“Disney Bland” Issue 2, by Victoria Watters. Illustration by Namalas Most of us can

“Disney Bland” Issue 2, by Victoria Watters. Illustration by Namalas Most of us can agree that Disney, whether movies or television shows, has been a big part of our childhood and continues to affect children all over the world today. Having had the pleasure of growing up in Orlando, FL, I am constantly surrounded by that culture; that which people spend thousands of dollars and travel thousands of miles to come and experience. After a recent trip to Disney, I must confess that I walked away feeling tired, sunburnt, and a bit… empty. Don’t get me wrong: Disney is a stunning place. They evoke just the right amount of emotion, create opportunities for artists and dancers, fulfill the dreams of so many children (and those with child-like hearts) and yet, every single thing about the place is manufactured. Even the grass is created and arranged. What’s behind all of the cast member smiles and the steel, plaster, concrete, and fiberglass of Cinderella’s Castle?  I don’t walk around telling people that I’m a freethinker (I try not to be a pretentious snob) but after spending time there, I felt like everything about it was designed to create a specific and singular response in me. The design demands, “Spend money, time, energy, and emotion being here,” and that makes me uncomfortable.   Now, don’t think that I hate Disney because I don’t. You better believe that I belt “Part of Your World” when it comes on my iPod during shuffle mode. While pondering these thoughts, however, I simply realized that there is a deeper problem, especially for me. As an introvert, I deeply desire authentic experiences. I can’t stand small talk and when I’m with people, I want to be with them. I believe that everything has a place but when those things make me compare my life to another’s, a function is created that I don’t want to rely on.  I wish to pose a question. Do you go after genuine experiences or do you do the things that you think you should? Going to Disney is a prime example. The place is a man-made creation but it is now considered a childhood “necessity.” I’ve had some amazing times there but I have a longing for a more natural and authentic experience. I vaguely remember my first time at Disney but I have very strong memories of other events: my first camping trip, riding a bike by myself for the first time, cliff-jumping with my friends, seeing more than forty shooting stars with my brother, laughing into tears with my sisters over a stupid joke, holding my nephew for the first time. These are the building blocks for life. Do you go after that which will enrich your life or do you find yourself floating through Kodak moments?  -- source link

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