Disney's Social Media in the Wake of Tragedy

[Next Big Thing]

Album w/40+ pics:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10209624834687791&set=pcb.10209624850128177&type=3

So at least the CMs care

 

[MinnieWaffles]

Using this as a time to badmouth Disney is inappropriate. Some sensitivity and compassion would go a long way.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Perhaps a bit late to this discussion, but I thought I noticed most of the usual Disney social media mouthpieces had gone to Shanghai. Perhaps there is a bit of a to be expected disconnect with being in China.

No disconnect. It is news here too.

 

[champdisney]

As of any act of terror, this has become political. Truthfully speaking, Disney may not even want to get involved in the slightest. I appreciate that they are assisting their employees in this difficult time. Innocent people died for absolutely no reason. Under a location they deemed safe. Under a city so great for what it is. Under a nation that is tired of it.

 

[Jon81uk]

Not read all pages, so might have already been posted. But these photos of Cast Members and Team Members across all Florida parks probably mean more than any official statement

https://www.facebook.com/kevin.obrien.3998/posts/10209624850128177

 

[Brad Bishop]

That's the thing, Iger wasn't making a statement of personal feeling. He was making a statement on behalf of a major business entity.

I know. There's just something so carefully phony about it.

 

[GymLeaderPhil]

Just to let you all know, my family and I live in Orlando and on the way to Animal Kingdom had heard on our local radio station Rick Scott had asked everyone in Orlando to have a moment of silence at 6:00 PM to honor those lost. We had a fastpass for the 6:00 Festival of the Lion King show, so my husband asked a cast member if we would observe a moment of silence as Rick Scott had mentioned. Her reply was basically no, because the performers would have to be paid overtime even if the show was a few minutes later and that some work at the Jungle Book show (which happen at 9:00 and 10:30...?) and could not be late. When we arrived at 4:00 PM the flag at the front of the park was not at half staff, but at 8:30 when we left it was.

Your post seems to indicate that Walt Disney World doesn't care about the events that transpired yesterday. I think in many cases the Cast Members who showed up to work, as they do on any day and during times of emergencies and crises and on National or Major Holidays away from their families, speaks volumes. As someone said earlier: the show must go on and outside of two hurricanes as well as 9/11 - WDW has not "closed."

To put things in perspective, if you were speaking face to face with some front line Cast Member in front of or inside of the Festival of the Lion King, they have no more power than the Cast Member scooping popcorn at the Castle hub if you ask them to delay Wishes since your significant other is at the bathroom. The gesture would be nice, but there are so many other factors that are at play. Also, put yourself in their shoes and realize they've probably been at work for 8 to 10 hours with little bits of information being gathered on their breaks, if they can stomach it. If you showed up saying Lord Voldermort requested a moment of silence at 6:00pm they have justifiably no way to verify it.

Yesterday was a tragedy, but also keep in mind that Walt Disney World is always protective of keeping the events that are occurring outside of its property out of the Guest's mind. It's why flowers and trinkets for the events that took place in Paris were moved essentially off stage.

In addition, the teams that handle most of the U.S. flags on property are Walt Disney World security. I can't speak for why it took long to lower it, but as you would imagine (and if you've seen the reports from Magic Kingdom's bag check yesterday) their focus was, as always, safety. I'm sure it was a busy day.

So I know your and others in this thread have a perception that Walt Disney World is not proactively addressing the events that took place locally and to the community. I ask that everyone please take a step back for a moment. Consider everything. Understand that the size and scope of a business as large as Walt Disney World cannot turn on a dime. Be respectful and mindful that there will be Cast Members who will not be returning to work and lost their lives.

 

[21stamps]

After reading through the rest of the comments I just wanted to say something,

I remember being at work on 9/11/01 and hearing the news of the first plane hitting the WTC, we all stopped and huddled in front of a tv, watching in horror as the rest of the events unfolded. We tried to call our families, friends, etc.

Our office closed early and we all went to a sports bar nearby to continue watching and calling our loved ones.

There was no bickering between people. We all stood together as frightened, devastated, and angry commrades. Together as Americans.

Since then- every single tragedy, regardless of if a terrorist attack or a senseless horrid school shooting, has turned into an argument before the victims have even been laid to rest.

This is so utterly sad to me. As someone else early said- this isn't left vs right. It also isn't about what company expressed condolences in an "acceptable to you" manner. It's about an evil that is in this world, it's about innocent people losing their lives because of this Evil.

Who cares what Disney released?! This is not about Disney. It's about our fellow humans. If Iger's statement wasn't good enough, then nothing would have been. Some people will just find a reason to pick anything apart in the wake of a tragedy. Why not focus at the issue at hand? Why not just stand and support our fellow Americans and their families who were affected by this, in any way that we can? Just stop twisting a horrific event into a personal agenda. Please.

 

[21stamps]

I'll also add this, I have 100% shielded my child from this event. I'm pretty sure that a lot of other people have chosen to shield their child from this as well. If the castle was on after 9/11 why would anyone expect for it to not be lit last night?

This isn't Disney ignoring the event or disrespecting the event. They are delivering their promise to their customers, while working behind the scenes to help the victims and families/friends of the victims. That should be enough for most people.

I can say with certainty that the people of Orlando, and the people of Florida, as well as most of the people in the USA are not looking at Walt Disney World to lead the charge in "who has the best response on social media".

 

[MattM]

The worst terrorist attack on American soil since September 11, and we're worried about social media postings.

This is why millenials have the rep they do. Disney has already made tremendous financial and man-power contributions to this cause. But God forbid they don't tweet about it.

 

[Matt_Black]

The worst terrorist attack on American soil since September 11, and we're worried about social media postings.

It's not just about terrorism. This was an attack specifically directed at a marginalized and victimized group. On the same day, on the other side of the country, a completely unrelated angry white bro tried to do something similar at the Pride parade. Thankfully, he was caught before he could utilize any of the arsenal that he brought.

LGBT individuals are still targets in this country, and they need support and encouragement right now in the face of this tragedy.

 

[21stamps]

It's not just about terrorism. This was an attack specifically directed at a marginalized and victimized group. On the same day, on the other side of the country, a completely unrelated angry white bro tried to do something similar at the Pride parade. Thankfully, he was caught before he could utilize any of the arsenal that he brought.

LGBT individuals are still targets in this country, and they need support and encouragement right now in the face of this tragedy.

But it is about terrorism. Please don't lose sight of that. This horrific event was not carried out by some redneck American bigot. It was by a radical extremist with ties to terror organizations.

The LGBT community does need support, but do not segregate them, an attack on any of us is an attack on all of us. Regardless of what color, religion, sexual orientation you are.

You just stated "they are targets in this country", which is what I'm seeing so much of on social media. People twisting it to now attack Christians, to platform about intolerance in America. And again, that's not what this was. Not even close. People who carry out these crimes hate gay people, they hate Jews, they hate Christians, they hate everyone who isn't like them. This guy's hate level against the LGBT was stronger than his hate against any of the other groups- so he chose them, and it's disgusting.

We can show support and love and help without changing the issue to bicker among our fellow countrymen.

 

[Matt_Black]

The LGBT community does need support, but do not segregate them, an attack on any of us is an attack on all of us. Regardless of what color, religion, sexual orientation you are.

That is EXACTLY the same sort of rhetoric that was flying around last year in the wake of the Charleston shooting. "It's an attack on religion" when the shooter specifically went into an African-American church because, in his own words, wanted to start a race war.

It is one thing to feel outraged about the attack and express sympathy and empathy for the victims. It is another thing entirely to try and insert oneself as being the victim.

 

[MattM]

It's not just about terrorism. This was an attack specifically directed at a marginalized and victimized group. On the same day, on the other side of the country, a completely unrelated angry white bro tried to do something similar at the Pride parade. Thankfully, he was caught before he could utilize any of the arsenal that he brought.

LGBT individuals are still targets in this country, and they need support and encouragement right now in the face of this tragedy.

No doubt. But my issue is that young people only think support & encouragement is given if they see it on their timeline.

Like I said. Disney has been giving substantial REAL support.

 

[21stamps]

That is EXACTLY the same sort of rhetoric that was flying around last year in the wake of the Charleston shooting. "It's an attack on religion" when the shooter specifically went into an African-American church because, in his own words, wanted to start a race war.

It is one thing to feel outraged about the attack and express sympathy and empathy for the victims. It is another thing entirely to try and insert oneself as being the victim.

I haven't seen any group attempt to insert themselves as a victim. What I've seen the most of is - an overwhelming support. Which is the ONLY positive thing that ever comes out of something like this- proof that humanity still exists.

But then you have some people who want to make it political, as always. Or use it to prove that a company isn't good enough, isn't caring enough, because their social media isn't a constant stream.

Because ya know, if you buy a homeless man a meal and don't take a selfie with him, then Instagram/fb/twitter the pic, then your support for the homeless doesn't count.
Not everything needs to be posted on social media, and not every situation needs to be politicized. Actions speak louder than words, and I'd rather see so many people acting in support than sitting at home tweeting about it.

 

[Matt_Black]

Because ya know, if you buy a homeless man a meal and don't take a selfie with him, then Instagram/fb/twitter the pic, then your support for the homeless doesn't count.
Not everything needs to be posted on social media, and not every situation needs to be politicized. Actions speak louder than words, and I'd rather see so many people acting in support than sitting at home tweeting about it.

That is a different issue entirely. The only way we'll stop attacks on LGBT people is by making it clear that it is unacceptable. You'll note that many, including the lieutenant governor of Texas, immediately tried to blame the "lifestyle" for the attack, and not the shooter himself.

 

[MattM]

That is a different issue entirely. The only way we'll stop attacks on LGBT people is by making it clear that it is unacceptable. You'll note that many, including the lieutenant governor of Texas, immediately tried to blame the "lifestyle" for the attack, and not the shooter himself.

In all fairness, the tweet was pre-scheduled, and not an actual response to the event.

Would you like a massive hashtag campaign like #bringourgirlsback that does everything but, ya know, bring the girls back?

 

[21stamps]

That is a different issue entirely. The only way we'll stop attacks on LGBT people is by making it clear that it is unacceptable. You'll note that many, including the lieutenant governor of Texas, immediately tried to blame the "lifestyle" for the attack, and not the shooter himself.

..and there's that hype.

That's not true. I'm not even a fan of the guy, but that is not what happened. If you choose to dig deeper you will see that people are spreading lies and hatred. Again, politicizing and platforming on a tragedy.

It is unacceptable to attack LGBT people, it is unacceptable to attack ANY people. Hate and terrorism is unacceptable period.

 

[Disone]

I really do wish the moderators had closed this thread. There was plenty of response internally, care for cast e-mail to managers instructing them on how to best direct any grieving cast, a contact person was given to manager should addtional assistance be needed, Goerge K sent out an e-mail to the entire cast....

Maybe you didn't mean it such, but this entire thread came across as Disney Bashing at the worst opportune moment.

 

[JohnD]

But it is about terrorism. Please don't lose sight of that. This horrific event was not carried out by some redneck American bigot. It was by a radical extremist with ties to terror organizations.

The LGBT community does need support, but do not segregate them, an attack on any of us is an attack on all of us. Regardless of what color, religion, sexual orientation you are.

You just stated "they are targets in this country", which is what I'm seeing so much of on social media. People twisting it to now attack Christians, to platform about intolerance in America. And again, that's not what this was. Not even close. People who carry out these crimes hate gay people, they hate Jews, they hate Christians, they hate everyone who isn't like them. This guy's hate level against the LGBT was stronger than his hate against any of the other groups- so he chose them, and it's disgusting.

We can show support and love and help without changing the issue to bicker among our fellow countrymen.

Of course the gay community was targeted. They're just the latest target from Islamic Extremism. Christians and Jews were already on the receiving end and gay people in the Middle East. I agree this attack wasn't just an attack on the gay community. It was an attack on us all. The entire nation is in solidarity with those were attacked because we recognize that the United States was attacked, not just a gay nightclub.