I'm Latino and I live in Los Angeles. As a kid, I did not notice these comparisons. Alot of us didn't for obvious reasons. Looking at it now, it's actually pretty funny. As I mentioned in my other thread, I don't think Disney did this with the intent to show that A) Lions=White Christian patriarchy and B) Hyenas=Racial minorities. I could see how they were INSPIRED by real life to create the graveyard and make it look like the ugly part of town. Hey, LA is very big. You have Westwood/Beverly Hills (which stands for Pride Rock *COUGH*) and then you have South Central. *LOUD COUGH* The elephant graveyard *LOUD COUGH*
Personally, I get a chuckle here and there when I think of how Shenzi and Banzai supposedly represent the blacks and Latinos. I would love to see Disney grow a pair and write a satire based on these observations.
Mufasa is a conservative politician with a strong business background. The lionesses are his aides (and girlfriends because you can't be a politician without THAT *Arnold, Clinton, Spitzer*
Zazu is the lawyer.
Rafiki is the friendly neighborhood dealer and very close friend of Mufasa. He supplies him with a hefty stash because running Pride Rock Enterprises can be very stressful.

He is that crazy neighbor in the apartment complex you try to avoid. His apartment smells of something suspicious (hashish and incense) but once you get passed the animal bones and shawls you will fine that he is actually very nice.
Nala is college educated and liberal. She believes strongly in social justice.
Timon and Pumbaa are the gay couple that live in a decent section of the city that befriend privileged Simba who goes to college near there. They teach him about the vegetarian lifestyle.
Scar is the liberal (and possibly gay) politician who promises bread and circuses for everyone! He enjoys fine cigars and expensive suits but he is horrible when it comes to making investments. He just won't admit it and blame it on the working class, i.e. Shenzi and Banzai.