This is part one of a four-part series, “The Crisis at Disney.”
Few corporations have generated a more profound impact on the public than the Walt Disney Co. Successive generations have responded with positive emotions to the company’s entertainment, retail merchandise, and travel and hospitality offerings. Indeed, the Disney brand has been less of a corporate entity and more a beloved family member to millions around the world.
But for roughly the past two years, Disney’s goodwill has slowly frayed through a skein of questionable decisions from its leadership, which has created friction and sour relationships both within the company and through sections of the general public. Instead of uniting people through jollity and innovations, it has created controversy and skepticism where none previously existed….