Michelle Kwan new Disney Spokeswoman

[Linzybrooke]

I guess being 2nd best does qualify her in the almost category. But I don't think any figure skater could be considered anything close to an American Hero. But let's look at the facts;

She lost the gold medal in two straight Olympics. Isn't 2nd place the first loser?

She was so arrogant that she spent several years training on her own, without a coach.

For years, she wouldn't even let her own dad near her at competitions.

She wormed her way on to this year's Olympic team without even previously competing under the new scoring system. So much for being a team player huh? They booted Emily Hughes from the team and made her an alternate who wouldn't even go to Italy unless someone dropped out.

Then Michelle dropped out way before the competition even began. She should have never been allowed to go in the first place.

Some "almost" American hero.

But I'm gonna ask a question anyway. Why would anyone consider her in such high regard? I'll admit she's not a Brittney Spears or Jessica Simpson, thank God. But she ain't no Oprah or, um, Oprah either.

Well, I'll be darned but you must be an expert on everything...

I'm pretty sure that different people are aloud to have different opinions of what constitutes an American Hero; though perhaps Icon would have been a better choice of words.

So, are we trying to promote to kids now that winning IS everything and if they don't they might as well give up? Second, and third, at the Olympics is pretty impressive; not to mention her numerous National and World Championship titles.

Do you KNOW that it was arrogance that caused her to train alone? Did you ASK her? She isn't the first athlete to do so; its quite common in many sports. Just because she couldn't find a coach she enjoyed training with doesn't make her arrogant. Dancers will switch studios constantly trying to find the one that fits them and gives them exactly what they need out of a trainer/coach.

As for her father, I'm sure she had her reasons and I'm sure that to her this move was necessary. This is a personal issue for her and I don't think it is right to judge her for it.

Now, as for how she "wormed her way on to this year's Olympic team" it isn't true. You can look at it however you want to but she did have to compete for her spot. She skated in front of a panel of judges, that showed up unannounced, and had to perform her short and long programs plus do selected required elements back to back. She was scored and they deliberated. It was their decision to put her on the team. However you look at it is up to you, but it isn't like she called them up and said, "Dude, I totally hurt myself and couldn't go to Nationals. Can I please, please, please with sugar on top go to the Olympics anyway?"

Her withdrawl, in my opinion, was admirable. She didn't have to do it and it was a difficult decision. I think it showed grace and dignity.

Why would anyone consider her in such high regard? You're kidding, right? Let's see, she's a popular American icon who doesn't crash her car after getting drunk, go partying every weekend, have sex tapes of her on the internet, get caught up in big scandals, doesn't trash other people, scream contanstantly about the Paparazzi, pose for obsene pictures, and basically let down the country she stands for. I think that makes her a pretty good person. As for Oprah, I'm pretty sure the average American 'tween could not care less about what Oprah has to say or do, they are much more interested in what someone like Kwan does.

Is there something horribly WRONG with picking Kwan to represent the brand? If so then I don't see it. Like dbm20th said, who would YOU chose? Keeping in mind that they are probably aiming for someone under 30 (heaven forbid).

 

[exDS vet]

Well, I'll be darned but you must be an expert on everything...

...and then some.

 

[exDS vet]

First, does somebody have to finish first to be accomplished? Since I assume you aren't the second best in the world in anything, I guess you're the 10 millionth (or whatever) loser.

And for God's sake, she got hired as a celebrity spokesperson, not to be an American Hero.

So I guess YOU still have a shot. If not at American Hero, at least you could be 10,000,001 (or whatever).

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Well, I'll be darned but you must be an expert on everything...

I'm pretty sure that different people are aloud to have different opinions of what constitutes an American Hero; though perhaps Icon would have been a better choice of words.

So, are we trying to promote to kids now that winning IS everything and if they don't they might as well give up? Second, and third, at the Olympics is pretty impressive; not to mention her numerous National and World Championship titles.

Do you KNOW that it was arrogance that caused her to train alone? Did you ASK her? She isn't the first athlete to do so; its quite common in many sports. Just because she couldn't find a coach she enjoyed training with doesn't make her arrogant. Dancers will switch studios constantly trying to find the one that fits them and gives them exactly what they need out of a trainer/coach.

As for her father, I'm sure she had her reasons and I'm sure that to her this move was necessary. This is a personal issue for her and I don't think it is right to judge her for it.

Now, as for how she "wormed her way on to this year's Olympic team" it isn't true. You can look at it however you want to but she did have to compete for her spot. She skated in front of a panel of judges, that showed up unannounced, and had to perform her short and long programs plus do selected required elements back to back. She was scored and they deliberated. It was their decision to put her on the team. However you look at it is up to you, but it isn't like she called them up and said, "Dude, I totally hurt myself and couldn't go to Nationals. Can I please, please, please with sugar on top go to the Olympics anyway?"

Her withdrawl, in my opinion, was admirable. She didn't have to do it and it was a difficult decision. I think it showed grace and dignity.

Why would anyone consider her in such high regard? You're kidding, right? Let's see, she's a popular American icon who doesn't crash her car after getting drunk, go partying every weekend, have sex tapes of her on the internet, get caught up in big scandals, doesn't trash other people, scream contanstantly about the Paparazzi, pose for obsene pictures, and basically let down the country she stands for. I think that makes her a pretty good person. As for Oprah, I'm pretty sure the average American 'tween could not care less about what Oprah has to say or do, they are much more interested in what someone like Kwan does.

Is there something horribly WRONG with picking Kwan to represent the brand? If so then I don't see it. Like dbm20th said, who would YOU chose? Keeping in mind that they are probably aiming for someone under 30 (heaven forbid).

I couldn't agree more I think all this boils down to one's outlook on life. I choose to see the glass as half full, that people are generally good and well wishing, and that true happiness comes from within. And no. this does not mean I am ill-informed, uninformed, or uneducated. I choose to look at both sides of an issue before creating an opinion.



exDSvet--You seem to be of the pessimistic variety, glass half empty, everybody is up to no good type thinking. You remind me somewhat of my husband. So "put up or shut up"...WHO would YOU choose as a spokesperson for Disney since Michelle Kwan doesn't measure up to your standards?

 

[exDS vet]

exDSvet--You seem to be of the pessimistic variety, glass half empty, everybody is up to no good type thinking. You remind me somewhat of my husband. So "put up or shut up"...WHO would YOU choose as a spokesperson for Disney since Michelle Kwan doesn't measure up to your standards?

First; You couldn't be more wrong about me.

Second; Unfortunately I cannot legally be anyone's husband. At least not in this country.

Third (and most importantly); I never said that Disney shouldn't have picked Kwan. I simply spoke to probable reason why they did.

If you wish to join the other two who don't agree with me that's fine. You are free to do so. But if feel the need to attack me, read my replies to those other two and then "bring it" if you choose.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

First; You couldn't be more wrong about me.

Second; Unfortunately I cannot legally be anyone's husband. At least not in this country.

Third (and most importantly); I never said that Disney shouldn't have picked Kwan. I simply spoke to probable reason why they did.

If you wish to join the other two who don't agree with me that's fine. You are free to do so. But if feel the need to attack me, read my replies to those other two and then "bring it" if you choose.

I am sorry you feel that I am attacking you. I am merely trying to point out that you seem to have a very negative vibe on your postings. I am so saddened that many people (including my husband) are always trying to "pick people apart" and look towards the negative instead of trying to celebrate the positive in people. You(and everyone) has their right to an opinion but I do feel that if you are going to pick apart "why" she was picked and what is not so great about her that you should be able to offer up someone else who would be a better choice. Yes, there are alot of great female athletes, entertainers, etc out there but who else would have such a wide appeal internationally, be a positive role model, and most importantly, market the Disney brand for higher profits? Profit is not a bad thing. That is what drives our economy. Disney would not exist without it.

I did not mean to imply you are a husband...I have no idea as to your identity male or female. I was just pointing out that your arguements sound alot like something my husband would say...meaning I hear that sort of stuff day in and out at home.

If I am wrong and you are a generally positive person, then I apologize. I have never read any other posts of yours other than what is on this thread. I am not like many I have seen on these boards and go "hunting" thru every post people have written and nit pick at everything that has ever been written by a poster. I am speaking purely as an observer on this thread.

 

[MJMcBride]

Is there something horribly WRONG with picking Kwan to represent the brand? If so then I don't see it. Like dbm20th said, who would YOU chose? Keeping in mind that they are probably aiming for someone under 30 (heaven forbid).

I would chose Bode Miller. He's the only one who misses the mark more than the Imagineering Department. Right, YoHo and DancingBear.

P.S. I'm just kidding.

 

[wilki32]

This part of the site is funny, you guys crease me up
Seriously though, I do think Disney have made the wrong choice and rumours in the UK are that Dennis Rodman will soon be the spokesperson. After a slip up on the UKs Big Brother he was heard to say that after his brief spell with the Brighton Bullets (yes I know, who?) he will be returning to the US to start his new role.
Now I got thinking, maybe this is a good move, he cross dresses so will appreciated by both genders and others and think about the new slogans, Come to Disney you mutha *%£%&&* or Disneys best kept secret 'secret, nobody told me about secrets, I'll kick your *** if you keep any secrets from me!'
So it will be interesting to see how things develop

 

[Linzybrooke]

This part of the site is funny, you guys crease me up
Seriously though, I do think Disney have made the wrong choice and rumours in the UK are that Dennis Rodman will soon be the spokesperson. After a slip up on the UKs Big Brother he was heard to say that after his brief spell with the Brighton Bullets (yes I know, who?) he will be returning to the US to start his new role.
Now I got thinking, maybe this is a good move, he cross dresses so will appreciated by both genders and others and think about the new slogans, Come to Disney you mutha *%£%&&* or Disneys best kept secret 'secret, nobody told me about secrets, I'll kick your *** if you keep any secrets from me!'
So it will be interesting to see how things develop

 

[Saber]

I was at Animal Kingdom on Saturday (3-4) and I saw her there. She was filming something and the camera was set up in perfect view of Everest.

 

[dbm20th]

I was at Animal Kingdom on Saturday (3-4) and I saw her there. She was filming something and the camera was set up in perfect view of Everest.

That's pretty interesting. I wonder what this may be.

 

[DisInsider]

I heard that Kwan will attempt to do a quad lutz over Cinderella Castle dressed as Tinkerbell, during the fireworks show.

 

[teacher100]

I don't know what makes a person a hero, but if it is an Olympic Gold Medal maybe my idea of a hero is different. There was Oksana Bauil who got drunk and crashed her car, there is Tara Lipinski who is what Peggy Flemming calls a blip on the radar, there is Katarina Witt who posed naked for playboy.

You can call Michelle what you want, but in 94 when she was in 2nd place she was bumped off the team for Nancy Kerrigan and she didn't complain and said it was the right decision. For those who don't know about figure skating, that year we had two spots because Nancy Kerrigan messed up at the World's the year before and lost a spot. Had Michelle not gone to Worlds last year, we may not have had 3 Olympic Spots, so yes Michelle earned her spot.

When Michelle had to withdraw, she could have hopped on a plane and not faced anyone. Instead she had tearful press conferences and interviews to explain her decsion. She could have cashed in and sat in the ABC booth, but because she was bigger news then the competiters, she went home.

She is always gracious when she wins, and when she comes in second, third or fourth (Only once in the past 11 years) she doesn't make excuses and she always shows good sportsmanship, unlike a certain hockey team.

As far as not having a coach, she did not have a coach during the 2002 Olympics, but she got one the following season when she incidently won her fifth world championship. As far as her father not going to competitions? It was her father that stood with her when she didn't have a coach. From what I understand it has been his choice the past couple of years. Her whole family was at the Olympics with her in Turin.

She may not be a hero who has saved the world but what athlete really is? She is a role model that I would like my kids to look up to.

 

[MJMcBride]

there is Katarina Witt who posed naked for playboy.

Now thats how I define "hero."

By the way, welcome aboard teacher100

 

[mx3man123]

I saw Michelle Kwan at Animal Kingdom on March 4th in the morning. She was there with Goofy and some kids and they kept getting the lines wrong and the director told them they had to get it right as Goofy had a prior engagement. I thought it was weird how Michelle Kwan who is a world champion and 98 silver medalist didn't have anywhere to be but Goofy did.