Page 104 - The Disneyization of Society
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MERCHANDISING
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Figure 4.2 The Merchandise Shop at ESPN Zone in Chicago
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nature and therefore as beyond the clutches of a commodified world. However,
surrounding the zoo with an aura of research, conservation and education helps
to legitimate this commodification and helps to resolve the irony.
Maple’s reference to the influence of the Disney theme parks suggests that in
many instances of Disneyization the process may be a direct one (i.e. transferred
Disneyization) involving imitation in a manner that has occurred in relation to
museums. 57 Nor is Maple the only writer to draw attention to the potential and
actual influence of the Disney and other theme parks on zoos. The Director of the
National Zoological Park in the USA has written:
Theme parks are attracting people to subjects that many museums find difficult to exhibit in a way
that is engaging. We need to borrow from the best exhibit techniques and quality management
practices, without emulating the lack of social concerns, intellectual challenges, and real controversy
that marks much of media output. 58
