A little color on the Dis

[Toon crazy]

I was just curious. I discovered the show about two years ago and love it. I have gone back and listened to every show I can. The show seems very open and loving, but I have never seen or heard a person of color on the show. Has there ever been a person of color on the show? Not saying there has to be someone of color. Just curious as a black person if I will ever hear someone of color on the show?

 

[Hunterr]

The opinion on the boards seems to be (based on similar threads in the past) "it's racist to seek out a person of color for a contributor/host/etc. just because they are a person of color."

I think one of the women on the Disneyland edition is hispanic.

 

[rteetz]

The opinion on the boards seems to be (based on similar threads in the past) "it's racist to seek out a person of color for a contributor/host/etc. just because they are a person of color."

I think one of the women on the Disneyland edition is hispanic.

Yes Mary Jo is the one you are thinking of.

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

Yes Mary Jo is the one you are thinking of.

#guacamole

 

[TheMaxRebo]

The opinion on the boards seems to be (based on similar threads in the past) "it's racist to seek out a person of color for a contributor/host/etc. just because they are a person of color."

I think one of the women on the Disneyland edition is hispanic.

Well, that is probably a bit simplistic - but I think the thought process expressed was that the members of the team all need to be in the area and the deep love for and knowledge of Disney is the main requirement and, depending on the function, the technical expertise to produce the shows, etc. ... and to date, the people that fit what was needed haven't been a person of color

And there is diversity in other ways (sex, age, sexual orientation, marital status, kids/no kids, etc.)

Also, I think the goal of the show is to discuss Disney (and specifically Disney World) not necessarily race related topics. There have been news stories that have involved race but they haven't allowed time to change up the panel to address that from multiple angels, etc.

 

[rteetz]

This topic has gotten me thinking lately. This isn't only the dis where there isn't much color. Most Disney blogs/podcasts don't seem to have people of color. That's just an observation of mine.

I think this just might be part of the industry they are in.

Disney themselves is still not as diverse as some would like. Festival of Fantasy was one of the first parades where there weren't just Caucasian performers.

Now look at Princess Elena, that meet and greet is done by a Caucasian CM, not a Latin one.

Just my observations.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

I'm a person of color (half black) and I was on the show .

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Personal opinion here but I'm not watching any podcast, any vlog, or listening to any show in general and looking at the races of the people behind the microphones and cameras. I'm in it for the content they provide. And again this is a generality for everything not just concentrated on Disney.

*This isn't meant to offend anyone by the way*

 

[wilkeliza]

@CampbellzSoup I was just about to say I thought you have been on the show before.

I honestly believe Pete chooses who he thinks is best for each and every position he has to fill. I've never felt it was a conscious decision that the normal rotation is mostly white.

I do find it fascinating that so many of these threads have popped up recently. Seems like we get a new one every week.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I do find it fascinating that so many of these threads have popped up recently. Seems like we get a new one every week.

yes interesting indeed

 

[kollerbear]

I was just curious. I discovered the show about two years ago and love it. I have gone back and listened to every show I can. The show seems very open and loving, but I have never seen or heard a person of color on the show. Has there ever been a person of color on the show? Not saying there has to be someone of color. Just curious as a black person if I will ever hear someone of color on the show?

I love the podcast and, as a white woman, have noticed what you're talking about. I think sometimes the cast can be a little dismissive of cultural differences (for example, when discussing the crowd's behaviour before the opening in Shanghai or discussing foods offered at WDW and what is "normal" vs. "exotic".) I wonder if they'd feel quite so comfortable laughing or discussing some things with POC present. You don't need to be discussing racial issues to alienate folks without realizing it just by the assumptions you make about what's normal. I think by and large the group is sensitive, careful, and respectful, but I've often found myself wanting to write in just to educate them about something very normal in other cultures that they're finding funny, rude, or hard to understand. Representation matters.

 

[kollerbear]

@CampbellzSoup I was just about to say I thought you have been on the show before.

I honestly believe Pete chooses who he thinks is best for each and every position he has to fill. I've never felt it was a conscious decision that the normal rotation is mostly white.

I do find it fascinating that so many of these threads have popped up recently. Seems like we get a new one every week.

Very few people consciously decide to alienate people of color, or not hire them, etc.. It's usually just a matter of who is a good "fit". And often fit comes down to cultural markers that are hard to pinpoint. You relate better, for example, because you have shared experiences and a common cultural background. I actually get the impression that the backgrounds are diverse in other ways and I personally think Pete especially is thoughtful about these issues and I'm not trying to start anything. But I don't think it's fair to be dismissive of the question, either. Just because the show isn't racially diverse doesn't mean anyone is a flaming racist, but the show also may be less relatable to the whole wide American audience because of it.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Very few people consciously decide to alienate people of color, or not hire them, etc.. It's usually just a matter of who is a good "fit". And often fit comes down to cultural markers that are hard to pinpoint. You relate better, for example, because you have shared experiences and a common cultural background. I actually get the impression that the backgrounds are diverse in other ways and I personally think Pete especially is thoughtful about these issues and I'm not trying to start anything. But I don't think it's fair to be dismissive of the question, either. Just because the show isn't racially diverse doesn't mean anyone is a flaming racist, but the show also may be less relatable to the whole wide American audience because of it.

While I do agree with you psychologically speaking we do seek out those who are similar to us (though that is not just limited to the color of one's skin). It's a fine line though that people have to walk between hiring someone that fits what they are looking for and hiring someone because the color of their skin.

I'm certaintly not being dismissive of the question but it has been popping up a lot lately on the boards and it wasn't popping up a lot beforehand, least not that I could tell.

When the topic has come up it comes off, at least to me, that Pete needs to hire someone who is not fully 100% white just because. That's where you get people's opinions that are vastly different.

I honestly get more of what rteez is bringing up rather than the whole "the podcast is only white people why no person who isn't 100% white?" viewpoint.

 

[wilkeliza]

Very few people consciously decide to alienate people of color, or not hire them, etc.. It's usually just a matter of who is a good "fit". And often fit comes down to cultural markers that are hard to pinpoint. You relate better, for example, because you have shared experiences and a common cultural background. I actually get the impression that the backgrounds are diverse in other ways and I personally think Pete especially is thoughtful about these issues and I'm not trying to start anything. But I don't think it's fair to be dismissive of the question, either. Just because the show isn't racially diverse doesn't mean anyone is a flaming racist, but the show also may be less relatable to the whole wide American audience because of it.

That's true. However, it is pretty clear the newer cast is from all over the map and has different backgrounds. There are different social economic levels at play as well. I wasn't trying to be dismissive of the question I was just trying to say I don't think there is something nefarious going on. Also it is made very clear that Pete chooses who is the best fit and all of them had test runs. I find a podcast to be a different situation then a standard business so it is really hard to say what is up. I'm sure that at Dreams Unlimited there is a diversity (IDK for 100% as I don't know each and every travel agent) and the podcast and Disunplugged crew is just a small group that really mesh well so sit and chat about Disney together.

 

[kollerbear]

I'm certaintly not being dismissive of the question but it has been popping up a lot lately on the boards and it wasn't popping up a lot beforehand, least not that I could tell.

When the topic has come up it comes off, at least to me, that Pete needs to hire someone who is not fully 100% white just because. That's where you get people's opinions that are vastly different.

I honestly get more of what rteez is bringing up rather than the whole "the podcast is only white people why no person who isn't 100% white?" viewpoint.

I understand a reaction to that viewpoint, and yeah, you don't necessarily want a token for the sake of a token (hopefully the perspective is so valued its sought out and seen as a plus, but I don't want to coopt this thread.) But I think it's important to remember that the OP didn't say those words or honestly, I think, necessarily imply them. I think it's important not to assume that's where OP is coming from or else no one actually hears each other. In other words, if there are lots of threads on this, let's consider each on its own merits? I agree its interesting its an issue now but it's something I'd been thinking about for a while but had never mentioned because I don't think it's my place to bring up. If it's important to others I don't think its inappropriate to bring it up, and maybe seeing others do it is giving others courage to voice what might be seen as contentious viewpoints, even if you are doing it with love and respect.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I understand a reaction to that viewpoint, and yeah, you don't necessarily want a token for the sake of a token (hopefully the perspective is so valued its sought out and seen as a plus, but I don't want to coopt this thread.) But I think it's important to remember that the OP didn't say those words or honestly, I think, necessarily imply them. I think it's important not to assume that's where OP is coming from or else no one actually hears each other. In other words, if there are lots of threads on this, let's consider each on its own merits? I agree its interesting its an issue now but it's something I'd been thinking about for a while but had never mentioned because I don't think it's my place to bring up. If it's important to others I don't think its inappropriate to bring it up, and maybe seeing others do it is giving others courage to voice what might be seen as contentious viewpoints, even if you are doing it with love and respect.

Well I'm not actually assuming anything about the OP really.

Their comment was: "but I have never seen or heard a person of color on the show. Has there ever been a person of color on the show? Not saying there has to be someone of color. Just curious as a black person if I will ever hear someone of color on the show?"

So yes they said there didn't have to be a person of color in one sentence but then in the next said if there will ever hear from someone of color on the show. Not sure what other way you can take that other than there "a person of color should be on the show just because" as those two sentences above from the OP are a bit contradictory. If there doesn't have to be someone of color why is it then "will I ever hear from someone of color on the show"

I take each thread for what they are so no I'm not saying all threads that have popped up recently should be lumped in the same. The recent posts, including this one, don't focus on the skills or talents of the people who are hired for the show they focus on the color of their skin. I'm not saying the OP or anyone else is coming at it from a negative way at all really but just as the authors of the posts can share their observations I am sharing mine.

And as I mentioned on another thread I'm pretty certain there are people out there that have never seen any of the podcasts, vlogs, or any other small video those employed by the DIS have done. That means there are people out there who have no idea the races of the voices they are listening to. Do you know all the races of the radio personalities you listen to on the radio or do you just listen to them because you like them?

 

[Princesca]

I don't really know the races of the podcast team, and I can't say as I really care. That's kind of the nice thing about Disney - no matter what race, gender, sexual orientation, disability or ability, we are all the same in that one aspect - love of Disney. That's all I need to know of the podcast team.

 

[kollerbear]

That's true. However, it is pretty clear the newer cast is from all over the map and has different backgrounds. There are different social economic levels at play as well. I wasn't trying to be dismissive of the question I was just trying to say I don't think there is something nefarious going on. Also it is made very clear that Pete chooses who is the best fit and all of them had test runs. I find a podcast to be a different situation then a standard business so it is really hard to say what is up. I'm sure that at Dreams Unlimited there is a diversity (IDK for 100% as I don't know each and every travel agent) and the podcast and Disunplugged crew is just a small group that really mesh well so sit and chat about Disney together.

I completely agree there isn't anything nefarious going on (on a personal level) and I think Pete is thoughtful and respectful. I think the podcast group is considered based on fit and I do hope that the diversity of what "fits" continues to expand, as it'll only strengthen the show. (Maybe they wouldn't have been flummoxed by chicken and waffles, for example?) It's important to me, as a white person, and I'm sure it's important to other folks as well.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I guess maybe a more positive spin is speaking about the qualities the powers that be are looking for in order to work for the DIS or be a guest (including podcasts, producers, travel agents, other employees, etc).

Usually when a member of the DIS has responded one thing repeated over and over is "if you know someone who is qualified please have them apply".

I mean wouldn't it be cool to have a thread where it is discussed "how do I get that job or how do I let so and so know I've got a friend who is interested in working for the DIS" rather than "where's the racial diversity" because if you did actually know someone who is interested who is a non-white person that might actually be helpful.

It's interesting to read the Youtube comments where they are mostly focused on how good the podcast was or how so and so loves so and so or how to get that job or respectfully disagreeing with an opinion shared and then seeing several threads on the DIS that focus on lack of racial diversity (not saying there haven't been threads that discuss what I mentioned just above just that I haven't usually seen Youtube comments calling for racial diversity)..maybe it's the different platforms IDK.

 

[loves to dive]

I completely agree there isn't anything nefarious going on (on a personal level) and I think Pete is thoughtful and respectful. I think the podcast group is considered based on fit and I do hope that the diversity of what "fits" continues to expand, as it'll only strengthen the show. (Maybe they wouldn't have been flummoxed by chicken and waffles, for example?) It's important to me, as a white person, and I'm sure it's important to other folks as well.

I don't understand the "flummoxed by chicken and waffles" part. Not starting a debate but trying to understand your view here, are you saying had someone on that particular show been a person of color they wouldn't have been flummoxed by chicken and waffles? By the way, very few of us are white, look at your skin and look at a piece of paper, we all have color (well maybe if we were a vampire or a walking dead we might not, I've never met one of those so can't say).