Why North America Needs To Be Included In It's A Small World A Critical Look
For decades, Disney's 'it's a small world' has charmed guests with its whimsical depiction of global cultures. This iconic boat ride, found in various Disney parks around the world, takes visitors on a journey through vibrant scenes showcasing the diverse people and traditions of numerous countries. However, a notable absence looms large over this celebration of global unity: North America. This omission has sparked debate and disappointment among many Disney enthusiasts, raising questions about the ride's completeness and its message of inclusivity. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the reasons behind this exclusion, the arguments for including North America, and potential ways Disney could address this perceived gap in its storytelling.
The Allure and the Absence: Exploring 'it's a small world'
"it's a small world," a creation of Walt Disney himself, was originally conceived for the 1964 New York World's Fair. The ride's catchy tune and endearing animatronic figures quickly captured hearts, and it became a permanent fixture in Disney parks worldwide. The ride's central theme is unity and global harmony, showcasing children from different nations dressed in their traditional attire, singing the iconic song in their native languages. The vibrant colors, whimsical designs, and message of peace resonate with visitors of all ages, making it a beloved Disney classic.
However, the ride's depiction of global cultures has also faced scrutiny, particularly regarding the absence of North America. While the ride features scenes representing Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and Oceania, North America remains conspicuously absent. This omission has led to questions about whether the ride truly represents the world in its entirety. Some critics argue that the lack of North American representation undermines the ride's message of inclusivity and global unity. Others question whether this absence stems from a desire to avoid political sensitivities or to maintain a focus on cultures perceived as more "exotic" or distinct from a Western audience.
The absence of North America in "it's a small world" becomes even more glaring when considering the ride's location in various Disney parks. For instance, at Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida, the ride exists within the very continent it seemingly overlooks. This geographic proximity amplifies the sense of exclusion and prompts visitors to wonder why their own culture is not represented alongside those of other nations. The ride's message of global unity, while well-intentioned, feels incomplete when a significant portion of the world's population and cultural landscape is left out.
Why No North America? Unpacking the Reasons Behind the Omission
Several factors may contribute to the exclusion of North America from "it's a small world." One potential reason lies in the ride's historical context. Conceived during the mid-20th century, the ride's initial focus may have been on showcasing cultures perceived as distinct from the dominant Western culture of the time. North America, being the home of the Disney parks themselves, might have been considered too familiar or lacking the same sense of exoticism as other regions. This perspective, while perhaps understandable in its historical context, fails to acknowledge the rich cultural diversity within North America itself.
Another potential reason is the challenge of representing the diverse cultures of North America within the ride's established format. Unlike some regions with more readily identifiable traditional attire or cultural symbols, North America is a melting pot of cultures, making it difficult to choose representative elements without falling into stereotypes or overlooking specific groups. The complexity of North American identity, shaped by immigration, indigenous cultures, and a blend of global influences, presents a unique challenge for designers seeking to capture its essence within the ride's limited space and narrative.
Furthermore, political sensitivities may play a role in the decision to exclude North America. Representing the United States and Canada, with their complex histories and diverse populations, could open the door to controversies and criticisms. Disney, known for its family-friendly image and desire to avoid political entanglements, might have opted to steer clear of these potential challenges by omitting North America altogether. However, this approach arguably avoids a crucial opportunity to showcase the richness and complexity of North American cultures in a thoughtful and inclusive manner.
The omission of North America also raises questions about the ride's intended audience and message. Is the ride primarily aimed at an international audience, showcasing cultures unfamiliar to them? Or is it meant to be a celebration of global unity for all, including North Americans? If the latter is true, then the absence of North America undermines the ride's core message. By excluding a significant portion of the world, the ride inadvertently suggests that North American culture is somehow less worthy of representation or less integral to the global tapestry. This perception can be disheartening for North American visitors and reinforces the need for a more inclusive and comprehensive depiction of global cultures.
The Case for Inclusion: Why North America Deserves a Spot
Despite the potential reasons for the exclusion of North America, there is a compelling case to be made for its inclusion in "it's a small world." North America is a vast and diverse continent, home to a multitude of cultures, traditions, and histories. From the indigenous peoples who have inhabited the land for millennia to the waves of immigrants who have shaped its cultural landscape, North America is a vibrant tapestry of human experience. To exclude this continent from a ride celebrating global unity is to miss a crucial opportunity to showcase its richness and complexity.
Including North America would also enhance the ride's educational value. By showcasing the diverse cultures within North America, the ride could educate visitors about the contributions of various groups to the continent's cultural heritage. This could include representations of indigenous cultures, African American traditions, Hispanic influences, and the cultures of various immigrant communities. Such inclusion would not only broaden the ride's scope but also promote understanding and appreciation for the diversity within North America itself.
Moreover, the inclusion of North America would resonate with a large segment of Disney's audience. Millions of people visit Disney parks in North America each year, and many of them would likely appreciate seeing their own cultures represented in the ride. This inclusion would create a stronger sense of connection and belonging for North American visitors, reinforcing the message that "it's a small world" truly encompasses the entire world.
The argument for inclusion also extends to the ride's overall message of global unity. By omitting North America, the ride inadvertently reinforces a sense of otherness, suggesting that North American culture is somehow separate from the rest of the world. Including North America would demonstrate that global unity encompasses all cultures, including those within North America itself. This would strengthen the ride's message of inclusivity and promote a more comprehensive understanding of global interconnectedness.
Imagining North America in 'it's a small world': Potential Representations
The challenge of representing North America in "it's a small world" lies in capturing its vast diversity without resorting to stereotypes or oversimplifications. However, with careful planning and creative execution, it is possible to create a North American scene that is both authentic and engaging. One approach would be to focus on specific cultural traditions and celebrations that are representative of different groups within North America.
For example, a scene could depict a powwow, showcasing the vibrant dances and regalia of indigenous peoples. This would not only highlight the rich cultural heritage of Native Americans but also educate visitors about their ongoing contributions to North American society. Another scene could represent a vibrant Mardi Gras celebration, showcasing the unique cultural traditions of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. This would add a festive and lively element to the North American section, while also highlighting the cultural influences of French and African traditions.
Another potential scene could focus on the cultural contributions of Mexican Americans, showcasing elements of DÃa de los Muertos or a vibrant mariachi performance. This would acknowledge the significant influence of Mexican culture in North America and highlight the rich artistic traditions of this community. A scene representing the cultural diversity of New York City could also be included, showcasing the city's iconic skyline and the diverse communities that call it home. This would capture the essence of North America as a melting pot of cultures, where people from all over the world come together to create a vibrant and dynamic society.
In addition to cultural traditions and celebrations, the North American scene could also incorporate elements of the continent's natural beauty and iconic landmarks. This could include representations of the Grand Canyon, the Rocky Mountains, or the Redwood forests. These natural wonders are an integral part of North American identity and would add a visually stunning element to the ride. By combining cultural representations with natural landmarks, the North American scene could offer a comprehensive and engaging portrayal of the continent's diverse identity.
Addressing the Omission: Paths Forward for Disney
There are several ways Disney could address the omission of North America from "it's a small world." The most direct approach would be to add a dedicated North American scene to the ride. This could be done as part of a larger refurbishment or as a standalone addition. The new scene could incorporate some of the ideas discussed above, showcasing the continent's diverse cultures, traditions, and natural landmarks. This would not only address the criticism of exclusion but also enhance the ride's overall message of global unity.
Another approach would be to create a separate attraction or experience that focuses specifically on North American cultures. This could be a walk-through exhibit, a live show, or even a new ride. This would allow Disney to explore the complexities of North American identity in greater detail and offer a more comprehensive portrayal of the continent's cultural landscape. This separate attraction could complement "it's a small world," providing a more in-depth exploration of North American cultures while the boat ride continues to showcase the rest of the world.
Disney could also consider updating the ride's narrative to explicitly acknowledge the absence of North America and explain the reasons behind it. This could be done through signage, audio narration, or even a pre-show video. This would demonstrate that Disney is aware of the issue and is taking steps to address it. However, it's important to acknowledge that this approach, while demonstrating awareness, would likely not satisfy the desire for actual representation within the ride itself.
Ultimately, the best approach may be a combination of these strategies. Adding a North American scene to "it's a small world" would be a significant step towards inclusivity, while a separate attraction or experience could provide a more in-depth exploration of North American cultures. Updating the ride's narrative to acknowledge the omission and explain the rationale would further demonstrate Disney's commitment to addressing this issue. By taking these steps, Disney could ensure that "it's a small world" truly lives up to its name, representing the entire world and its diverse cultures in a meaningful and inclusive way.
Conclusion: A Call for a More Inclusive 'it's a small world'
"it's a small world" is a beloved Disney classic that has brought joy to millions of visitors around the world. However, the omission of North America from the ride undermines its message of global unity and inclusivity. By excluding a significant portion of the world's population and cultural landscape, the ride inadvertently suggests that North American culture is somehow less worthy of representation.
There is a compelling case to be made for including North America in "it's a small world." North America is a vast and diverse continent, home to a multitude of cultures, traditions, and histories. Including North America would enhance the ride's educational value, resonate with a large segment of Disney's audience, and strengthen its overall message of global unity. Disney has several options for addressing this omission, including adding a dedicated North American scene to the ride, creating a separate attraction or experience focused on North American cultures, and updating the ride's narrative to acknowledge the issue.
Ultimately, a more inclusive "it's a small world" would be a more meaningful and impactful experience for all visitors. By representing the entire world and its diverse cultures in a thoughtful and comprehensive manner, Disney could ensure that this iconic ride continues to inspire and delight generations to come. It's time for "it's a small world" to truly embrace the world in all its diversity, and that includes North America.
