From everything I've heard, he was a bit of a jerk--his employees were always complaining about the conditions, lack of proper representation, etc. Plus there's the whole "Nazi" rumor.
But from what I saw on the documentary, he really did seem concerned about creating a quality product, and I think he wanted to make kids happy. Just look at Disneyland.
I honestly don't know what to think about the man. Any thoughts?
2006-08-22 10:33:28 · 11 answers · asked by faorie_arcana 2 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Comics & Animation
Many of the things that we hold dear were built on lies. However, overtime the image can become reality. Okay, so, Walt Disney was a racist, antisemitic, womanizing asshole who exploited his workers miserably. The Disney corporation still exploits workers by bringing in immigrant workers, compelling working them long hours for little pay and no benefits. But there is always hope that Disney will become the corporation it represents itself to be.
2006-08-22 10:58:11 · answer #1 · answered by mediahoney 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love anything that has to do with Disney. I just got back from my most recent vacation to Walt Disney World vacation two weeks ago. I love watching movies about Walt Disney and Walt Disney World/DisneyLand, etc. One of my favorites is Modern Marvels: Walt Disney World. It shows how Walt created DisneyLand, then dreamed up up Walt Disney World and began creating that, then his death, and how his brother takes over the completion of WDW, and then what Walt Disney World is like now. It's really awesome. I don't understand why people think he was a mean guy or people who worked for him didn't like him. From shows I've seen, he was very close with all his employees. They loved him and were devastated when he passed away. And as for being a Nazi, I've heard jokes that he was, but I'm not sure if there's truth to it.
2006-08-24 01:48:16 · answer #2 · answered by Katlyn ♥ Disney 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to keep 2 very different concepts in mind. Walt Disney the person, and Walt Disney the corporation.
Walt Disney deeply did care about quality products, and doing things the right way, but overall he was a business man. For the most part he was an ethical business man who did good.
The Disney company has had many different leaders over the year, who may or may not have cared about quality. Use your own judgement.
2006-08-22 12:04:56 · answer #3 · answered by jeremyactor 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like many of the books and rumors that come out about people long gone, they may be true, but so what.
None of this stuff ever comes out during the persons life because they are around to defend themselves. Disney has been dead for over 40 years and the only employees left that worked under him are senile old fools. What do you honestly think you would remember about an employer 40 years ago?
Even though Henry Ford paid his employees the highest wage of the times, some employees were unhappy because he wanted them to sign papers saying that they wouldnt drink.
Guideone Insurance does that today, and several companys will fire you or refuse to hire you if you smoke. You don't think that is being a tyrant?
2006-08-22 10:43:22 · answer #4 · answered by mslider2 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I was 18ish I understood he would not let males with long hair into Disneyland. That behavior was ignorant at best. He was very much into making a quality product. He did seem to enjoy making children happy. However, I met a man who seemed to want to make children happy. He let my son sit on his lap and made him smile. Later it was confirmed that he was a child molester. True. A colonel at the Air Force Hospital Base. Thank goodness he hadn't taken my son out of my sight.
2006-08-22 18:40:25 · answer #5 · answered by MOI 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to take everything you view with a grain of salt. Scrutinize who made the documentary and why. Who are they affiliated with. Are the claims they are making documentable and based on logical reasoning.
There is lots of criticsm about Disney and lots of praise for Disney. It's a cultural institution of American society and debate about Disney is natural and I would argue healthy.
2006-08-22 10:37:56 · answer #6 · answered by kristinrochelle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have seen a few programs of his life and empire as well. I really never heard anyone put him down. He did secretly buy most of the Florida land under other names so the value wouldn't go nuts, but look at all he did for Orlando. I think he and his people must have been good in business, for it's all grown still.
2006-08-22 10:37:19 · answer #7 · answered by AJ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is time to step away from the arborious pasts and look at the present. The Disney corporation, although it may be hated or loved, provides nearly a billion dollars to developing nations to assist them in their efforts.
Their past may be tainted but their present is pure.
2006-08-22 10:41:21 · answer #8 · answered by Chris B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, he's dead and gone, so it doesn't exactly cause me great concern, but from what I know about him he really liked kids and always treated them well, so he must not have been too bad.
2006-08-22 10:35:14 · answer #9 · answered by Ell 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good cotton candy though.
2006-08-22 10:35:47 · answer #10 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋