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Perhaps the most contentious issue is Disney's misguided efforts to "modernize" classic characters and themes. The original Ariel in The Little Mermaid symbolized curiosity, innocence, and the pursuit of freedom, with her desire to explore the human world at the heart of her character. However, the 2023 live-action remake altered her iconic "I Want" song and downplayed her longing for exploration, framing her instead as a rebellious figure unfettered by traditional love stories.