A recent Epcot exhibit resulted in some pretty upset people when they portrayed heavier kids in some unappealing and distasteful ways. The interactive exhibit, Habit Heroes, featured animated fitness superheroes, Will Power and Callie Stenics — and super-sized villains — Snacker , The Glutton, and Lead Bottom, who eat junk food and watch too much television (play on names is definitely intentional!).

Critics say the exhibit reinforces stereotypes that obese children are lazy and have poor eating habits. The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance was especially concerned with how obese children were portrayed by one of America’s most beloved icons of  childhood happiness and positive attitudes.

The exhibit has been temporarily closed amidst outcries from critics as Disney creators go back to the drawing board to determine how to turn this message around.

Read more about this story and then let us know what you think.

We have to wonder – has Disney gone too far, or is this a good way to motivate children towards healthier lifestyles? Do we tiptoe around issues more than we should and is this exhibit a good way to get an important message across to kids of all ages? Is this just a case of “the truth hurts” or are these harmful messages that only make overweight children feel worse about themselves, perpetuating their issues?

RhondaDay

Rhonda Day is a wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoys a full-time freelance career as a Writer, Editor, and Marketing Consultant. In addition to Richmondmom.com, she also writes for a variety of local and national websites, and is a ghost-writer for clients.

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By Alex Iwashyna, blogger at Late Enough

Princesses have infiltrated my world. It began with a nostalgia for Aladdin on a rainy afternoon and morphed into 13 books, every G-rated movie with a princess-looking character on the cover, 23 dolls, 2 crowns, and 1 trip to Disney on Ice. We are living in castles and bursting into song at the dinner table.

I’m not terribly concerned since my daughter’s favorite princesses are ones in big ball gowns who shoots people.

Or maybe I should be more concerned?

So while the parenting gurus line up to learn how I’ve done such a great job teaching my children the fundamentals of life, I’ll share a little of what I’ve learned from Disney.

10 Things I’ve learned from Disney Princesses:

1. Spells are broken by kissing, dying, crying and killing someone. But never by doing your homework or listening to your parents.

2. Being able to carry a tune will pretty much guarantee people will like you. Or at least mice and birds will.

3. There are a LOT of unwed princes out there.

4. If one of your parents is dead, you are probably a princess.

5. Anyone with a cackle instead of a laugh, apples or money should not be trusted. And if they are called “trusted advisor”? RUN.

6. Parents lose their children much too often.

7. Talking animals are not as rare as biology class leads you to believe.

8. Do not grow your hair past your waist unless you’re comfortable with people climbing it.

9. Keep track of your shoes.

10. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Except for love-at-first-sight, fairy godmothers, ball gowns and magical tears.

Now, let’s all live happily ever after.

Alex Iwashyna

Alex Iwashyna went from a B.A. in Philosophy to an M.D. to a SAHM, poet and writer by 30. She spends most of her writing time on LateEnough.com, a humor blog (except when it’s serious) about life, parenting, marriage, zombies, culture and religion with special appearances by aliens, alienation and rude Southern people who offend her Yankee sensibilities. She has a muse of a husband and two young kids who are Southern but not rude. Yet.

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Would you like to work for Disney right here in Richmond, VA?

Do you think that working for Disney would be a dream come true? Chances are you’re right. And you might just be the person they’re searching for as a full-time employee of Disney located right here in Richmond, Virginia.

Great opportunity

A great opportunity for a person who is comfortable connecting with both the Walt Disney Company’s Radio Disney Brand, and decision-makers for advertisers, businesses and corporations throughout the State will succeed in this job. Defining potential client needs, creating integrated campaigns such as multi-media advertising, cause marketing, and event sponsorship, and helping spread the word are all part of the exciting opportunity.

Skills and experience

Are you afraid you don’t have the media experience needed?

Think again because experience in non-profit fundraising, special events management, general marketing, social media and other areas translate perfectly for this job.

The full-time position is based in Richmond, VA – there is some daytime and statewide travel required. Company vehicles, company benefits, and pay make it all worthwhile. And you can imagine the great Disney benefits offered by the Disney Company.

Some of the required skills and experience  include:

• Minimum of 3 years sales experience, preferably in sales or promotion, sponsorship sales, special events sales, media sales
• Experience with children’s marketing preferred
• Experience planning and executing special events
• Experience with Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel
• Customer service skills
• Communication through written and verbal communication
• Presentation skills

If you believe you have the skills and enthusiasm to succeed at this job, then now is the time to check it out.

How to apply

To be considered, submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume to Amy Garelick at amy.a.garelick@disney.com.  Include “Richmondmom job posting” in the subject line. Don’t be afraid to brag on yourself and let her know why you’re the best person for the job.

For more information on Disney careers, click here.

This is a wonderful opportunity for a local mom who is looking to venture into a career with one of the biggest and most exciting companies in the world. Show them what you’ve got and you may be the next one going to Disney World!

RhondaDay

Rhonda Day is a wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoys a full-time freelance career as a Writer, Editor, and Marketing Consultant. In addition to Richmondmom.com, she also writes for a variety of local and national websites, and is a ghost-writer for clients.

Website - More Posts