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forged. A varied assortment of people, spanning from religious conservatives to progressive social-justice advocates, have united over a mutual belief in American values. Numerous members of this coalition assert that Mickey Mouse has undergone a metamorphosis into a rat.

The Walt Disney Co. faces criticism from religious conservatives for straying from "family values and family entertainment" in order to promote a "homosexual agenda". Conversely, women's-rights groups have expressed longstanding dissatisfaction with the way Disney cartoons depict women. Moreover, politically liberal social-justice advocates denounce the exploitative working conditions present in many of Disney's factories situated in developing nations.

According to experts, Mickey and Co. are frequently singled out because they faithfully mirror our culture. Disney does not shape our culture; rather, it symbolizes it. It is worth noting that the Walt Disney World and Disneyland parks, referred to as the Disney "motherhouses," attract more visitors than any other amusement parks globally.

Experts find it intriguing that this battle diverges from the typical narrative of conflicts rooted in culture and values. Disney has effectively managed to incite discontent among all parties involved.

According to Brenda Brasher, a professor at Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio specializing in religion and popular culture, Disney has been criticized by nearly every group with values for not adequately or fairly representing their concerns.Last year, the Southern Baptist Convention made the decision to boycott Walt Disney Co. because they believed that the company's inclusion of homosexuality in its employment policies was a departure from "family values" and an endorsement of "immoral ideologies."

Additionally, other religious conservatives such as the Assemblies of God, the Church of the Nazarene, and the Catholic League, along with James Dobson's Focus on

the Family, are actively involved.

The United Methodist Church has raised concerns about Disney's alleged exploitation of its international workers. They highlight the significant disparity between the low wages earned by these workers, who make around 50 cents per day, and the substantial earnings of CEO Michael Eisner. The church specifically draws attention to Eisner's staggering $500 million stock payment.

The denominations represent over 50 million Americans.

Disney cartoons often receive criticism from women who are dissatisfied with the portrayal of female leads. These portrayals range from helpless Barbie dolls to wicked stepmothers resembling witches.

Images that evoke emotions

However, all these groups also express mixed feelings towards Disney, which speaks volumes about the values in our society. How can one criticize a company that has brought us numerous iconic and beloved cultural figures? Whether good or bad, multiple generations of American children have resolved various problems through watching Disney movies. Disney has achieved something dubious by making entertainment as significant in society as work, faith, politics, and family.

Richard Land, the representative of the Southern Baptist organization advocating the boycott, acknowledged in a video that Disney holds sentimental value for many due to cherished characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and the Magic Kingdom. As a result, Land explained that people's vigilance may be lowered.

Unfortunately, he stated, "The mouse has transformed into a rat."

Are you wondering how to boycott a company that has so much control? If you're displeased with Disney, does that mean you also need to cut ties with ABC-TV and radio, ESPN and E! cable channels, Hyperion books, and Miramax Films? Though it may be simple to avoid Disney theme parks, you might be the only family

on your block not to visit. How can you stay away from the outlet merchandise stores and the other 200 Disney subsidiaries? Moreover, they are currently acquiring sports franchises as well.

The Rev. Paul Wellinghoff's son and daughter would often watch Disney films like "Cinderella," "Bambi," and "Snow White" repeatedly. Now, he has discovered a partial solution.

Now, they find their entertainment from NEST Entertainment and features distributed by Focus on the Family. Pastor Wellinghoff of Crystal Lake Baptist Church in Burnsville explained to his children that in a Christian family, they strive to do what Jesus would approve of and avoid supporting anything that Jesus would disapprove of.

Furthermore, he stated, "We have exposed them to numerous other experiences. Life encompasses more than just Disney."

Is that you, John?

The Rev. John Tanner, from Southtown Baptist Church in Bloomington, shared that he humorously decided to wear a pair of Mickey Mouse ears during a recent gathering with his fellow Southern Baptist pastors. He amusingly commented, "I got exactly what I was looking for – an instant joke!"

However, Tanner and Wellinghoff express their support for raising awareness about the entertainment offerings of a conglomerate that claims to be family-friendly but includes content that may not be acceptable in numerous households.

Both men agree that their congregations have mixed feelings about the boycott. While some people are dissatisfied with the content of various Disney films and entertainment items, there is division on whether an economic boycott is the appropriate approach.

Neither of the men has preached about the issues from the pulpit, but they have both participated in and facilitated informal discussions on the matter.

According to Tanner, their intention is to adopt an

ethical position, which they perceive as a public declaration disapproving the current moral trajectory of the country.

Despite Disney being seen by many as a representation of American moral values gone astray, "visiting Disneyland or Disney World is akin to a pilgrimage for numerous families – the ultimate destination – comparable to cathedrals for pilgrims in Medieval Europe," according to Brasher from Mount Union. While medieval pilgrims aspired to physically connect with religious relics within cathedrals in their attempt "to reach the transcendent," contemporary Disney pilgrims venture to locations of enjoyment. "It has evolved into an introspective objective nowadays," she explained.

Tanner and Brasher have a positive opinion of Disney theme parks and do not see any major issues with them. Tanner has personally visited both Disneyland and Disney World and believes that they are not bad places.

Brasher recalls being impressed with the welcoming nature of Christianity towards children during their childhood. Although they felt uncertain about the church, they admired Jesus for his unequivocal stance. Presently, society discusses "family values," yet there are limited public spaces that truly embrace children. Brasher admires Disney for its remarkable dedication to catering to children in a society that often overlooks their needs.

Cultural values

According to cultural historian Karal Ann Marling from the University of Minnesota, Disney films often contain strong cultural values. For example, the character Cinderella in the film released in 1950 is depicted as aspiring to be a 1950s housewife, prioritizing the goal of finding a husband over pursuing higher education. Marling argues that films like "Cinderella" reflect and explore the cultural concerns of their time.

Similar to the fairy tales of earlier generations by the Brothers Grimm,

these films address challenging and distressing concepts that children might not want to discuss with their parents. In Bambi, for instance, the protagonist loses his mother in a devastating fire, while Snow White and Cinderella both face wicked stepmothers. Similarly, in Dumbo, the main character is separated from his mother, who is then imprisoned.

However, the experts emphasize the fact that in these movies, the "children" manage to survive and thrive. Bambi forms friendships and fares well. Dumbo acquires the ability to "fly" independently. Cinderella and Snow White find prince charming. The movies provide reassurance to children that life often has a way of turning out positively for them.

According to Marling, it should be the culture at large and not Disney that protesters should blame.

In a video, James Dobson from Focus on the Family expressed that the intention is not to harm individuals who identify as homosexual or lesbian. The discussion revolves around opposing the agenda of a movement that is perceived as being entirely anti-Christian.

The Disney Co. appears unfazed by the boycott, stating that they are proud of their brand and its extensive range of family entertainment. They also expressed their intentions to enhance their leadership position in the industry.

The Rev. Bruce Forbes of Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, compares popular culture to a "funhouse mirror." He explains that popular culture both reflects and influences society. The popularity of Disney, for example, shows that it resonates with our own experiences, although not in an exact way.

Cultural ambivalence

According to a recent survey, less than 33% of American Baptists agreed with the boycott. Among those who did support the boycott, only 48.8% said they actually

avoided purchasing Disney products.

The poll, conducted by the Southern Research Group of Jackson, Miss., for the Associated Baptist Press, surveyed Baptists in the 14 Southern Baptist-dominated states via random sample telephone interviews. The results revealed that support for the boycott was lacking across most of the surveyed groups.

Among Baptist individuals who indicated that the Southern Baptist Convention stand most accurately reflects their perspective, 14.3 percent expressed agreement with the boycott, whereas 15.8 percent strongly agreed. Conversely, 26.7 percent disagreed and 28.2 percent strongly disagreed. The remaining individuals maintained a neutral stance.

According to Patrick Anderson, a sociologist at Florida Southern College in Lakeland and former vice president of the Florida Baptist Convention, major airports and malls often have a Disney store. Anderson characterizes Disney as an exceptional multinational corporation with a varied essence. He asserts that regardless of political beliefs, it is simple to find something to critique about Disney. Nevertheless, Anderson contends that boycotting the company will not yield substantial change.

Tanner expressed optimism for a more positive conversation regarding the values embedded in our society and how they are depicted in Disney.

As Christians, we should have a positive attitude towards the world despite the boundaries set by Christ. We are called to affirm and bring value to the world, which ultimately belongs to God. Our purpose is to add flavor, shine, and promote growth. Being defensive or offensive towards others goes against Christian values.

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