Rock'n Roll, Pre-Show Hand Gesture

[MrToadsWildRide]

The following post is NSFVWASOH.

I finally got around to viewing the pre-show at the Rock'n Roller Coaster, and have confirmed (for myself anyway) that Disney has in fact digitally removed the hand gesture that Steven Tyler makes during the pre-show.

I am shocked. (oops, let me rephrase that)

I am personally offended. (well, maybe just bummed)

Why?

I'm a graduate of Arizona State University. The gesture Steven is making is what ASU fans make to symbolize the pitchfork, or trident carried by our beloved mascot Sparky the Sun Devil.

Before you get your Cheetos all over your keyboard, I know all about the argument that devils carry pitch forks and kings of oceans carry tridents.

So, if you don't buy into the pitch fork idea, then consider it a trident. In which case, Stevens paying tribute to King Poseidon. "Darling it's better, down where it's wetter ..." (hey, I didn't write the lyrics, I just sing'em)

However you see it, as an ASU grand/fan, I'm (a tiny bit) saddened that Disney has removed our sacred hand gesture from one of Hollywood Studios greatest rides. (I know, not a long list)

What's next? Digitally remove Stitch from all rides (and merchandise), since it obviously offends all native Hawaiians?

"Wait a minute!" (holds trident hand gesture over forehead) "I love that idea."

 

[Klayfish]

Yes, this was discussed before, and my take on it is that it's ridiculous they took it out. But we live in an overly sensitive world, where everyone is offended by everything.

 

[BigAlsGal]

We saw it last weekend. DH and I did the old hand gesture in remembrance.

 

[figment74]

I just watched the pre-show (before the change thanks youtube), and I really had to look to see an obscene gesture. To me this has always been just an innocuous gesture that quirky Steve made. To suggest that Steve was intentionally putting in an ester egg is a bit much. I know many think that he did it to sneak something past the sensors, I personally think nothing could be farther from the truth. It's just Steve holding his hand to his forehead so that he can get a better view of the people on the other side of the glass. Besides the supposed gesture has been there for over 10 years. What happened to bring this to Disney Management's attention?

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I never even noticed his fingers. I'm not even sure it could be said that he definitely held his fingers like that intentionally. But I'm guessing somebody did, and complained. Or they just wanted to fend off possible future complaints. Disney can't have obscenity, even mistaken/unintentional obscenity. Everything's more sensitive than it was 10 years ago. (Yep, everything, because it can spread far and wide by internet within seconds.)

I must say I've never heard anyone say that Stitch is offensive to native Hawaiians. He may have landed in Hawaii but he's not meant to be Hawaiian, he's from outer space.

 

[figment74]

Make sense. Still it's not like he flipped the bird to everyone in line or dropped an F-bomb. I agree let's make sure that the vast majority of the audience is not offended, but this is kinda crazy. When you look at the updated pre-show the 4th finger definitely looks like it was just added on. Not natural looking at all. I think my eye is drawn to it, because I know that it's been digitally "enhanced".

 

[AngiTN]

I just watched the pre-show (before the change thanks youtube), and I really had to look to see an obscene gesture. To me this has always been just an innocuous gesture that quirky Steve made. To suggest that Steve was intentionally putting in an ester egg is a bit much. I know many think that he did it to sneak something past the sensors, I personally think nothing could be farther from the truth. It's just Steve holding his hand to his forehead so that he can get a better view of the people on the other side of the glass. Besides the supposed gesture has been there for over 10 years. What happened to bring this to Disney Management's attention?

People who believe Steve did that on purpose is giving him a lot more credit than he likely deserves. I do not believe he put any thought in to it when he shot that scene. I said the same thing when the news first broke a couple months ago.

Not to mention, how do people notice these things? People actually pay attention to it every time they ride?

 

[EdmondD]

The following post is NSFVWASOH.

I'm a graduate of Arizona State University. The gesture Steven is making is what ASU fans make to symbolize the pitchfork, or trident carried by our beloved mascot Sparky the Sun Devil.
"

My organization published a full page ad from ASU in our magazine (which is produced in the sector I oversee). When I looked at it after going to print, I saw roughly 100 ASU students flashing the (obscene hand gesture name deleted). I just had to laugh.

 

[JerseyJanice]

I think that what is going to be removed next is Aerosmith from the attraction entirely, but that is another discussion.

 

[HopperFan]

I think that what is going to be removed next is Aerosmith from the attraction entirely, but that is another discussion.

I look forward to all the good discussion on all the things folks imagine Mickey is doing with those hands of his if this ride goes all Mouse on us.

 

[DizBelle]

I think they should have digitally added Mickey hands to Steven.

 

[Missyrose]

I just watched the pre-show (before the change thanks youtube), and I really had to look to see an obscene gesture. To me this has always been just an innocuous gesture that quirky Steve made. To suggest that Steve was intentionally putting in an ester egg is a bit much. I know many think that he did it to sneak something past the sensors, I personally think nothing could be farther from the truth. It's just Steve holding his hand to his forehead so that he can get a better view of the people on the other side of the glass. Besides the supposed gesture has been there for over 10 years. What happened to bring this to Disney Management's attention?

Steven himself admitted to it on Twitter after it was altered.

 

[AngiTN]

Steven himself admitted to it on Twitter after it was altered.

I saw what he said. I don't call it admitting to it. I call it being ticked they changed it and making a joke about it. He clearly thought it was ridiculous (and it is) and was being very sarcastic about the entire thing. At no time have I thought what he said admitted to it. I just can't believe he put so much thought in to putting in obscene hand gesture when he filmed that scene.

 

[goofy Jr. 88]

Steven himself admitted to it on Twitter after it was altered.

I think he was saying just the opposite.

 

[figment74]

Soooo I read Steve's Twitter (NSFW) and I withdraw my previous comment. I have to say, it's possible that he did intend to dup Disney, and millions of Disney guests.

 

[AngiTN]

Soooo I read Steve's Twitter (NSFW) and I withdraw my previous comment. I have to say, it's possible that he did intend to dup Disney, and millions of Disney guests.

Funny how people can read the same things and take completely opposite meanings from the words. When he said he would own up to it I took it to mean had he done it intentionally he would have said he'd done it intentionally. He didn't say he did it intentionally. So I don't think he did.

 

[Accident]

I emailed guest services and told them I was offended that they would waste money on altering that instead of cleaning the bathrooms..

 

[figment74]

Funny how people can read the same things and take completely opposite meanings from the words. When he said he would own up to it I took it to mean had he done it intentionally he would have said he'd done it intentionally. He didn't say he did it intentionally. So I don't think he did.

I agree that he does not explicitly state that he did it on purpose. I however believe that he implies that it was on purpose. If you look at the original Tweet, he puts a single word in single quotes. I could be mistaken. For all I know this time around he is taking credit for something that was not intentional all those years ago.

 

[AngiTN]

I agree that he does not explicitly state that he did it on purpose. I however believe that he implies that it was on purpose. If you look at the original Tweet, he puts a single word in single quotes. I could be mistaken. For all I know this time around he is taking credit for something that was not intentional all those years ago.

Bingo!