Once upon a time, I was a little kid booing the wicked Queen in a movie theater with my friends from the town’s most upright Protestant and Catholic families. I have not forgotten those afternoon, and I will speculate that a lot of other Americans my age have not forgotten, either. We cheered for Snow White. We clamored for Mickey Mouse. We sobbed tears for Bambi. Best of all, we clapped our hands and swore we believed in fairies, so Tinkerbelle would not die.
Today, the entertainment company that made seven generations of youngsters shriek with delight is in tremendous turbulence. Religious groups are attacking Disney. These church folks say that, once upon a time, Disney made movies for the American family. But today, they say Disney has betrayed “family Values.” They are giving the Southern Baptist denomination a bad name. They are taking it into their hands saying what is morally right and wrong in the eyes of God. It seems that they have forgotten that we are all created equal in his eyes.
If only the Southern Baptist involved in this boycott would wake up and look at what they are trying to take away from their children. Do they really think they can shield their children from Disney? Can they deprive their children from virtually the only company that makes children's movies? Will they have the strength to stand up to their children and say that they cannot go to McDonalds or BurgerKing, because they promote Disney.
So, the Southern Baptists and their fellow travelers have gotten it all wrong about the days of yesteryear. Disney’s films have not changed all that radically. True, the company did not stick its neck out for domestic partners in those days, but it always managed to touch its magic wand to themes and stories not found in the Bible. What has changed radically is the extreme right wing religion in America and its rise to power, its naked ambition to control us all.
We, as the forthcoming generations of America, have to choose wisely what fights we want to pick and which ones are best left alone. As for this fight I believe it would be best settled if it was left alone. In this day and age, it’s more important to make decisions for ourselves. We have learned from our parents’ mistakes and misadventures, and hopefully, we will be better able to access the situation and make an educated choice.
At stake is not just the future of a corporation. At stake is the survival of imagination, the right to imagine. Yes, there is a right to imagine, and no culture can stay healthy without it. If Disney goes down, it will be a dark day before anybody else plays with the sparkle dust. Let’s hope that enough people clap their hands for Disney and that we Americans do not let the politicians and the extremist compromise our children and grandchildren’s future.
Clap Your Hands For Disney
Thesis: Once upon a time, I was a little kid booing the wicked Queen in a movie theater
with my friends from the town’s most upright Protestant and Catholic families.
I. Today, the entertainment company that made seven generations of youngsters shriek with delight is in tremendous turbulence.
II. If only the Southern Baptist involved in this boycott would wake up and look at what they are trying to take away from their children.
III. So, the Southern Baptists and their fellow travelers have gotten it all wrong about the days of yesteryear.
IV. We, as the forthcoming generations of America, have to choose wisely what fights we want to pick and which ones are best left alone.
V. At stake is not just the future of a corporation. (Conclusion)
Forside
