In class we discussed the Culture of Disney and the hyperreality it creates. It is shocking to be exposed to the reality of such a large empire that controls a large part of North American culture. The interesting thing is that before learning about this during my last few years in the Communication program I to was blind to the hyperreality of Disney and how it enables us as a public to live in a simulated reality. Consumer culture thrives on the idea of living in a world where acquiring certain experiences or possessions puts us in a cultural category. Most people you know probably went to Disney world/land as children, therefore leaving them with fond memories and wanting to take their kids there one day. That is how Disney has built their empire, on the notion that visiting their park is an integral part of family life. The culture of a fantasy world where everything is somewhat of a "show" is something the ordinary population desires, as somewhat of an escape into this hyperreal world where the real issues of everyday life do not exist. Disney has perfected a method of tapping into that desire and creating an entire world that enables people to experience, consume and even
live in a simulacra. They have certain methods used to constantly ensure the promotion and consumption of their products, not only through media but through material goods, fast food, and real estate. As we discussed in class Jean Baudrillard studied at length the
concept of a simulacra and hyperreality and defines things in levels of numbered "orders". Her understanding of why Disney is so embedded in our culture relates back to the notion that it
embodies the epitome of the ideal "American Dream" culture and presents it in a "magical" hyper real way that captivates the culture that Western society conforms to. A happy family that can create memories either using Disney products or spending time in the actual parks is considered to be wholesome and innocent un motivated by anything other than wanting to have a good time. The irony in this is, that everything the Disney Corporation does is extremely premeditated and done in way that consumes those into that lifestyle.
Understanding Disney, a
book by Janet Wasko, examines and unpacks the Disney Corporation and it's history. It explains how these ideals and methods of insertion into primary North American Society came to leave the company at the global forefront of entertainment and media. It is interesting to consider how much Disney has been apart of our own life as children and even as adults now. Some questions to consider:
Has your opinion of Disney or understanding of your own experiences with it changed after receiving additional information on the reality of the company?
Do you think it's healthy for our culture and society to be hinged on such an unrealistic and unattainable idea of life presented by Disney?
I think that being in communications has definitely changed the way that I look at Disney, making it more of a corporation, rather than the "happiest place on earth". I think for me, the most shocking was Celebration, Florida, because the people living there are really never living in reality - they are living the way that Disney as a corporation wants them to live, so it is pretty astounding to me that people actually choose to live their lives this way. I think the way that Disney has embedded itself in Western culture really goes to show just how immersed in hyper-reality we are, and we may not even realize it.
ReplyDeleteThis was an excellent post Molly, I visited Disney World last Christmas and due to my views adopted from Communications degree, I certainly did not enjoy my visit as much as I remember when I was younger. The entire experience is facade and it really attempts to encapsulates the so called "American Dream," but obviously is not a true representation of American life. Therefore, when you are within Disney you are not participating in real life but rather you are in a constant fabricated version of how Disney believes society should exist.
ReplyDeleteI think that being in communications has definitely opened my eyes about the reality of Disney. Disney was a huge part of my childhood and now I have 2 nieces and a nephew who will most likely be watching their movies as they grow up. While many people are hyper critical of the Disney culture, I still really like it. I know that all they want is money, but they are a huge part of people's lives and give a sense of nostalgia. Of course there are some people who take it too seriously and think that these fantasies are realities. Obviously Disney isn't real though. We don't sing our way through life, there aren't little birds and deer that help us with our struggles. It's just a fantasy that some people take more seriously than others.
ReplyDeleteMolly great post! Without a doubt Disney has managed to place itself as the leader of all children’s media. I do agree that they have made a simulacra reality that creates a falsified reality for children. While there may be some good intentions taught through Disney films, more often than not Disney films are subject to similar antique societal portrayals that many progressive minds try to minimize. While I personally have never been to Disney World, I definitely identify Disney strongly with my childhood. Many of my most memorable children’s movies are Disney. I can recall as a child that those films made me feel like I was escaping reality and immersed in the fictional world. This is an important issue for society because we are allowing our young children to feel as if Disney is a reality at such a young age. Children are not subject to critical thinking and if these views are too heavily instilled at a young age, it could make it difficult for these children to understand society, as they grow older. This is why we must monitor children’s intake of these simulacras . Not to say that Disney movies are bad for children, but we must be more analytical and careful as to the media we are allowing our children to consume.
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