WaPo: “The Walt Disney Co.’s slow and bungled reaction to a new Florida law ostensibly about education — better known as the “don’t say gay” bill — has left the company my grandfather co-created criticized by all sides. To find its way again, Disney needs to muster the courage to weather the momentary outrage of people who will not be satisfied until they have erased an entire class of human beings.
Because if this brand does not stand for love, what on earth is it for?
It has been a tumultuous few weeks at Disney since this bill gained national prominence, along with news of the company’s support for legislators responsible for its writing. At first Disney pleaded neutrality, but when that triggered unprecedented blowback from employees, management voiced opposition to the law … and now faces threats of boycotts and punitive action from Florida’s governor and others over its allegedly “woke” reaction.
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The world has changed since my grandfather’s day. Corporations looking to occupy neutral ground — including Disney — would do well to admit that there is no longer such a thing.
The political backlash against Disney is a monster of corporate America’s own creation. Once content to stay quiet and feign neutrality while real people were actively harmed by right-wing policy machinations, the mob has now come for businesses. We need corporations to step up on principle, regardless of what the resulting backlash might look like.
The only option for corporate leaders is to stand tall for authenticity, generosity, joy and decency. These things are kryptonite for the right-wing agenda. Fortunately, they are also the heart and soul of the Disney brand.”