On date, Disney officially announced that the Pirates of the Caribbean ride would be replacing and changing the infamous “wench for a bride” section. This has sparked debate amongst Disney fans and Disney purists. Some say that there is no reason to change the ride, while others say it’s a step towards the right direction.

For those who don’t know or have never been on the ride, Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean is the ride that sparked the film series. It depicts pirates plundering, setting towns on fire, skeletons (that might not all be fake) and the famous “A Pirate’s Life for Me” song. However, within the ride is an auction that sells off women to pirates. It depicts girls unwilling to be sold off, as well as the red-head, who is the one currently up for sale. Other pirates gawk at her, asking for her to show herself off, as well as the price. It’s understandable that this scene could be quite surprising for Disney material, especially in this day and age. But does it need to be taken out? Or is it time for a change.

Regardless of your opinion, the scene is being changed. The red-head is going from bride-to-be to a pirate herself. The auction will be taken out. Some are saying that there is no need to make changes to the ride, while others are saying the female pirate is a feminist advancement. This isn’t the first time the ride has been changed either. It used to depict women being chased by pirates for their bodies, and now it’s for treasure. Which is, of course, still a crime. The rides often change when a new Pirates movie is released. With this being said, what do I think about the change? Is one group of people more in the right than the other?

My opinion on this matter is that, well, I don’t really care. And that’s saying something because I consider myself a Disney purist. But the problem with argument over the ride is that it’s not looking at the point of the ride itself: these people are pirates. Pirates aren’t supposed to be the greatest people, even if there is a catchy theme song. Selling women off to men is supposed to be a deplorable act, but in no way is the ride glorifying it. In fact, the next section of the ride depicts the pirates burning down a village. These are supposed to be nasty people. But if people are freaking out over a fictional depiction of women slavery, then they shouldn’t turn a blind eye from a real domestic problem.

Captain Jack Sparrow, depicted by Johnny Depp, has three cameos in the Pirates ride. After the release of the first movie, he was made a permanent attraction to the ride. He even surprised guests by appearing in the flesh at Disneyland. However, last year Depp and Amber Heard settled a domestic abuse case. The statement read, “There was never an intent of physical or emotional harm. Neither party has made false accusations for financial gains.” Heard described physical abuse, which included bruises to her face. Depp smashed wine bottles with the intent to threaten. Even though the case was settled, how is this okay? If someone with a background of domestic abuse is supposed to have his likeness preserved in a ride, does that make it better or worse than the red-head?

There is also the fact that this is one change. A more feminist perspective would say that the red-head’s change to a pirate isn’t enough. She is still an object to be seen, and her change follows this agenda. It’s still not becoming of equality. If the point to make her a pirate was for a feminist reason, then she wouldn’t be the only change. Other male pirates, some in the front and some in the background, would also have to be changed. It’s hard to see this change as a feminist victory when it doesn’t change the gaze of the character.

My point is that if you have a reason behind your opinion, take a look at other factors. Disney rides go through changes, and as guests we have little control. However, if you want a backwards scene taken from a ride, you have to acknowledge that this might not change the overall tone. If changes are necessary, then there has to be an understandable reason as to why it’s being changed, and why other parts are not. I honestly don’t care that it’s being changed, but I believe there needs to be more conversation as to what is right and what makes sense.