to see how Sharktales can be viewed in a classroom situation in any other capacity than as time fill.

[Unregistered]

shark tale is a ace film soooooooooo get over it

[student]

Everyone you're looking at the negative sides of the movie Shark Tale. The movie teaches positive values, too. For example, the main character Oscar learns you dont have to be famous for people to love and like you and the wimpy shark learns his father accepted him for who he was.

[Unregistered]

It looks to me this really is not about Sharktale... it's about promoting an adult web-site. If you actually click on the link- IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SHARKTALE!! How sad!

[Unregistered]

its a childrens pixar movie!
what the hell is wrong with you people?

[Unregistered]

I'm wondering why a teacher would be so concerned with a cartoon that may or may not be seen by students in which the content could be used to teach diversity vs stereotypes.

[Unregistered]

Grow Up!Its a movie for kids!!!Half the kids that watch it probably don't even understtand it!!!DUHH!U need to get over it...And besides,the movie is funny!!So,get over it!!

Signed,

Student?

[AussieHouseDad]

I'm glad I don't let idiot's on the internet ever make my mind up about such things.
I took my children to see Shark Tale, I bought it for them on DVD when it came out. It's a great move, kids loved it.

[Unregistered]

what is it with some of you people?
i mean you have to take something like this and mangle it all up
you should be asshamed of yourselves
i mean a kids film?
this is a waste of computer space
the person who started this is a fool with no sense of humor


GET A FRIGGIN LIFE!

[Unregistered]

im a kid who saw that movie and when i read this fourm i burst out laughing. This is something me and my friend stumbled on while surfing the web and couldnt resist but as too post a comment. This is so stupid its funny. Why would a child know anything about racisim or let alone care. you should do more constructive things

[Unregistered]

Get Over It You Dumb Teachers And Your The Racists Fo Think Its Raceist

[StuTeacher23]

I thought we were moving past accepting stereotypes in America. Someone forgot to tell that to DreamWorks and Steven Spielberg.

I can’t believe DreamWorks and Steven Spielberg produced a movie that so blatantly stereotypes Italian Americans as ignorant, racist, murderers, and clearly stereotypes African Americans and Latinos negatively.
I’m glad someone is standing up for what is right. Go to www.boycottsharktale.com (http://www.boycottsharktale.com) . Check it out and take some action!

If you are that much against Shark Tale, then DON'T WATCH IT!!!! Let everone make their own decision. They wouldn't rate it PG if it was racist.
GROW UP!!! It's critics like you who hate every movie that is ever made.
Keep your opinion to yourself!!!! :mad:

[BLBO]

If you are that much against Shark Tale, then DON'T WATCH IT!!!! Let everone make their own decision. They wouldn't rate it PG if it was racist.
GROW UP!!! It's critics like you who hate every movie that is ever made.
Keep your opinion to yourself!!!! :mad:

I haven't seen this movie , but I disagree with your comment about PG ratings. Many movies that are rated PG are not appropriate for my children. We tend to wait until movies are on video before we watch them and then we screen them before our children are allowed to view them.

[Unregistered]

IT'S A MOVIE! Get over it!

damn shraight its a movie get over it

[Unregistered]

You are a wierdo.....


It's a MOVIE........it's because of people like you that create the problems we have today. I loved it, and so did all of my students. Get over yourself and the movie...you don't like it....don't watch it!!

[Unregistered]

We are all so worried about being politically correct that we will jump on any bandwagon to show how enlightened we are. I believe that many shows have sterotypes. Ever laugh at a fat joke, redneck joke, boub joke, old person joke? Of course we have. That does not mean we are holding every one who is fat, old, well endowed, or a redneck to that standard.

[Unregistered]

This 15 yr. old is good. His writing style, grammar, and punctuation is better than the majority of the postings I have read on this shark tales mess. I take it that most of you posting are teachers since this is a teacher's site, but your example of how to write properly lacks a lot. Most need to take writing lessons form this 15 year old, somewhere along the way he/she had a good English teacher. We all need to learn something here and set a good example for our students.

I saw your messages about the movie Shark Tale and I thought you all were being the most immature people I've ever met. I've seen the movie (in fact I own it) and I thought it was good. While reading your rants and raves, I tried to see it from your point of veiw. Yeah, it depics Italians being violent and such, but you REALLY got to look for that in the movie. Little kids aren't going to be looking for that. They're going to be too busy laughing at the movie than checking for stereotypes. Children have very simple minds. They aren't going to care. They're going to think the movie is funny. Not racist. Not stereotypical. Maybe when they reach your age they will, but not right now. Stereotypes are all around you. Its inevitable that they (your kids) will face it one day, either in movies, school, or whereever. I'm 15 and I understand that you're going to not want them to see it, but hey, they're going to be exposed to stereotyping no matter what. I've been exposed to it since I was a baby. Still stereotyped today. The point is, they're going to see it and fall victim to it either way, so let them get hardened up and used to it. It's up to them to decide what's true and what's false. Not yours.

[Unregistered]

What is wrong with you people (adults) out there?
This is a kid's movie, made for fun and for kids to enjoy.
Why do supposed adults have to make something out of nothing all the time.
You don't see or hear kids complain about racial violence or the like after watching a cartoon - do you !!!!!
Why don't you leave well enough alone and keep your racial, predjudice, violent, narrow mind to yourself.
If you don't like a particular movie / film / cartoon / TV programme, turn it off or get up and walk out - with your mouth shut.
Let the kids be kids and just enjoy themselves and their lives.

[Unregistered]

This is tooooooooo funny. I log on to find something totally different and relavent to the success of the new school year, and there are two pages of comments on "Shark Tale racism v entertainment".

Portia

I agree, and to top it off there are posts from kids on here and a parent. This is a TEACHERS forum.

[Chocolate_New_Orleans]

the only problem I have with the movie in schools is why do teachers think it's actually educational?


The only purpose "sharktales" serves is as time filler. How about you actually teach, instead of babysit and play crap like this.

I own the movie (or at least burned a copy from limewire) and other than being too ghetto (because of Will Smith) for my taste, I laugh at it at times. However, it's not appropriate not due the content, but the fact that it doesn't serve and educational purpose.

[Unregistered]

I have a colleague next to me who pops in a movie whenever she is having marital problems. Then, she can hang on her cell phone (a no-no in my district, but she does it anyway, until she gets caught that is) and tries to patch things up with the mister. So, we can always tell when she is having a spat with her hubby when we hear the dulcit tones of a movie blaring from her room. Ahhhh, predictability. Anyway, to heck with the kids and her lesson plan for that day----hubby is more important and it simply cannot wait until she gets home after school. Ah, yes, priorities!

[Unregistered]

i thought this world was moving ahead.it seems that there are a few thoughtless ********************es still out there who are just looking for a pretence to showcase that they are fat,old and lonely. so shut your trap about cartoon films being racist and get a damn life

[Unregistered]

this movie was really great. if u dont like it..dont watch it. u dont have to boycott it. that's dumb.

[Unregistered]

For all you folks who believe "It's a movie, get over it." Stereotypes are subtle and insidious. The seeds of racism and stereotypes are planted early and are not obvious. Children do not recognize racism at an early age, they simply go to see a fun cartoon. But really, how many young kids already stereotype Mexican-Americans as gang-bangers or gardeners or housekeepers? How many of you white Americans have really experienced stereotyping? If you really want to put your money where your mouth is, go live in a foreign country for a year. I am a white American female and I lived in Central America for 6 months. I was judged constantly on the images the people saw in American soap operas. Among some of the stereotypes: all American women are loose, all Americans are rich and greedy. I have a few suggestions for you. There is a wonderful web site called tolerance.org. They will e-mail you a monthly newsletter. If you have the courage to really reexamine your assumptions. Go see the movie Crash. At the very least, you should be discussing stereotypes in movies after you've watched them with your child. If you believe your children aren't picking up on these stereotypes, you are wrong. You see I am also an elementary school teacher and I see everyday the stereotypes kids come to school with. Many of these are learned through "harmless" cartoons. Children imitate things they see in the movies. I have quite the horror story about a little boy whose father took him to see "Jackass." If people aren't aware, things don't change. It is up to us to leave the world a better place for the next generation. Stereotypes cause pain and violence.

[Unregistered]

I feel for the children that are being taught by the teachers on this site. Your grammar and spelling is horrible. If you don't know how to spell something, get a dictionary.

[Unregistered]

ITS SAD THAT WE HAVE PEOPLE TELLING US THAT WE CAN'T HAVE ARE KIDS WATCH MOVIES LIKE SHARK TALE . ITS EXAMPLES LIKE THIS THAT IS MAKING IT BAD FOR EVERYONE BY SAYING THAT IT IS HELLOOO ITS 2007 ITS NOT 1920s or w/e so grow the F@@@ up and its common sence and um.... i think it was disney that made the movie so if you think that there is a prob take it up with them IM SURE THEY WILL LISTEN LIKE EVERYONE ELSE WILL LOL... not