The Atom according to Disney

By: Elizabeth W. Mechling and Jay Mechling

Thesis:

Thus, both in its intent and in its execution, Disney’s “Our Friend
the Atom” project was a significant event in the nuclear
education of Americans at the height of the Cold War. (pg. 436)

Major Arguments:
➢ Disney = Master Narrator
o Disney tells the story of the
past, defines the future
Contributions to the Field
o Widespread influence into a
variety of media outlets and
➢ Presented Disney’s role in the
institutions
construction of defining scientific
➢ Execution of Film Project
narratives.
o Disney’s concern with
➢ Examined how Disney “naturalized” the
“science factual”
atom.
o Ward Kimball = key role in
➢ Articulated Disney’s “view” of science at
connecting Disney and
the time: “…namely, that a few, isolated,
scientist Haber
lonely men…make the most important
➢ “Our Friend the Atom”…
discoveries toward creating a more
o story of genie and fisherman
perfect world” (pg. 450).
symbolically parallels the
“discovery of the atom’s
secrets” To be prepped for the discussion, please
➢ Intertextual Relationships/Social
Dynamics consider the following questions:
o 1950’s = great faith in
American science 1. Considering the article and wider
o “Friendly atom” was a “pop culture” (Disney included),
common topic how is the relationship between
➢ Genie Metaphor: science and magic manifested?
o Conversation with other 2. Would you consider “Our Friend
Disney films the Atom” as propaganda? Why
o Orientalism = appeal and or why not?
transformation of counter- 3. In what ways is science
cultural narratives “domesticated” or “naturalized” in
o Loss of tragic element = our narratives today? Who is the
themes of autonomy and “no villain in those narratives? Who
consequences” emerging is in control?