DISNEY On Go-Go Juice - Get's Put On Ice!

Good Frosty Morning to you.... Writing from Fairborn, OH on yet another chilly morning, sipping on some fully leaded delight. You know, I wanted to write about taking on a new job as I'm thrilled to join a great new company with an awesome new boss and discovered an amazing staff of talented hoteliers, but, something else crawled into my Go-Go Juice this last week and I decided the new job can wait. In fact, taking on a new job, one of the adjustments any individual has is realizing there are many differences out there - differences in opinion, character, skill sets, visions, etc. Adjusting to this shouldn't be so difficult as that's what makes America so great, right? I mean, we're built on a foundation that embraces differences hence the ole' saying, "America's a Melting Pot", right? Sadly, not so. Differences aren't embraced as easily as some of us would like and in recent public discussions, one icon got discovered for his differences that were in fact, negatively blasted. Mr. Walt Disney. Really? The one American Entrepreneur who's legend stands for just the opposite? Were Mickey and Minnie really founded on a platform of bigotry, sexism and antisemitism? Well, it seems with the help of Meryl Streep and Mr. Walt Disney's close relative confirming it, such accusations do have its merits. (http://laist.com/2014/01/08/meryl_streep_disses_walt_disney_for.php) Don't get me wrong - I love Meryl Streep as an actress and as a person. In fact, to speak out on a negative note publicly regarding the character of someone who is embraced by millions can have its challenges and takes quite a spine to do so. But, is the news really all that bad? In fact, in light of learning of Mr. Disney's not so charming character, enlightened me even more. Taking another sip of my juice, I reflect on Disneyland and the one ride that captures his vision that does in fact embrace the differences of people - It's a Small World. Then I reflect on the original cartoons and movies (that I remember during my childhood) such as Lady and The Tramp, Fantasia, Dumbo, The Jungle Book, Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella...many of them touch the topic of negative differences and how the characters overcame such differences that became heroic, successful and won the hearts of many. Even after Mr. Walt Disney's death in 1966, his visions must have left a positive vibe throughout the company that helped to maintain the essential heartbeat of ensuring future stories and concepts continue to pursue good over evil and that differences in people are indeed a positive strength to carry on. So how does such a man who behind the scenes portrayed something he was not? It goes to show, he must have had to come out of his own skin and think and act beyond his own beliefs. This is not an easy task, but serves as proof that it is possible. Our world history displays many people in leadership roles who could not live beyond their beliefs - who were the center of tyranny, segregation and poor management that lead to much demise. And, no doubt, Mr. Disney lived during an era of many changes....So in the end, Mr. Walt Disney, no matter how "bad" he might have been, is proof to us that people can still impart a positive reaction onto others that benefits mankind - and that's pretty magical. So, this week, as you reach for your cup of Go-Go Juice, reflect on how you too, can reach beyond your beliefs and see how you too, can make a positive "difference", even in your little corner of the world. Until next week, be the awesome person that you are and keep that Go-Go Juice fresh and flowing!