In December of 2013 I picked up this Jim Shore “Fowl Temper”
figurine at the Animation Courtyard shop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While
in the process of purchasing this item, I got into a conversation with the cast
member at the register about Donald Duck. I had told him how Donald was my
favorite character and how much I loved this piece. We started talking more
about Donald and the cast member stated he liked Donald Duck but would not
purchase Donald Duck unless he had a happy face.
I, at once, disagreed and feel exactly the opposite. I told the cast member that the main reason that Donald appeals to me is that he exhibits human characteristics. In fact, Donald is the most human of the Mickey and Friends characters. Most Disney characters appear happy and squeaky clean. Donald has many faces and most of them are not the happy and smiling ones we’re used to seeing.
I, at once, disagreed and feel exactly the opposite. I told the cast member that the main reason that Donald appeals to me is that he exhibits human characteristics. In fact, Donald is the most human of the Mickey and Friends characters. Most Disney characters appear happy and squeaky clean. Donald has many faces and most of them are not the happy and smiling ones we’re used to seeing.
Well, there’s nothing wrong with a character showing a
little emotion, even downright indignation, frustration or anger. And as we all know, Donald is the epitome of
frustration and the master of the slow-burn. At times, we even feel sorry for
him. Donald is, in some respects, the yin to Mickey’s yang. Donald is the
“Doubting Thomas”. Donald has to be convinced, cajoled and even converted to
see the positive side of things. I mean, isn’t that like many of us? When
things are going really well, don’t we feel that it’s only a matter of time
before something bad will happen? Don’t we, in bad times, need reassurance that
everything is going to be alright? When we’re in a mood, some of us, myself
included, get frustrated or angered by just the simplest of things. Because of
these reasons, I totally relate to Donald and his many faces, even the angry
ones.
Donald isn’t the bad guy or a villain, nor is he a saint, he’s just like us, is all.
I didn’t realize until after I left the store, I should have asked the cast member what he thought about a certain dwarf or those famous Disney Villains.
Donald isn’t the bad guy or a villain, nor is he a saint, he’s just like us, is all.
I didn’t realize until after I left the store, I should have asked the cast member what he thought about a certain dwarf or those famous Disney Villains.
