Mickey Mouse, Disney banned from some Egyptian schools

The governor of one of Egypt’s provinces has banned Mickey Mouse  and other cartoon characters from schools to be replaced by images of “military heroes.”

“We need to replace the images of Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck with images of famous Egyptians and military martyrs so children look up to them as role models,” Alaa Marzouq, the governor of Qalioubiya, told Egyptian media, according to The New Arab.

“All these characters are U.S.-made, while we have many honourable figures… who will deepen the children’s patriotism and love for the nation,” he added.

The governor’s decision has been widely mocked and sparked outrage among Egyptians, who believe the educational priorities by the governor are misplaced.

Many on social media in Egypt state the focus should be on tackling overcrowded classrooms and reforming outdated teaching methods and curriculum.

In addition, users said the move to emboldened kindergarten and primary classrooms with war heroes was part of an ongoing campaign to “militarize” the education system.

This is not the first time Mickey Mouse has been banned around the world.  Mickey Mouse has been banned in places since 1930.