Disney-Bashing and the Disney Grooming Policy

Here we go again with another round of Disney-bashing over its grooming policy, the “Disney Look.” It is quite obvious that The Times and its readers who oppose the Disney Look are not aware of the Disney organization, its policies and its philosophies. Let’s set a few facts straight.

Walt Disney was not an employee of Walt Disney Attractions, the division that operates the theme parks in Anaheim, Orlando, Tokyo, and, soon, Paris. Therefore, he was not covered by the Disney Look. Any Disney character possessing facial hair is not an employee of Walt Disney Attractions; they are copyrighted characters owned by the Walt Disney Co. The persons performing the roles of these characters comply with the Disney Look because they are employees of Walt Disney Attractions.

The Disney Look is a clean-cut, natural look that does not divert the guests’ attention away from the park as would long hair, facial hair, heavy makeup, excessive jewelry and any extreme appearance. One need not get paranoid over who will be targeted next, as one reader expressed about the future of men with thinning hair. The Disney Look does not prohibit natural baldness; it does prohibit shaved heads.

The Disney Look works. It is one reason Disneyland has changed the image of amusement parks from that of dirty places operated by surly personnel to that of a clean place staffed by courteous, well-groomed employees. Now it can even be said to be their trademark look. Throughout the years that the policy has been in effect, the quality of the employees has not diminished, and the reputation of Disney has been unsurpassed by its competitors.

Those opposing the Disney Look always complain that Disney should get with the times, but a time-proven idea such as this is far superior to the alternative, me-first, do-as-I-please attitude that prevails today among many people. This non-offensive, timeless standard demands the best from each employee, and that in turn has helped more than one-half billion guests enjoy their visits to the Disney theme parks.

MARIO MOTA

Fountain Valley