Disneyland Pulls "Urban" Graffiti Merchandise

[TP2000]

Disneyland has just done an about face and pulled a line of merchandise off the shelves that many felt was glorifying graffiti and vandalism and the urban gang lifestyle. A group of Anaheim citizens, along with an Anaheim councilwoman and Police representatives, pressured Disneyland into pulling the merchandise after they all met to discuss the growing graffiti problem in some Anaheim neighborhoods.

The excuse given for the "urban" merchandise by the Disneyland spokeswoman was particularly galling and unapologetic, I think.

The newspaper article is here http://ocresort.ocregister.com/2011/02/11/disney-shirt-hat-show-characters-doing-graffiti/69752/

And even better is the home-made YouTube video of an Anaheim resident fighting graffiti in his neighborhood who was upset to find the merchandise for sale at Downtown Disney. An interesting, short video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEWvdCa-dZA&feature=player_embedded

 

[LALALand]

That's good news. I detest when corporations feel that they need to play to the lowest common denominator in society. Disney, while not free of issues, has put out a generally positive image over the years. For them to celebrate the "thug" life, even Disney style, represents a drastic departure from the public facing high esteem that they usually hold themselves to. It really feels like a marketing "money grab" to me, and is pretty transparent.

 

[Monty]

I don't see an issue here. There are cities that have actually encouraged urban art and others that fight it. Disney marketed a product line that wouldn't raise an eyebrow in the former and upset people in the latter, but when the issue was raised, they removed the product. :shrug:

Nothing to see here folks, move along....