"Disney look" lawsuit

[SRT_GB]

I wonder if they also want a clean shaven Santa so they can glue on thier own stache and beard.

The last time I looked at the Santa casting guidelines (2003 or so), I got the impression that's exactly what they do.

[ktulu]

Here is the story on this from the AP:

TAMPA, Fla. — A University of South Florida student says Disney officials told him he didn't fit the "Disney look" when he applied for a job.

Now, 24-year-old Sukhbir Channa is suing Disney World. He claims the company discriminated against him because of his turban and uncut hair, which his Sikh religion requires.

He was applying to be a trumpet player during the 2006 holiday season.

A Disney spokeswoman says they have no record of Channa applying for the job then and that the company does not discriminate against anyone.

The suit was filed in Tampa on Monday where the university is located and where the hiring process took place. He's seeking $1 million in punitive damages.

Perhaps he thinks he can make a buck off of a corporation based on a policy his brothers sisters cousins neighbors former roommate told him about. I call shenanigans!

Besides, if he did get the job and the costume on stage required him to wear a hat, would he just put it on top of his turban? What if it required a chin strap as well?

[Princess Susi]

If they are in a *role* of a character, they need to fit into what the character's characteristics are. It is just like being in a movie or play or any other role. They need to LOOK like who they are portraying. There are some people that are not gonna be hired in those positions because of what they look like, or that their religion designates them to wear certain clothes.

And I hope to high heaven that we don't become so PC as to lose the story altogether because someone wants to play a part they do not fit. It seems more and more nowadays people are trying to bend roles and other things in our society just to be PC and not hurt anyone's feelings at the loss of rich story telling. PC will ruin the tapestry that is our life. Tho I am sure that there are those who will say that diversifying the age old roles will only enrich it. I say Phoo...eeeyy! Stories, myths, and fairytales should remain true to their roots!

Hey I would love to be Belle's best frend, but I am a 6 ft tall middle aged graying brunette and I do NOT fit that position. Only in my mind...So I agree that if you want to be hired at Disney, you are going to have to forego any role you don't look like. Sorry Charlie! Not everyone gets to be the Princess!

sues

[KidAtHeart]

This topic actually came up on my last trip to the World, when certain other people on this board tried more than once to get me to go into casting (you know who you are, but you have no idea how close you came to getting me in there!). I have a degree in costuming, and would love to get involved in that aspect (though becoming friends with a character would be even more fun, of course!), or get into guest relations as a tour guide.

I've been told that isn't possible, even in costuming, unless I want to do laundry.

For those who haven't seen, I happen to have a small, tasteful tattoo around my ankle. It's small enough that, in fact, most people I work with only noticed it after two or three months (Despite my wearing skirts on a regular basis).

Does my having a tattoo make me any less capable? Does it cause me to react or behave differently than I would if I hadn't gotten said tattoo? Should it keep me from being friends with a character, or being a great tour guide? No, but it does.

[BRWombat]

This topic actually came up on my last trip to the World, when certain other people on this board tried more than once to get me to go into casting (you know who you are, but you have no idea how close you came to getting me in there!). I have a degree in costuming, and would love to get involved in that aspect (though becoming friends with a character would be even more fun, of course!), or get into guest relations as a tour guide.

I've been told that isn't possible, even in costuming, unless I want to do laundry.

For those who haven't seen, I happen to have a small, tasteful tattoo around my ankle. It's small enough that, in fact, most people I work with only noticed it after two or three months (Despite my wearing skirts on a regular basis).

Does my having a tattoo make me any less capable? Does it cause me to react or behave differently than I would if I hadn't gotten said tattoo? Should it keep me from being friends with a character, or being a great tour guide? No, but it does.

I thought the standard was "no visible tattoos." Am I wrong? If that's the standard, your small, tasteful ankle tattoo shouldn't be a problem -- and even in the unlikely event your costume called for visible ankles, I bet it could be covered with makeup.

[ktulu]

When bad parenting and PC go wrong:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/w ... 083278.ece

[Ladyfair]

I know I'm kind of new, but... may I vent for a moment?

WHY oh WHY do they have to make a big deal out of him being from USF??

I swear I think that this is half of the reason it made the news! Is there some kind of conspiracy that makes every USF student that turns into a verson of a SG into fodder for the national news? (Or is this a UCF plot?)

Yes, USF has a HUGE population of Middle Eastern/Indian students. Trust me, you can't walk past a building without seeing large groups, etc. When I first began teaching there, we had seminars about how to deal with "differing cultures" meaning that particular group. In my case, I teach Humanities/Art History so my course naturally has naked bodies displayed in my lectures and discussions. We also deal with the role of religion in art, and its a course required for graduation. It can get interesting at times!

Anyway, what I would like to know is WHY they had to mention USF - does that have anything to do with his current job situation? I understand he is an alumni, therefore has no current affiliation... why mention it at all?

We also have 45K other people from all walks of life, that have accomplished wonderful things in their chosen fields - but all you ever hear about the place are the "terrorist" connections. Its a valid point, yes, but in this situation? I don't think so!

OK - rant over, and thank you for letting me vent!

[vixen101485]

When bad parenting and PC go wrong:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/w ... 083278.ece

YEESH!

[Freak]

^ WTF? LOL, yeah, you go ahead and try to get me fired for doing my job, I have a steel pipe in my car I'd like you to meet....

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

When bad parenting and PC go wrong:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/w ... 083278.ece

Hmm, I bet this trend hits the state real soon.