TV & Film
Hey Everyone! A Letter from a Host Today’s episode of Boardwalk Talk marks the end of a roughly four-year journey. At the precipice of posting the conclusion to our show, I find myself more relieved than I am disappointed. What had once begun as a couple of Disney fans reflecting on their hobby soon revealed itself to be a one-way ticket to the sausage factory, describing in gruesome detail how the things that make us happy can also illicit immense disappointment. Creating a podcast seems simple at the onset. All we had to do was set up a few microphones, write a basic rundown covering that week’s material, and talk at a blank computer screen for a couple of hours. Though somewhat true, this summary fails to appreciate the crushing nihilism that comes from critiquing a hobby. Pivoting mild interest into routine focus unveils the truths better left unspoken, and in turn, creates a juxtaposition between the hobby you once had and the job you now fill. This seems to be the reason why audiences and creators differ so greatly in their opinions. Somebody who engages in the Disney community with the sole goal of enjoying themselves can step away at the thought of genuine criticism. It’s no wonder why so many people love everything made by the company, as it’s a decision towards willful ignorance that preserves the escapism. Were we too negative, or did we choose to address the issues instead of ignoring them? I would like to think the latter. As we conclude the show, the Disney content landscape lies at the brim of total decimation. Rather than use a platform for meaningful artistic criticism, creators have begun to reflect the audience’s sheer ignorance of reality. No longer do we see pieces on Disney’s mistreatment of cast members, focus-group filmmaking, or embarrassing management of key products like the parks or Disney+, as most of the content turns directly to what the fans want to hear. It’s all great, and it’s all Disney. I question the journalistic integrity and critical aptitude of anybody who loves everything they see. The moment you trade-in analysis for attention, you admit to being a failure. Boardwalk Talk has always been a space for Ryan and me to share our genuine opinions. We loved what we loved, disliked what we disliked, and as fans of the medium, wanted to see theme parks grow. Our core was not negativity, but a passion for a sector of art that we knew could be so much greater. Seeing others use podcasting as a means of garnering attention without adding anything meaningful to the conversation has dampened our will to continue, but I see no reason why this trend cannot be reversed. I want to leave you all with a sentiment echoed at the end of the show. Ryan and I share similar perspectives on life, insofar that we both believe in the necessary trait of respect. As Ryan so aptly put it, “be good humans.” Respect others who may be different than you, as their individuality is what truly makes this a life worth living. From this, I ask you to respect yourselves. Be critical when engaging with the world, and always ask for what you deserve. You deserve more than what these companies are giving, and without recognizing this disrespect, you will be doomed to repeat this cycle of consumption ad infinitum. — — Ryan Dorman From both of us at Boardwalk Talk, we want to thank our listeners for joining us throughout the show. We hope that you enjoyed our brand of commentary and that you’ll continue to follow the site for your Disney news. We want to thank Zach Perilstein for the platform to speak our opinions and all of our guests for joining us to talk Disney! We couldn’t have done it without your help. You can reach us at @OpenMothersMale and @OpentheDorman on Twitter. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can find the episode here: iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/boardwalk-talk/id1265209747?mt=2 Podbean: https://boardwalktimes.podbean.com/ Thanks for listening, and remember, There’s a Great, Big, Beautiful Tomorrow just a Dream away! Ryan Dorman is a Columnist and the Content Director for the Boardwalk Times. He can be found on Twitter at @OpentheDorman and as a host of the Boardwalk Talk podcast on iTunes