Do you really know? Why is Disney becoming unpopular?
Dec 5, 2024
Disney is facing a surprising decline in popularity, despite its iconic status. Once ranked 4th for reputation, it now sits at 77th among America’s most visible companies. The podcast dives into the challenges Disney faces, including streaming struggles and controversies over casting choices. It discusses how societal debates on inclusivity impact the brand, raising questions about whether its storytelling magic is fading. With Mickey Mouse still a household name, can Disney reclaim its former glory?
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Disney's Declining Popularity
- Disney's brand power remains strong, with Mickey Mouse as a globally iconic character and its movies/parks/streaming central to Westerners' lives.
- However, Disney's popularity has dropped significantly, falling from 4th to 77th in the Axios-Harris reputation ranking.
Political Crossfire
- Disney faces criticism from both the right for being "too woke" and the left for not doing enough.
- The "woke" critique stems from Disney's inclusion of more diverse characters in their films, like in Black Panther and The Little Mermaid.
The Little Mermaid Controversy
- The casting of Halle Bailey, a Black actress, as Ariel in The Little Mermaid sparked racist backlash.
- Critics expected Ariel to maintain her white appearance from the 1989 animated version.