Has anyone in this thread actually seen the movie in the last 30 years? I include myself in that. It seems like the reputation just keeps growing. The impression I get from statement by people who have seen it recently is the issue with the movie boils down to the fact that the black characters, who, I remind you, are not slaves (it's post civil war), are happy and show no ill will towards the plantation owners/white people. Because Disney movies are totally known for their realistic depictions of historical settings. I get why this is a problem (whitewashing might not be the right term, but you get the idea), but I'm not sure racist is the right descriptor either. But again I haven't seen the movie recently to have a first hand opinion.
And before you bring up the Tar Baby issue, that term has an interesting history with no racial elements, despite some people mistakenly believing it to be a slur (like the makers of the Roots remake).