- Joined
- Apr 16, 2006
I'm not questioning the motives of Walt Disney or his successors. But Disneyphiles are known to be a fanatical bunch, loyal to the brand, and hostile to those who don't share the passion.
When I think back to the '60's and since, I note a near-continuous media presence of Disney, through the "Wonderful World" shows and the movies released to both screen and personal media. The parks now provide a world-wide presence so you're never more than a day's flight away from a Disney park (and some of us have TWO parks fairly close, if you think globally). And the marketing/merchandising aspect also hammers the brand home, both on-line and at the local mall (if you still have a Disney store).
With the ABC/ESPN acquisition, Disney made their presence 24/7/365 into just about every American home with a TV.
The more I think about it, the more it seems to me that there's a whole generation of folks like us who have literally grown up with the Disney brand being incessantly and pervasively pounded into our consciousness (and unconsciousness) through all these multiple levels.
And once we visit a Disny park, the image is positively reinforced with the good customer service, the air of unreality, and the suspension of the "real world" just outside the landscaping.
Again, I'm not suggesting that it's a conscious effort by Disney to literally turn us into Disney addicts. But again, the behavior I see reminds me of being brainwashed, addicted, or surrendering to a cult mentality.
No value judgement here -- just making an observation and would like some feedback. And please, take a few moments to compose your reply framed in the context of YOUR OWN passion for the brand.
When I think back to the '60's and since, I note a near-continuous media presence of Disney, through the "Wonderful World" shows and the movies released to both screen and personal media. The parks now provide a world-wide presence so you're never more than a day's flight away from a Disney park (and some of us have TWO parks fairly close, if you think globally). And the marketing/merchandising aspect also hammers the brand home, both on-line and at the local mall (if you still have a Disney store).
With the ABC/ESPN acquisition, Disney made their presence 24/7/365 into just about every American home with a TV.
The more I think about it, the more it seems to me that there's a whole generation of folks like us who have literally grown up with the Disney brand being incessantly and pervasively pounded into our consciousness (and unconsciousness) through all these multiple levels.
And once we visit a Disny park, the image is positively reinforced with the good customer service, the air of unreality, and the suspension of the "real world" just outside the landscaping.
Again, I'm not suggesting that it's a conscious effort by Disney to literally turn us into Disney addicts. But again, the behavior I see reminds me of being brainwashed, addicted, or surrendering to a cult mentality.
No value judgement here -- just making an observation and would like some feedback. And please, take a few moments to compose your reply framed in the context of YOUR OWN passion for the brand.
It's also a great way for me to escape and a by-product of "growing up Disney". 
