This is a bold statement on my part, but I wholeheartedly believe that 'God Help the Outcasts' is Disney's best song. What about the 'Circle of Life' or literally any of the Moana soundtrack? The reason this song is Disney's best and in my top five favorite Disney movies is because of its vulnerability and rawness.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame came out in 1996 and is an absolutely breathtaking, underrated, and still completely relevant film. It is set in 1482 in France during the midst of the clash of the white French population with the Romani people, then called "gypsies" (read the link attached about the history of the racial slur). This film speaks of issues that are so prevalent to today, such as injustice, racism, prejudice, pride, and sin, Most notably, the film reflects all of the above's unfortunate and disgusting presence in the church. His song is deeply saddening, challenging, and a source of accountability.
As a white person, prejudice, entitlement, racism, injustice, and privilege are uncomfortable to watch and own up to, especially in a children's movie, which is why this movie is exactly what I and other white people need. The skillful communication of this film and song is something to be admired and appreciated as I spend my lifetime unlearning societal conditioning that comes with being white.
As a Christian, especially one who wants to go into full-time ministry, it is angering and disgusting to watch sin thrive in the church. I see the layered ways in which all of the aforementioned effects of and aftermath of being in a privileged group thrive because of and through sin. This is exactly why I need to listen to this song. I am susceptible to sin as a human being and do it daily, and as a part of the church, I can contribute to the thriving of sin in the church if I am not keeping myself in check and making sure I stay uncomfortable, angry, and disgusted by it.
The best and most striking part of the song is when Esmeralda is praying for her people, those who are mistreated, the poor, and those "less lucky" than she in the shadows and wings of the church quietly. She is juxtaposed by white people, the rich, the figureheads of the church and community asking God for material "blessings" loudly in the front of the church.
This is reflective of Jesus and the Pharisees. Jesus was who society hated back then and hates today. He was a middle eastern, jewish carpenter who came from an undesirable place. He was an outcast and sided with the outcasts - the poor, downtrodden, the women, children, and elderly, and the sick, He prayed without seeking to be seen and heard, and He always loved and welcomed people. The Pharisees prayed loudly, were legalistic, and sided with the people who "fit in".
Be like Jesus. Welcome people, love them, and defend them like He did. Make yourself uncomfortable by reminding yourself of where you stand in the world and checking on who you are in this film and this song.
Thank you, Disney, for creating such a beautiful song.
