For a long time now, it has become recurrent to talk about the maneuvers of the House of the Mouse in order for its film or television productions to be in tune with the current demands for diversity, inclusion and political correctness. Only in the last few months, the public could witness that controversial kiss between characters of the same sex in Lightyearthe Pixar Animation film, and also that first look at Halle Bailey of African descent as Ariel in the upcoming live action of The little Mermaid. So, could it be that Disney has more than earned the label of ‘woke up?
Bob ChapekCEO of The Walt Disney Company, spoke in a recent chat with The Wall Street Journal (via dead line) precisely about those detractors who insist on cataloging certain creative decisions of the company with the term ‘woke up‘, his only intention being to criticize them. However, the executive understands that these paths taken are suitable and necessary to represent and celebrate diversity.
“We want our content to reflect the rich and diverse world we live in,” Chapek said. “We live in a world where everything seems to be polarized, but I think we want Disney to be in favor of bringing people together.”
And at the insistence of WSJ on if then he doesn’t consider Disney to be ‘too much’woke up‘”, the head of the conglomerate added:
“I think Disney is a company that has survived for a hundred years by serving its audience. And it’s going to thrive for the next hundred years serving its audience.”
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Bob Chapek also referred to the conflict with the Republican governor of Florida Ron DeSantis in the first half of the year, following Disney taking a stand against “Don’t Say Gay”; that is, the law that prohibits the teaching of topics on sexual orientation and gender identity in primary education in the state. On what he learned by navigating the turbulent waters of politics, the executive remarked the following: «Keep your values, your north star; Simplify the cacophony of voices out there and do what you think is right.”
On the other hand, Chapek acknowledges that the company’s strong response to that controversial legislation came after Disney’s own staff demanded it. “The passion with which our staff reacted reminded us how important their feelings are around these issues,” he said.
Antonio G. Spindola I have very bad memory. Out of solidarity with my memories, I choose to lose myself too. Preferably in a movie theater.