WOKENESS AND DISNEY, IS THERE A WINNER?

In recent years, the term "woke" has become a buzzword in cultural and political discourse, often referring to heightened awareness and activism regarding social justice issues. In other words, the unfair treatment of a group of people within a society, which can result in one group being at a disadvantage. Unfortunately, the Disney theme parks have not been immune to these cultural shifts specifically during the last 5 years. Many people believe and have said that Disney has become "too woke," and as we have recently seen, rightly or wrongly, this perceived wokeness has had a profound impact on the theme parks. This ITPS Observation examines the influence of wokeness on Disney theme parks, presenting both positive and negative perspectives.

One of the positive aspects of Disney's embrace of wokeness is its commitment to diversity and inclusion. This has been evident in various initiatives undertaken across its theme parks. For instance, the introduction of characters and storylines that reflect a broader range of cultures and experiences has been well-received by many guests. The revamped "Jungle Cruise" ride is a notable example. Originally criticized for its outdated and insensitive portrayals of indigenous people, the ride was updated to remove offensive stereotypes and include a more respectful representation of different cultures. This change has been acknowledged for making the attraction more inclusive and educational.

Similarly, the introduction of more diverse characters in the parks has been a significant step towards inclusivity. The presence of characters like Black Panther, Moana, and Raya has allowed children from various ethnic backgrounds to see themselves and their ethnicity represented in Disney's stories. Many believe these representations are crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and validation among diverse growing audiences.

Additionally, Disney’s recent efforts to fairly improve accessibility for guests with disabilities reflects a commitment to creating a welcoming environment for the specially challenged. Enhanced services demonstrate a broader understanding and accommodation of guests' needs, which aligns with the positive principles of wokeness.

Despite these positive strides, there is a growing sentiment among many that Disney's wokeness has led to negative product impacts, particularly among long-time fans and traditionalists. Critics argue that in their quest to be inclusive and politically correct, Disney has sometimes compromised the essence of its classic attractions, storylines, and beloved Fairy tales.

One prominent example is the reimagining of the "Splash Mountain" ride. Originally based on the film "Song of the South”, released 78 years ago, the ride has been redesigned to feature characters from "The Princess and the Frog," which has been hailed for its positive representation of African American culture, and eliminating Uncle Remus, The Tar Baby, Brer Fox, and Brer Rabbit. While many appreciate the move towards inclusivity, others feel that the change erases a piece of Disney's history and panders to modern sensibilities at the expense of nostalgia. There are very strong feelings regarding these changes!

Along these same lines, another argumentative woke issue is the alteration of dialogue and scenes in classic attractions to align with changing contemporary values, such as the "Pirates of the Caribbean" ride. For instance, this enduring ride underwent modifications to remove scenes deemed sexist or inappropriate. While these changes were intended to make the attraction more suitable for modern audiences, numerous fans argue that Disney has diluted the original charm and historical context of this great, popular ride.

Nonbelievers also contend that the emphasis on wokeness feels forced or disingenuous, more like a marketing strategy than a genuine commitment to social justice. This perception has led to quite a lot of skepticism and backlash, as we have seen with Disney's corporate statements and campaigns.

In my opinion, the challenges in the years ahead for Disney lies in balancing its rich heritage in “owning storytelling” while homogenizing these evolving societal beliefs. We have seen this is a rolling, difficult act to manage. The company's story telling history is deeply intertwined with cultural icons and stories that have shaped generations, certainly mine. As society changes, Disney must navigate the delicate task of preserving its legacies such as Peter Pan, Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and many more precious stories and characters, while carefully including evolving social consciousness.

Looking onward, I can see how Disney could benefit from more open, advance dialogues with its fans and stakeholders prior to making changes, this would help the company better understand these diverse, evolving perspectives.

The impact of wokeness on Disney theme parks is a serious, complex, multifaceted issue that requires constant monitoring. The efforts to promote diversity, inclusion, and accessibility have garnered praise and support, but there is also significant criticism regarding the alteration of beloved attractions and performative activism. My observation question, how far does one bend without breaking?

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