In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:
Matt and Angela and explore the life and legacy (and Autistic traits) of one of the most prominent figures in the history of animation and entertainment: Walt Disney. Was he on the autism spectrum? Join us on a virtual culture trip as we dive in!
Walt Disney had a difficult childhood, having to work to support his family from age 9. He found escape and joy in visiting an amusement park called Electric Park. As an adult, Walt Disney became obsessed with building his own theme parks, pouring all his energy into envisioning and planning Disneyland and Walt Disney World. He loved trains and incorporated them extensively into his parks.
Walt had intense focus when interested in something (something Autistic people know all about!), but lost interest in his animation business as he became consumed with his theme park dreams. He wanted total creative control.
“Yeah, but like when you have a way and you can see it and you're sure it'll work and all you have to do is get everyone on board and then it doesn't work—that is like such a devastating feeling. Like when you can get people on board, it's an amazing feeling”. –Angela
While his work brings joy to millions of people around the world, there are some darker aspects of his legacy that are not as well-known, including alleged associations with anti-semites and Nazi sympathizers—including an association with Leni Riefenstahl, the propaganda filmmaker for Hitler's regime.
Disney struggled to understand why his employees were unhappy with some of his hyper-controlling policies around their compensation and treatment. He took it very personally when they went on strike. The podcast hosts also discuss his controversial attitudes towards race, gender, and labor unions and try to make sense of how autism might have influenced the good and the bad aspects of Disney’s legacy.
“So he decided oh I've got a lockdown on that I must have lots of control over things so this will never ever ever happen again, which became a theme throughout his life of, ‘I will no longer be bamboozled, I will be the bamboozler.’” —Matt
Walt Disney died before Disney World opened, but his vision for an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT) inspired aspects of it. Join Matt and Angela as they explore the conflicting voices and complex history of this extraordinary Autistic celebrity—the man behind the mouse.
Are you a Disney fan? Do you like the parks or the movies more? Tell us about it in the comments!
Show notes and resources:
And Now a Word From the Director
When Leni Riefenstahl Came to Hollywood
Walt the Quasi-Nazi: The Fascist History of Disney is Still Influencing American Life
The Real Walt Disney, Not the ‘Saving Mr. Banks’ Version
Related episodes:
Want more Autistic characters? Episode 34: Beauty and the Beast is Autistic and Episode 09: Fairy Tales are Autistic
One of our favorite Autistic filmmakers: Episode 41: Tim Burton is Autistic
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Learn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPP
Matt’s social media: Autistic Connections Facebook Group
Learn more about Angela at AngelaLauria.com and Difference Press
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TACP’s Autism-affirming TeePublic merch shop
*Note: Transcription technology is still new on this platform. We are aware of the gaps and errors in the transcript and are dedicated to editing it for accuracy as soon as the new technology allows. We appreciate your patience as we work to expand accessibility as quickly as we are able.
**TACP recognizes that ABA for autism is harmful to Autistic mental health. We reject the use of ABA therapy and pathologizing language like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and associated functioning labels. To learn more, please listen to: Episode 20: Sesame Street is Autistic and Episode 24: The Trouble with Temple Grandin.
Episode 26: Disney is Autistic