Whenever America becomes the target of fury from across the world, we see protests outside their embassies and McDonalds outlets get smashed by mobs furious against perceived American imperialism. But when it comes to Disney... it doesn't happen. I think Mickey Mouse is the best ambassador America has ever produced. There is just something about Disney's soft power that is almost magical (no Disney cliche pun intended there). It brings a smile on your face and lifts your hopes up "when you wish upon a star". Having just returned from Hong Kong Disneyland, this is its dedication declaration:
"Hong Kong Disneyland is dedicated to the young and the young at heart - with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration, and an enduring symbol of the cooperation, friendship and understanding between the people of Hong Kong and the United States of America."
There you have it. The words of the Disney CEO then. Disney is not an arm of the American government. It is an entertainment corporation that has become a useful tool for American soft power. Hard power is the usual form of power we see. The usual analogy is "carrots or sticks". But soft power is different. It just seeks to attract, and the more people are attracted to it, the more power it wields. And in the global game of diplomacy, this non-provocative power can be very powerful indeed. Disney diplomacy to spread the message of peace and goodwill to all. (Sounds almost like a religion?)
According to Wikipedia, the years 1989 to 1999 are the Disney Renaissance: Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Lion King, Pocahontas, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Mulan, Tarzan.
Again, music is so important to Disney. Look at the list of films above and already some tunes are coming to mind. In respective order: Part of your World, Beauty and the Beast, A Whole New World, Circle of Life/Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Colours of the Wind, Out There, Go the Distance, Reflections, You'll Be in my Heart.
I'd say that a very, very big part of Disney's success can be attributed to its music soundtracks. It is neither heavy metal nor classical but a totally unique genre of its own. And unlike other theme parks, everywhere you walk around Disneyland, there is a familiar Disney tune being played over the public speakers. And you have Disney characters walking around to take photos with. There is the obligatory fairytale castle and Main Street. The live theater performances were good, although I think the standard of acting in the original Disneyland in California is still the best. Acting aside, it still amazes me how the music arrangers are able to string together so many Disney classics into one piece to accompany the acting.
That strikes a chord with the music side of me. Queuing up, big crowds and expensive tickets? Not thanks, not for me. That's how soft power works. The ability to attract and influence and integrate what it offers. Disney is more than a mouse and his pals. Disney as a brand is powerful.
"Hong Kong Disneyland is dedicated to the young and the young at heart - with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration, and an enduring symbol of the cooperation, friendship and understanding between the people of Hong Kong and the United States of America."
There you have it. The words of the Disney CEO then. Disney is not an arm of the American government. It is an entertainment corporation that has become a useful tool for American soft power. Hard power is the usual form of power we see. The usual analogy is "carrots or sticks". But soft power is different. It just seeks to attract, and the more people are attracted to it, the more power it wields. And in the global game of diplomacy, this non-provocative power can be very powerful indeed. Disney diplomacy to spread the message of peace and goodwill to all. (Sounds almost like a religion?)
According to Wikipedia, the years 1989 to 1999 are the Disney Renaissance: Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Lion King, Pocahontas, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Mulan, Tarzan.
Again, music is so important to Disney. Look at the list of films above and already some tunes are coming to mind. In respective order: Part of your World, Beauty and the Beast, A Whole New World, Circle of Life/Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Colours of the Wind, Out There, Go the Distance, Reflections, You'll Be in my Heart.
I'd say that a very, very big part of Disney's success can be attributed to its music soundtracks. It is neither heavy metal nor classical but a totally unique genre of its own. And unlike other theme parks, everywhere you walk around Disneyland, there is a familiar Disney tune being played over the public speakers. And you have Disney characters walking around to take photos with. There is the obligatory fairytale castle and Main Street. The live theater performances were good, although I think the standard of acting in the original Disneyland in California is still the best. Acting aside, it still amazes me how the music arrangers are able to string together so many Disney classics into one piece to accompany the acting.
That strikes a chord with the music side of me. Queuing up, big crowds and expensive tickets? Not thanks, not for me. That's how soft power works. The ability to attract and influence and integrate what it offers. Disney is more than a mouse and his pals. Disney as a brand is powerful.
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