Section II of Wallace seems to be the section most closely related to the title. It discusses how history is used by WED Enterprise, more widely known as Disney. The main focus of the Section is in regards to how history is represented in the parks, though some time is spent on other aspects of the company’s many ventures. For example, Wallace points out the ahistorical use of architecture and misconception of 1890s American town life in the 1890s in Disneyland’s Mainstreet area. Disney’s “imagineers” (the quotes seem to be more sarcastic than denoting a unique job type) state that since its purpose is just for entertainment then there is no harm in creating such environment. Wallace looks at several pieces of evidence to show that there is more to Mainstreet than this, including Walt Disney’s upbringing and his personal thoughts on constructing Mainstreet. Wallace’s critique of Disney’s track record with using history, humorous as it is on occasion, is an important study of the effects of one of the most well known company’s in the world can have on the public understanding of history.
Wallace seems focused on the topic of education in the parks, for the most part noting the marketing and indoctrinating nature most of them seem to utilize. What is interesting about this process though is that Wallace notes a correlation in programming and what overall public sentiments are at the time. For example, the transition between the eternal optimism and status quo stage of the 50s that left out many groups from being represented in the parks to the new social movements in the 60s and 70s which saw history being told from a more diverse viewpoint. Is this an example of Disney supporting more progressive modes of thought? Or simply a well informed market strategy that better satisfies consumers/guests?
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