A new show on Disney Junior called “Rise Up Sing Out” is taking on “microaggressions”, specifically those that are related to issues racial in nature. In the song “Speak Up”, the lyrics discuss one child being surprised that another child has a parent with a different skin tone. The lyrics also address someone wanting to touch a child’s hair, as well as one little boy not “talking like other black kids”. As the song plays, a constant chant of “speak up” plays in the background.
Here are the lyrics from Genius.com:
Hey, Gabriel, I didn’t know that was your mom
Your skin is so much darker than hers
Hold it, did that comment make you feel uncomfortable?
That’s a micro-aggression
What’s a micro-aggression?
A micro-aggression is when someone says or does something that makes you feel bad
Sometimes just because of your race
But you know what? He’s wrong
You should be proud of your skin
It’s what makes you you[Verse 1]
I know just how you feel, lonely sad and blue
He said that awful thing and you don’t know what to do
That’s not okay to say about your beautiful skin
To find your voice, see the power within
[Chorus]
Speak up! Speak up! Because you got something to say
Speak up! Speak up! Or it’s okay to walk away
Speak up! Speak up! Because you got somеthing to say
Speak up! Speak up! Or it’s okay to walk away
[Interlude]
Ooh, I’ve gotta feel your hair
It’s such an unusual tеxture
We know just how you feel and it wasn’t okay
The way she touched your hair and didn’t give you a say
We wish she didn’t do that to your awesome hair
Allow us to make it perfectly clear[Chorus]
Speak up! Speak up! Because you got something to say
Speak up! Speak up! Or it’s okay to walk away
Speak up! Speak up! Because you got something to say
Speak up! Speak up! Or it’s okay to walk away
[Interlude]
Hey, toss the ball over here
Hey, Kingston, why do you talk like that?
You don’t sound like the other Black kids I know
[Bridge]
We wish she hadn’t said that, the way you speak is flawless
We’re here to help you, join us in this chorus and
[Outro]
Speak up! Speak up! Let her know just how it is
Speak up! Speak up! We can change the narrative
Speak up! Speak up! Let her know just how it is
Speak up! Speak up! We can change the narrative
I’ve raised two little boys who make friends with anyone.
How am I going to overcome this blatant racism from Disney. This entire song is an aggression. Disney sees people for the color of their skin.
I will cancel Disney and Disney+ if I see this. The lowest tier cable has every channel I want except Disney. I pay $20 more per month for Disney plus Disney+.
Like Disney cares about your $20 and white privilege (insert eye roll) I LOVE THIS VIDEO AND MESSAGE AND REPRESNTATION! GREAT JOB DISNEY
Continue dividing people and attacking my race.
I see Disney using race to market. It’s lazy and disrespectful to every American.
How is this disrespectful in the slightest? The song is quite literally teaching children that you should be proud of who you are, even if you don’t look like everyone around you. I’ve heard of numerous experiences where POC didn’t have enough representation growing up and therefore tried to “fit in” to the standards of what was being shown on tv, magazines, etc at the time. How is it fair that your two little boys get to see people who look like them and have problems similar to theirs, but for others it is disrespectful? There is no limit to media, therefore there is enough capacity to offer both views. The more diversity and representation shown will benefit children who relate growing up. To be honest, your comment was very ignorant and you should think (and not only about yourself or your 2 boys out of the millions of children watching Disney) before you type. Also, the definition of ignorant is to talk about something you lack knowledge in!
Children don’t see color they just play, Politics and Disney need to stay in their own lanes. Let kids be kids and play.
This is classic brainwashing. It’s an abomination to regress children’s innocence by embedding jaded adults’ bitterness.
Children are not born racist. Racism/hatred is a taught behavior that can unfortunately be learned and this song is nothing but teaching Racism. Maybe we should all stand up and speak out against this racist fueled skit.
Wow. Shame on you Disney.
Can’t believe a channel designed for children would air something like this. All children are born innocent and have never heard of or thought of micro aggression. This is some idiot adults idea, who thinks it’s ok to pit one child against another. Come off it do you really believe promoting racism will put a end to it.
Oh no, did a basic question from a innocent child hurt your feelings? No? Well it should have! Be offended!
So now a curious kid asking a basic question is a racist micro aggression?
They say racism is bad, but they’re the only ones bringing it up every chance they can. And constantly finding the most stupid things to get offended by..
Smh.. I can only imagine the type of adults videos like this will create.