Not believing what's in the Unofficial Guide!!!

[DVCLiz]

Please do come back and post again when you have a pre-teen! It would be interesting to hear your take on it when you do have children.

Lots of us who have children are amused by this book and its extrememly mild humor. It amuses me that so many people are offended by these types of cultural references. The UG ISN'T marketed as a book for children, even though some parents may choose to allow their children access. And if they are the kinds of parents who are bothered by their children reading this, well, then, they should have read it first, shouldn't they??

There are also lots of different ways to achieve the end goal of having drug-free children. Some people choose to eliminate all reference to the possibility and shield their children until - well, I gueess until they leave home. Others, like me, choose to allow their children access to pop culture through TV, movies, music and other types of media (even the dreaded Disney guide book, on occasion!) And if there are drug references in some or all of those sources, we simply discuss it sensibly and move on. My children certainly know how I feel about illegal drug use, but that doesn't mean I'm going to freak out if they see a reference to Mickey Mouse smoking a joint, in what is clearly meant to be an ironic way.

Oh, and I'm assuming that some of you also have some strong personal opinions about the gay lifestyle, so avoid the beginning chapter in one of the recent UGs - Goofy wears a cape and there is some question as to whether or not he looks "swishy." And I think there might be a reference to the Little Mermaid's cleavage, too - so keep that sex ed reference away from tender eyes, too!

 

[civileng68]

As much as you think it's a hijacking or off topic, maybe Im just putting more thought in to it.

Makes perfect sense: How is it that someone can call that book acceptable, yet at the same time people dont have the same freedom of speech to say Merry Christmas at WDW, as was already posted in another thread.

Oh well, I'll stop debating this one as you can't win an argument on opinions.

I personally dont mind the book for myself, or the comment, as I've made much more outlandish comments than that. However, I do them in jest and when appropriate. I don't feel that children should be able to simply pick up and read comments like that without notice.

I am simply saying that I don't like how some think things are only ok to say when "they" like what is said.

 

[cleo]

Wouldn't you know it? The minute I commit myself to saying it's been a respectful thread it all goes pear-shaped!

OY!! Ok...the Merry Christmas topic is in another thread. Can we agree it isn't really meant to be part of this discussion and keep that particular conversation on the Merry Christmas thread?

The majority of this thread expresses excellent points supporting each side of the discussion. Some are offended, some think it's just in bad taste but aren't offended, per say (I'm in that group) and some think it's just good fun.

Can this thread get back on track with opinions about the topic rather than opinions about each other? If so, great! If not...not so great.

 

[Mainebound]

I have two kids and I love the UG, and its sense of humor, including the Pal Mickey joke.

With all due respect, a quick surf of my TV last night -- and last I checked, 8:00pm prime time television was accessible to minors -- exposed me to deadly horrific sadistic violence, sexual perversions of every stripe, illicit drug use, and damaging stereoptypes of women, ethnic and racial minorities, and other groups.

Shouldn't we vent our moral outrage more appropriately than at a 700 page book extolling the virtues of the family vacation in the United States with one little joke about a substance that is, in fact, in declining use among adolescents, who are increasingly favoring prescription painkillers (in today's news, see any new outlet, or this link: http://www.cnn.com/2005/HEALTH/12/19/drugs.teens.ap/index.html).

So let's lock our medicine cabinets and leave the good people at the UG alone.

 

[cinderkelli]

I just checked mine to see if it said that. It totally does and I didn't even catch it! I have read this thing cover to cover but apparently not close enough. Makes me want to go back and re read!

 

[civileng68]

Wouldn't you know it? The minute I commit myself to saying it's been a respectful thread it all goes pear-shaped!

OY!! Ok...the Merry Christmas topic is in another thread. Can we agree it isn't really meant to be part of this discussion and keep that particular conversation on the Merry Christmas thread?

The majority of this thread expresses excellent points supporting each side of the discussion. Some are offended, some think it's just in bad taste but aren't offended, per say (I'm in that group) and some think it's just good fun.

Can this thread get back on track with opinions about the topic rather than opinions about each other? If so, great! If not...not so great.

Ok, im done with going on about the Christmas thing. I wasn't trying to really discuss the christmas thing but simply raise a question of why it is ok to put this comment in the UOG.


Again, sorry, I didnt mean to change the idea of the thread.

 

[Lulu's Mom]

I would like to comment on this topic/debate, especially the legality part. First off I agree that it might not belong in a book like this, but I do not find it offensive in any way. My question is what if the joke read something about Mickey getting drunk or having an alcoholic drink or smoking a cigarette... then would the joke not be so offensive because "alcohol and cigartettes" are legal?

As far as I can tell what makes it so offensive to some is that fact that smoking marajuana is illegal and that it is placed in a communication tool that children can read. Yet children watch TV where they have commercials condoning the consumption of alcohol and treating alcohol as a "cool" thing to have and drink. Keep in mind alcohol is a drug too, and it is a drug that kills thousands of people a year, but yet we as Americans condone it, parents drink in front of their children, they take their families out to eat where they drink and then drive there families home, so I must ask what is more offensive??? IMHO a stupid corney joke about Mickey doing something that he would never do is not as offensive. Sorry got of topic there.

I guess my point is that as people and as parents we can be very hypocritical. This joke is offensive because it is about drugs and my children can read it, but yet I will drink my drug (alcohol) )in front of my kids and that is ok.

 

[SHammett]

As the OP, let me state my opinion (for what it's worth). I have 3 children and would not be concerned if the oldest (13 yo) read this line. I don't think it would influence her in the least. However, the "joke" is simply inappropriate. When it comes to Disney, I have the same head in the clouds fairytale attitude as any child. I look forward to planning our yearly trip and look to the guide for helpful hints. I think most of the jokes are corny, but this one was just downright inappropriate. To imply that Mickey smokes pot is about as funny as Santa Claus smoking crack. It's just not.

 

[fan_of_wdw]

Why is this thread on the "Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies" board????

How about putting it over on the "Community Board" or "Disney for Families"......

Jeez! Lighten up folks!

 

[freakylick]

Why is this thread on the "Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies" board????

How about putting it over on the "Community Board" or "Disney for Families"......

Jeez! Lighten up folks!

Now that's ironic.

 

[88Keys]

The point is that it doesn't belong in a book like this, not that it isn't funny or that it would turn any kid to drugs. I have no doubt kids see/hear worse daily. If my kids read it, like I said earlier, I would use it to teach them about inappropriate behavior. Just like when they see other kids behaving in ways that I don't accept from my children.

My $.02......

It certainly does belong in a book like this if the author deems it so -- that is the point of freedom of speech. It is not a children's book, it is not in children's stores, and it is not advertised during children's programming. It is a trip planning book written for adults who plan vacations. So now a few folks complain about a joke and Len and the gang are going to think twice about putting anything remotely edgy in the next edition. Thanks a lot.

Folks, if you don't like something that is published -- DON'T BUY IT -- don't browbeat the author until it conforms to YOUR vision of what something should be. That is the marketplace.

And, btw, not only did I laugh at the joke, but I also say Merry Christmas, so I don't get that point either.

 

[cleo]

I have yet to hear anyone saying they didn't have the right to include anything they please in their book. I would never for a moment say an author should be censored in any way and I don't hear anyone else saying that, either. I only hear people expressing their opinions on what was included, for good for for bad.

That's freedom of speech, too.

 

[88Keys]

If you look at the quote I included in my previous post, a poster is telling the author (who is reading this thread) that something does not belong in this book. That is in no way an opinion. Sounds like a fact to me.

 

[Sammie]

I've noticed many typos and just downright bad info in the UG. I am surprised there are that many followers of that book.

I have to agree, I don't find their humor amusing. Maybe in Mad magazine but not in a book for planning a Disney vacation which to me shows a lack of class.

I do agree it is certainly within their rights to put anything they want in the guide and my right not to purchase it or recommend it to friends.

 

[freakylick]

That is the marketplace.

Actually, it seems that the marketplace is driving them to remove it. As with many products, you want them to be marketable to as many people as possible. No sense including a needless joke (ie-This book does not need this particular joke to sell) if it prevents some, no matter what their sense of humor level is, from purchasing the book. For those that enjoy the humor aspect of UG, there is still plenty of humor in the book...and I am sure that will continue as the market has told them that they enjoy having a guide with a bit of humor thrown in.

 

[88Keys]

Exactly -- I could not agree more. However, I feel that the joke will not keep most of its customers from purchasing it in the future. Hence, I do not feel that the marketplace for this book will be much wounded -- do not jump on me, though --- I have no facts upon which I base this.

 

[dpuck1998]

My $.02......

It certainly does belong in a book like this if the author deems it so -- that is the point of freedom of speech. It is not a children's book, it is not in children's stores, and it is not advertised during children's programming. It is a trip planning book written for adults who plan vacations. So now a few folks complain about a joke and Len and the gang are going to think twice about putting anything remotely edgy in the next edition. Thanks a lot.

Folks, if you don't like something that is published -- DON'T BUY IT -- don't browbeat the author until it conforms to YOUR vision of what something should be. That is the marketplace.

And, btw, not only did I laugh at the joke, but I also say Merry Christmas, so I don't get that point either.

Speaking of irony....here is some.....

 

[dpuck1998]

If you look at the quote I included in my previous post, a poster is telling the author (who is reading this thread) that something does not belong in this book. That is in no way an opinion. Sounds like a fact to me.

You couldn't be more wrong...I said it doesn't belong (opinion). I never said that it should be illegal or censored. I did exactly what you suggested. I didn't buy the book and won't by the book. It should be available for anyone that wants to read it. If people like it will be a success, if not it will fail. Thats up to the publisher and author to decide. Wanna bet it won't be in the next edition?

I enjoy how freedom of speech is always custom fitted for each person. You think I shouldn't say something but defend anothers right to say anything.

 

[maccalovah]

The point is that it doesn't belong in a book like this, not that it isn't funny or that it would turn any kid to drugs. I have no doubt kids see/hear worse daily. If my kids read it, like I said earlier, I would use it to teach them about inappropriate behavior. Just like when they see other kids behaving in ways that I don't accept from my children.

The smoking pot vs. drinking debate...thats way to big to figure out here...but it involves a lot more than taxes.

And "in a hurry" your right, I don't care if you think I have a sense of humor or not. I'm still in a good mood today. I'm fully able to seperate the screen for life. I can type say my peace and go on with my day. I don't expect anyone to agree with me or not agree with me. I just enjoy a good debate and like to put in my two cents. I having a great day today, work is quiet and its almost christmas time!! Can't wait!! I love christmas!! Not to mention I'll be in Disney World in 30 days!!

and everyone knows I love dancing bananas.....

You seem to be in a good mood- are you staying warm in your part of Michigan? East Lansing is freeeeezing!

 

[dpuck1998]

no, it COLD!!! I'm in SW Mich freezing my tail off....but I'm stuck inside working....so its all the same....but lots of snow, xmas is close, all is good in the world