Trading Places focuses on character and story over identity politics. The leads are cast for talent and comedic chops, Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd both shine in their respective roles, not because of modern diversity checklists but because of their fit for the part. The film’s narrative is driven by satire and classic themes of social mobility, not forced representation.

Traditional values, like hard work and charity, are present, and while class divisions are satirized, the movie doesn’t mock masculinity, family, or religion. Instead, it pokes fun at the elite and Wall Street excess, which is more social criticism than modern ideological commentary. Little to no cultural revisionism by today's standards.

The film presents a spectrum of perspectives, from unscrupulous elites to street-savvy survivors. While the villains are caricatures, they're based on greed rather than ideology. The comedic approach allows room for all sorts of characters without any obvious modern moral orthodoxy or cancellation of dissenting viewpoints.