For its first several decades, Disney was notorious for being racist, antisemitic, and sexist. Standard for the era. Now they are attacked for being “woke” on some crazy level. Very big pivot.
But there has to be an area in between to compromise the differently-minded people of America. Just seems like an abrupt shift. Like if Hitler woke up one day and started teaching trans rights to African school children…a vastly better move than his own abhorrent decisions obviously. But the point is why are social issues always so damn extremist? No one is ever going to completely see eye-to-eye, but the world doesn’t have to be so black and white either. Remember Rodney King? “Can’t we all just get along?” I still like Disney, but they seem to upset some people I personally know these days, be it right or wrong.
Alright, I’ll admit to just using Disney as a segue to focusing on the controversial Nashville shooting. Specifically the shooter being trans, but I want to strip it of its political dimensions.
What Disney did is take their social perspective and reverse it so hard that it upset a whole lot of people. Because they’re now pro-trans, which I approve of — but such a radical shift isn’t a positive to all people.
People haven’t been allowed to villainize anyone in the 95% of shootings that were committed by white conservative males. Sure, they acknowledged they were terrible people, but they said we shouldn’t focus on their politics or identity. And I’m okay with leaving demographics out of it.
Just know know this villain is no different. This person is not a representation of the trans community as a whole. Mental health, right? So let that go. It’s another person who did something horrible. Such a fascinating trend we have in the US.
Nobody deserves to just die because of hatred or frustration or politics or religion or prejudice. People have got to be more moderate. Hatred and disease exist in all sects and all demographics. Let’s find middle ground when middle ground leads to peace.
Disney is an allegory here for the very heavy swings I see in society. They somehow incite such vitriol and backlash that I see systemic hatred broadening. “They were that, and now they’re this, and I am angry!” That isn’t the way we need to be reacting. That’s not what we need for the children and the world anymore. We have to evolve.
Disney took a hard left to become more progressive. Many others took a hard right in response to many things that have happened over the past few years. We are so reactive these days, and that mercurial attitude is part of what is dividing us, making us hateful, and literally killing us.
We all can do better. I am not known to be heavily Christian, but I respect much of the Bible:
Romans 12:17-21
“17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
May peace be with you.
Find middle ground with your fellow humans, and life will be better for us all. Disney had nothing to do with this shooting. But it’s shown me that people get very upset about drastic swings in society. And it’s led to way too much violence.