An anonymous open letter has been posted online by a Cast Member asking for Disney to remain Politically Neutral in light of backlash from Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill, also known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
Related – Video: Hundreds of Disney Cast Members Walk Out of Walt Disney Company Headquarters
The anonymous open letter reads:
As employees of the Walt Disney Company, we believe in the dignity of all people. This is why we do what we do. We write stories. We make costumes. We act in parades. We run cruises. We stream movies. We make magic. We do this because our work contributes to a fountain of wonder that inspires joy, awe, and delight in guests and audiences of all ages. We are proud employees of the Walt Disney Company. We love our jobs because we get to share the wonder of life and human experience with millions of people worldwide.
However, over the last few years, one group of cast members has become invisible within the company. The Walt Disney Company has come to be an increasingly uncomfortable place to work for those of us whose political and religious views are not explicitly progressive. We watch quietly as our beliefs come under attack from our own employer, and we frequently see those who share our opinions condemned as villains by our own leadership.
The company’s evolving response to the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” legislation in Florida has left many of us wondering what place we have in a company actively promoting a political agenda so far removed from our own. TWDC leadership frequently communicates its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where cast members feel comfortable sharing their perspectives and being their authentic selves at work. That is not our workplace experience.
Over the last few weeks, we have watched as our leadership has expressed their condemnation for laws and policies we support. We have watched as our colleagues, convinced that no one in the company could possibly disagree with them, grow increasingly aggressive in their demands. They insist that TWDC take a strong stance on not only this issue but other legislation and openly advocate for the punishment of employees who disagree with them.
An internal poll within the company went out a few months ago asking us if we felt accepted in the company. Many of us didn’t complete it because the nature of the questions made us worry that the results of the poll could be used to target us for quietly holding a position that runs against the progressive orthodoxy that Disney seems to promote. TWDC has fostered an environment of fear that any employee who does not toe the line will be exposed and dismissed.
Much has been made of our internal efforts to Reimagine Tomorrow, but as much as diversity and inclusion are promoted, the tomorrow being reimagined doesn’t seem to have much room for religious or political conservatives within the company. Left-leaning cast members are free to promote their agenda and organize on company time using company resources. They call their fellow employees “bigots” and pressure TWDC to use corporate influence to further their left-wing legislative goals.
Meanwhile, those of us who don’t align with this vision keep our heads down and do our work without bringing our personal beliefs into the workplace. We’ve done this without complaint because we don’t want to rock the boat, but the boat is being rocked, and our leadership seems compelled to reward those who are rocking it.
Employees who want TWDC to make left-wing political statements are encouraged, while those of us who want the company to remain neutral can say so only in a whisper out of fear of professional retaliation. The company we love seems to think we don’t exist or don’t belong here. This politicization of our corporate culture is damaging morale and causing many of us to feel our days with TWDC might be numbered.
Furthermore, as this politicization makes its way into our content and public messaging, our more conservative customers will feel similarly unwanted. You can only preach at or vilify your audience for so long before they decide to spend their money elsewhere.
Working for The Walt Disney Company is a dream come true. We love being part of creating the magic that so many people around the world enjoy. Our storytelling is second to none. It resonates with people from all walks of life across the political spectrum. Our parks are the source of joy and inspiration that Walt hoped they would become. Every year, millions of guests escape an increasingly divided world to a place where they can relive fond memories of the past and savor the challenge and promise of the future. They do this alongside thousands of other guests that might not have anything in common with them other than a shared love of Disney.
The unique brand of family entertainment that Disney is known for is an objective good in this dark world. It brings people together and provides cultural touchpoints that even the worst enemies can unite over. At the height of COVID lockdowns in the Summer of 2020 when the country was fiercely divided over a range of issues, Hamilton provided us something to collectively celebrate. At the end of an incredibly contentious election year, The Mandalorian was there to soothe a weary nation with non-political entertainment we could all enjoy no matter who you voted for. When Disney takes sides in political debates, they deprive the world of a shared love we all have in common. TWDC is uniquely situated to provide experiences and entertainment that can bridge our national divide and bring us all together.
CEO, Bob Chapek had the right idea in his original statement that he has since walked back. In Chapek’s own words, “As we have seen time and again, corporate statements do very little to change outcomes or minds. … Instead, they are often weaponized by one side or the other to further divide and inflame.” Disney is far more important and impactful to the world by avoiding politics than it will ever be by embracing a political agenda. By focusing on entertainment that inspires us with stories of universal appeal, we are doing good in the world.
Disney shouldn’t be a vehicle for one demographic’s political activism. It’s so much bigger and more important than that. More than ever, the world needs things that we can unite around. That’s the most valuable role The Walt Disney Company could play in the world at this time. It’s a role we’ve played for nearly a century, and it would be a shame to throw all of that away in the face of left-wing political pressure. Please don’t let Disney become just another thing we divide over.
Since the anonymous open letter was posted on google and not the usual petition.org there is no way for us to see how many signatures it has received or who even wrote it. There really is only 1 option for signers to select as well which is YES!
Last week Bob Chapek released a statement to Cast Members of the LGBTQ+ community.
You can read Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill here.
Tell us what you think of the open letter in the comment box below.
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Sadly, this side of “Mouse Town” has not been a new development. Along with the issues presented in this letter, they are developing a reputation of acquiring franchises in a nearly predatory manner. CTW/Muppets, ILM/Star Wars and the list goes on.
I hope this letter goes viral. I hope someone in the Disney leadership has their EARS on!
Bravo to brave Cast who wrote this letter!! They spoke the truth which is hard to do in this world and especially at the Disney company! I hope this letter is seen, heard, and accepted because Disney is truly better when it remains neutral from political agendas.
Yes!! I’m a lifelong Disney fan that feels this way!
Very well said buy the cast member , These days Inclusive only means if you agree with the political agenda , If we do not open our eyes and see that they are using these companies to divide us then we are the stupid ones! My Family has decided that we will NOT be giving Disney any more money in the form of going to the parks ! We love Disney plus ,For now , But if they continue down this path that to will go ! There are many other entertainment venues that we will be going to in Florida instead. We have enough politics in our life everyday , Disney was our escape for a little while from the B.S. .Time to find a new ,Less Expensive Escape !
This open letter is completely on point! As a 52 year old life long Disney fan and visitor to WDW it will be a very long time before I book another Disney vacation or spend hard earned dollars on merchandise. I don’t feel welcome and think it’s disgusting that Disney supports teaching children about sexual issues in school and movies and forcing agendas on kids
I agree with this letter 100 percent. While not an employee I have been a consumer for over 40 years. It’s a shame that while trying to push some agendas they have pushed others away. It is making the magic not so magical. Just provide good entertainment to all.
I love the idea of Disney. My whole life growing up and even as older I felt the excitement of a place that took me away from when real life was hateful. It is sad that for those who preach acceptance and inclusivity only do so when it matches their personal beliefs. It happens on both sides.
I agree with this open letter. I wish Disney as well as many other companies would just stay out of politics and do what they are best at which is entertain or provide a getaway and relief from the real world. Giving families and people from all walks of life a chance to live in the magic along with everyone else without the pressure of feeling you have to believe one way or another. Just to be….
I’m so glad this letter was sent! It states exactly how I have been feeling. Disney says it supports ALL families but do they? Disney discontinued Night Of Joy. We were so disappointed!! I hope they listen and begin to be more neutral.
This letter is important. It’s no longer about acceptance. The other parks are filling up. More fights break out at D then anywhere else. It’s gotten so political you can feel it in the air bringing a hostility with it that erases any magic. This is an amazing letter and many stand with this CM.