Fr. Jamison, the Abbot of Worth in West Sussex blames Disney for our materialistic culture. He “has accused the corporation of "exploiting spirituality" to sell its products and of turning Disneyland into a modern day pilgrimage site.” In his new book, titled Finding Happiness, Fr. Jamison “warns that society is in danger of losing its soul because of growing consumerism and the decline of religion.” (No way..!)
Fr. Jamison “suggests that many people have become obsessed with work, sex and eating in an attempt to ignore their underlying unhappiness, and criticises corporations and industries that have benefited from promoting false notions of fulfilment.” He uses Disney as the “classic example” of how consumerism is being sold as an alternative to finding happiness in traditional morality. In fact, society now sees a need to buy disney products as a prerequisite to being a “good and happy family”.
Being a fan myself, and having spent time as a “cast member” at Disneyland, I can attest to the fact that the company has created a "cult" culture unlike anything I have ever experienced, and in many ways Disney does parallel a religion. It has idols, language, pilgrimages and unique rituals. I also have no doubt that many Southern California families spend their Sundays at Disneyland, rather than going to mass, or church. Is it possible that just now, a few generations after Mickey Mouse’s inauguration, we are starting to see the effects of our pop culture? A correlation is very likely, though I would need to see much more evidence because I would claim it as “the cause”. Regardless, seems like this book might be worth reading! I will have to follow up with a blogger book report…
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