What Would Walt Do? a Response to the Scouts, Disney and an Insistence on Tolerance

What Would Walt Do? A Response to the Scouts, Disney and an Insistence on Tolerance
What Would Walt Do? A Response to the Scouts, Disney and an Insistence on Tolerance

When I was invited to opine on the controversy over policies regarding sexual orientation of Disney regarding the Boy Scouts of America, I admit that I am not one that gets wrapped up in the current hyper-divisive socio-political news trends of the day.


I am not a politician or a pundit. I am not a judge. I am just a dad - a dad that loves both Disney and Scouting.

Let me start by saying that I have what many people would consider terrible parties. I look at the people in my life and it's a cornucopia of cultural flavors, from the street cop, the yoga teacher, the ex-hippie graphic designer, the ultra-libertarian day trader, the ex-Marine, the freemason, the orthodox Jewish writer, the Mormon football coach, the Korean physicist, the socialist, Nordic ski coach, the Buddhist gun-carrying small businessman, the African-American ex-cheerleader, the trucking company owner, the entrepreneur, the Lutheran pastor, the ultra-liberal, animal-loving human resource executive, the activist, the affable software salesman, the punk-rock carpenter and more odd ducks with lots of spark. I find it absolutely thrilling that we live in a nation where we don't co-exist as knaves and lords.

While at a glance you would think they do not mix, I love them all. These people are more than labels. In fact, the label hardly describes them, for people are sophisticated and more than just one thing. They all defy buckets and most would surprise you once the walls come down.

Just this week, I was graced by my friendship with two men that are polar opposites. One a former army captain that works in oil and gas and another who is a graphic arts businessman that's also Jewish and gay. The commentators on the news channels aren't my friends, but these people are. They care, and the topic of conversation is often character and trust. I walk the journey of life with two people that definitely would not agree on the subject.

I pondered this and wondered, "What would Walt do?"

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Being a fan of his theme parks, I suggest that our point of reference is the world that he constructed, one viewed via a child's eyes.

If we were to begin, we walk down Main Street USA, a celebration of the American tradition. From there we ramble through Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, and all of the places where our imagination soars. These are places that do not know hate. At the opposite end, I often think about how smartly placed "It's a Small World" is in the original park. It's a place of refuge where children of the world gather and express their cultural differences but sing in the same tune that unites them.

This is the same with the Boy Scout Scouts of America. With a program that instills leadership, character, and physical fitness, young men (and in the case of Venturing Crews, young women) can explore a wide range of vocations and avocations through 130+ Merit Badge Program. No other program provides youth the opportunity to find their niche like scouting. Walt also recognized this in producing the classic film, Follow Me Boys.

Walt Disney's showcase, Epcot, also celebrates progress. It's a celebration of the Indomitable Human Spirit that unites us the world over. America is a shining beacon, forged in our traditions and evolved in the unshackling quest for freedom for people regardless of gender, race, culture, or religion. We have the debate today on people with a sexual orientation.

What I cannot deny is that there have been many contributions to the USA by those from both sides of the sexual orientation argument. I have great friends in the arts, the defense of our nation, and in business who wear every stripe or label that someone might cast upon them. I would suggest that they don't fit the mold that others hope to force them into. This I know: each and every one of them was once a child with a dream.

To deny a child opportunity based on race or creed is a shame. To hurt or exploit a child is a crime. We balance protecting and encouraging our children to live their dreams, knowing that it takes "all kinds". This is a dad's duty. A father must lead and nurture his own children but also respect the decisions of other parents who are trying to do the best for the ones they love. Should we not encourage our children to find their truth - to be positive and to contribute within our natural rights? I think so. Lord Baden-Powell agreed, by famously saying, "The spirit is there in every boy; it has to be discovered and brought to light."

Today I don't worry about a survey or the news. I see people, and I shall not hate. I know an army officer who is gay that has earned my respect many times over. If that person should want to present to my young scout on the Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge, I'd be honored. I also know an evangelical guy that I'd love to go to Epcot with for a beer.

See you at the Park…

Photo source: thinkstock

-By Douglas Liles

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