Twitter Users’ Perceptions of Some Countries’ Censorship of Same-Sex Kissing Scenes in Disney’s Lightyear (2022)

As an open platform for public debate, social media is a potential space for investigating the public perception of controversial issues. This study explores how Twitter users reacted to the news that Disney’s Lightyear (2022) faces bans or restrictions in parts of Southeast Asia and the Middle East over its same-sex kiss scene. Qualitative data analysis applied to replies under the Twitter post by The New York Times on June 15, 2022, revealed that the pro-censorship side dominated, appealing to age inappropriateness, resistance to cultural imperialism, sexualized content, and LGBT prejudice. Comments opposing censorship are strongly opposed to each other in ideologies. While some appreciate diversity, others express deeply rooted prejudices and racism. The condemnation of sexual prejudices through religious and regional prejudices potentially triggered a vicious circle rather than eliminating those biases. The commenters also politicize the issue, locating the intolerance not just in the countries mentioned but also within America itself, criticizing American politics and media for being hypocritical in dealing with discrimination issues relating to minorities. Although constructive comments promoting appreciation and tolerance of differences and legitimate criticism are found, this study finds that social media is a complex environment in which people express and rationalize their reactions and feelings and do not necessarily change their views to more tolerance and acceptance.