Seasonal Ethnic Celebrations at Disney California Adventure from 2012 through 2017
by Maureen Salsitz
ABSTRACT
By allocating more resources to ethnic celebrations , Disney California Adventure has reflected local demographic trends such as population increases of Hispanic / Latino and Asian groups , connecting the size and duration of each celebration to corresponding demographics within California . The Disney Company has reframed Traditional Disney Ideologies supporting white , middle-class Americans to now reflect this increasing diversity and this illustrates the tensions between Disney ’ s business goals for increased attendance and sales with the goals of ethnic inclusivity and multiculturalism . By highlighting the roles of Diversity Resource Groups ( DRGs ) as mediators of representations at the ethnic celebrations , this article examines in-park representations of ethnic identities at four different seasonal celebrations , held from 2012 through early 2017 at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim , CA . In contrast to static everyday park features , the ethnic celebrations and festivals are more fluid and dynamic even as they flatten and essentialize identities for Celebrate Gospel , ¡ Viva Navidad !, Lunar New Year , and Festival of Holidays .
KEYWORD
Disney , ethnicity , Disney California Adventure , theme parks , multicultural ( multiculturalism ), representation , ethnic celebration
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