Netflix has drawn criticism from online commentators following the circulation of a resurfaced description of the 1939 film "Gone with the Wind" on its platform. The description reads, "A 1939 American Civil War epic known for its racism," and directs viewers to search for Black Lives Matter content with the message, "To learn more about Black lives in America, search 'Black Lives Matter.'"
Although the film is not available to stream on Netflix in the United States, its title page remains live as an inactive placeholder on the website. The inclusion of the Black Lives Matter label on this page has sparked backlash, with critics accusing Netflix of imposing modern political narratives on a classic film.
Turning Point Action's Jack Posobiec responded on X to a post by user Valliant Renegade, who shared a screenshot of the Netflix page, advising viewers to "Buy physical media."
In contrast, HBO Max, which currently streams the movie in the United States, describes it as "A strong-willed Southern belle struggles to save her beloved home and find love against the backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction." Hulu's description reads, "Classic tale of Scarlett O'Hara's battle to save her beloved Tara and find love during the Civil War."
In 2020, HBO Max temporarily removed the movie amid the George Floyd protests and following a Los Angeles Times opinion piece by John Ridley, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of "12 Years a Slave," who accused the film of romanticizing the "horrors of slavery" and called for its removal. The movie later returned to the platform with an added historical introduction.
Vivien Leigh and Hattie McDaniel starred in the film, portraying Scarlett O'Hara and Mammy, respectively.
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