Friday, October 18, 2013

Please Don't Conquer it's a small world

Every now and then an image makes the rounds on social media of Disney clothing or merchandise that just strikes a chord in a weird way.  Whether it's Swaggy Micky Mouse or skinny-fied villains sometimes trying too hard just shows.  This tee shirt is something I could do without for a few reasons.  


First and foremost, the use of the word "conquered" in reference to an attraction specifically built to promote world peace and brotherhood for the 1964 World's Fair in New York is disrespectful.  Think about any conquering of a country in history or present time and it brings to mind murder, war, sickness, rape, and other atrocities. There is absolutely no need to associate that word with a concept that was completely counter to any of those ideas.  With all the modifications it's a small world has endured over the years, the central theme of forgetting our differences and embracing our similarities has been chiseled away little by little.  The addition of Disney characters turned the ride into an Easter egg hunt instead of a relatable message.  I stand by the argument that it's a distraction since I can't ride it anymore without noticing my fellow passengers become absorbed in finding each character instead of taking in the big picture.  The modification, including an "American room" at the end, dominated with white settlers and cowboys and sprinkled with Native Americans here and there, takes away from our global happiness and reminds us before we exit that we are, in fact, different.  Now this shirt reads as another reminder that this attraction doesn't speak to its general audiences as it once did. 


This leads me into my second point, that I believe Disney should be extremely supportive of the lasting legacy Walt has left that continue to remain in the parks.  To imply that this historical ex-World's Fair exhibit is something that needs to be "conquered," or even survived to the extent that it invites being mocked it is just distasteful to me.  And I do understand that the song can be annoying to modern-day audiences without historical insight.  But it is also a song written by legendary songwriters Richard and Robert Sherman, one of which is still alive and doesn't need to have his talent insulted outwardly by Disney.


The latter point is an opinion, of course, but I stand by my statement that using the word "conquered" is offensive in this instance.  I, perhaps naively, only wish those involved in Disney merchandise would think a little bit deeper about the messages some of their items put off, whether intentional or not, before trying to turn a dollar from them.  It's just unnecessary.


11 comments:

  1. I think what the shirt was mocking was the fact that It's a Small World is a very tame, unthrilling ride, as opposed to a roller coaster or Shoot the Chute type ride. Most theme park shirts that start with "I conquered..." are for [more or less] proof that the shirt-wearer overcame the fear and rode a very thrilling, scary ride. For instance I own many shirts that say "I conquered Alpengiest!" or "I survived the Tower of Terror!"

    I think that is what the people behind the designing of the shirt were going for, but wow did they faiiiil lol

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  2. I agree with the post above.

    It's just a joke. I don't think it's meant to promote world domination, or even to mock the message of the ride. I see that shirt and think it's for people like my 30-something year old brother who refuses to go on roller coasters of any kind. Now he can finally jump on board the "I conquered..." shirt bandwagon.

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  3. I found it humorous. I see it as a parody of those types of t-shirts like "I Conquered Colossus". What better Disney attraction to spoof than "it's a small world". I do think it would've been funnier if the shirt said "I survived "it's a small world"".

    I like the added Disney characters in "it's a small world". I don't think it takes away, but adds another layer to the experience. So what if some people treat it like an easter egg hunt and look for the Disney characters. I've done it, and I can still enjoy its "relatable message".

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  4. @Anon and Benjamin: Thank you so much for the comments! Yes I totally agree with both of you that that's another very good possibility of what they were going for. And if they had used the word "survived" it wouldn't have been such an odd juxtaposition of language and message and I probably wouldn't have written this haha. But to me this is just an example of "think before you speak," and with such resources Disney has at their disposal this just feels unnecessary to me.

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  5. @K I am so glad you don't find the characters distracting. I'm sure I'm in the minority but I know there are others who feel that way too. This shirt just rubbed me the wrong way and I had to put my reasoning into words. I'm glad that I'm not the only one, but can also understand that others don't see a problem. Thanks for your comment!

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  6. @PsySocDisney - Everyone has their likes, dislikes and opinions. That was mine. I'll add that I just recently discovered your blog and have been enjoying reading your commentary from past posts. I look forward to reading more of your blog in the future. Thanks!

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  7. @K Thank you so much, it means a lot to know that other people like reading what I enjoy writing about :) Your commentary contributes so well to other blogs I visit, so I hope to hear more from you in the future!

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  8. I'm one of those people who openly loves "It's a Small World", and am constantly defending it. "Conquered" is a word that has more than one meaning, at least nowadays... you can "conquer" your fears for example - which implies overcoming a personal obstacle rather than subjugating others through aggression. I'm not saying you are wrong to feel how you feel, but it does seem relatively tame as offenses go.

    I used to know a lady who was pedantic about anybody using the word "killer" (as in, "Man, that was a killer dessert!"). She would insist that it glorified killing, which was ridiculous. Language evolves and takes on new meanings. Saying something is cool doesn't mean that the temperature had been lowered.

    Sorry for my babbling!

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  9. I see what you are saying about the shirt. Disney land was supposed to be piece on earth for both adults and children alike. Hey they even took some of the Brothers Grim fairy tales and gave them a happy ending. A visit to the park should also end on a happy note.

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  10. I actually found this shirt quite hilarious. It's a Small World is known for being one of the most gentle rides around. Normally you have shirts that say I survived/conquered (insert name of giant roller coaster here) but instead this pokes fun at Small World and it's gentle nature. I didn't even think of world domination (and I still don't) when I look at the design.

    Being a ride buff, I enjoyed the design and couldn't pass up the humor on my recent trip to Disney and had to get it. All of my coaster enthusiast friends will get a good laugh when they see this.

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  11. honestly i love this shirt, I think it's hilarious and if they had it in my size I would probably buy it. Although most people (including me) see it as sarcasm (for lack of a better word) because of the slow, happiness of the ride, I think the kind of people that get annoyed by the music, dancing, etc. might actually be relieved after getting off the ride, and be happy to have "survived" it, lol. I get what you're saying though but I think when 99% of people see "I conquered such and such ride" on any pice of merchandise they are not going to relate that specific item to war, domination, etc. I agree about the Disney characters invading the ride though, I love Disney as much as anyone but I'm glad they haven't been added to Small World at WDW yet.

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