Sexualization of Children Needs to Stop

It's time for some common sense. The ongoing sexualization of children needs to stop, but unfortunately some artists are using creative freedom to target children. The latest of Billboard magazine's lead articles this Tuesday feature Nina West (of RuPaul's Drag Race) and her desire to create the "Drag Alphabet". 

In an interview with the artist, Nina shares, "I have wanted to build a really solid foundation of a relationship in children's spaces for drag, and for drag entertainment to enter those spaces," she says. "So what a better way to revisit this idea and this topic than to start with the alphabet?" 

Let's be honest: Parenting is a way in which adults use their time with their own children to impart values near and dear to them. Issues relating to sexuality and expression of it should be handled by the parents of children, not the media, and certainly not the government. However, media giants under the guise of artistic freedom have decided to break those boundaries. Disney has done it before with the live action Beauty and the Beast, Pixar is now doing it with Onward, and it's only the beginning. Anyone in the industry can tell you their ranks include those who prey on children and young teens. Where is the line drawn?

This is not just an inclusive reflection of our society. For those so inclined, this type of media is also a form of grooming- preparing children to be sexualized and used by adults for their own gratification. 

If the #MeToo movement has taught us anything, it's taught us that it's time to stop allowing this madness to continue.

This ongoing assault against children needs to stop. The producers of this garbage are leaving us no choice but to make hard decisions.  Who will lead the way?

Mouse vs. Rat: My Most Anticipated Disney Happenings for 2020

This year will be a Beast for Disney theme park attractions with an absolutely stunning line up of brand new experiences around the globe. What makes this year's list? The top photo should give you a clue regarding one of the items.

Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast- Tokyo Disneyland

It won't be the first big attraction to debut, but the March grand opening of Tokyo Disneyland's newest and much anticipated Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast is the one I am most looking forward to! What a way to kick off a new decade's attraction scorecard. (Here's the 2010 to 2019 Disney attraction scorecard.)

Can a Disney theme park attraction turn an iconic, beloved film into a hit? You bet! And it can happen only at Tokyo Disneyland! Just imagine a full sized castle housing a trackless "E" Ticket ride chock full of the most fluid Audio-Animatronics ever created. Think of it as the new century Haunted Mansion - lots of fairytale romance and charm but without the otherworldly aspects.  Add in a sweeping soundtrack and exceptional craftsmanship bring it all to life. If there were only one attraction from Asia that could come to the States, this would get my vote.  

Rise of the Resistance- Disneyland

Lest you think I've turned in my man card, this instantly epic Star Wars attraction also makes this year's list. While another trip to Walt Disney World is years away at best, having family in Southern California means Disneyland is the location I will most likely first ride the centerpiece attraction at Galaxy's Edge. Based on what I've seen, this proves the Imagineers still have it. Rise brings everything Beauty and the Beast has plus an adrenaline rush. It doesn't get much better than this, making Walt Disney's original Disneyland the still reigning king of best Magic Kingdom ever.

Onward

What is it with the one word titles for their movies, but Disney park attractions are saddled with names that take almost as long to say as the ride time? No matter. This Chris Pratt and Tom Holland Pixar movie looks to hit all the right notes. You might even dare to call it the male equivalent of Frozen but without the over the top Broadway numbers and quasi political correctness leanings. I prefer to think of it as an animated take off on Tommy Boy, the great Chris Farley / David Spade adventure. Can't wait.

Avengers Campus- California Adventure

Another shooter attraction anchors this new land. Not necessarily a thrill and certainly on its own not worth a visit to Anaheim's second Disney park when the better, bigger, older brother is right next door. So why am I so anticipating this addition? Bluntly, I want to see if Disney can pull this off. 

Marvel is just an amazing brand, and the stories told have resulted in a series of films worthy of any other Intellectual Property. In the theme park competition, Universal's Islands of Adventure holds the crown with The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, an attraction built over 20 years ago. Was Disney wise or just scared in building a mega Spider-Man attraction to compete with it? Did they just go simple so that they wouldn't have to? Meet and greets, a brewery, and places to drop cash do not make a great land. Will this shooter ride really travel outside? (Look closer at the concept art.) If it does, it will be the first time a "C Ticket" dark ride travels into the fresh air since the Alice in Wonderland attraction made its debut in 1958. That would surely make it more interesting.

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway- Disney's Hollywood Studios

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure- Epcot

It's Mouse vs. Rat, and my prediction is that the mouse will win by a landslide. But that rat has plenty to offer! Ratatouille is one of my Pixar favorites. And purists may scoff, but I find the brand new Mickey Mouse cartoons clever, zany, and ultimately full of a charm and playfulness that has long been missing from the Company mascot. The business side of the company would not put a less than incredible attraction together for the mouse that made them famous and a century of cash. Nor would they plan to place it in additional parks as quickly as they are unless it was that good. Imagineer Kevin Rafferty has convinced me this will be worth waiting for. 

Epcot's World Showcase needs a fun family friendly ride. Remy's Ratatouille Adventure is a solid "D Ticket" attraction that will give Frozen Ever After some Fast Pass competition.  I may not entirely like the direction Epcot is headed (see here), but this is one instance where the property fits the theme. 

Mulan

Full Disclosure: I have a connection to this film, one which I will not divulge. That said, I love the animated original, and I really appreciate the legends of the Asian cultures. I'm very curious as to how removing the musical aspects will effect my enjoyment of the film. If nothing else, I expect this to be a visual masterpiece.

Disney Jungle Cruise

Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt as mismatched adventurers in a 1940s type film. What's not to like? If it's even close to the playful exotic vibe of the Indiana Jones series of films, I'll be one happy camper. 

Hong Kong Disneyland's Castle Transformation

The suits are righting a wrong here. With Mainland China and Hong Kong in their eternal pissing match, Disney was dead wrong not to give this first Chinese park its own unique icon. It's about time this happened.

There you go, my most anticipated Disney happenings for 2020. Will I be disappointed or pleased? What are you most looking forward to in the Disney world?

(All images copyright The Walt Disney Company.)