STEP: STudent Ecumenical Partnership

Cinderella goes to jail

Katie Blaisdell As the police led me away in handcuffs to the tune of “We Shall Overcome” and chants of “Si se puede!”, I found myself wondering if this was what Jesus meant when he said, “I was in prison and you comforted me.”

You see, I was standing with a thousand protestors representing 2,300 hotel workers at Disneyland whose livelihood is under the threat of corporate greed. Dressed as Cinderella, I stood with Esmerelda and Aladdin and Peter Pan to remind Disney of the image it has shown of how good can triumph over evil, and how those of good character will win the day. Disney characters are models for our children, who learn that paupers can become princes and servants can become princesses if they stand firm in faith and if they are treated with respect.

Our argument was this: Disney is no longer showing good faith; it has forsaken the image of its characters and betrayed the values of justice. As an industry leader, it should create a standard for the workplace that other employers strive to meet, treating its workers with dignity and fairness, so that others are empowered to do the same. Instead of abandoning its place of moral leadership in Orange County, Disney must join hands with the community to lift up its workers, building good will on the firm foundation of community instead of profit on the backs of its workers. In trying to say all this to Disney, we also blocked the street through which cars enter the park, and so 32 of us — costumed and singing the songs of solidarity — were arrested.

But over the sound of police orders and a thousand chanting workers came a still small voice that reminded me what brought me to this place. I felt proud of the values I have been taught by the church, the values of justice and love for all of God’s children. I thought of my parents, worrying at home, who have never backed down in the face of injustice, and of my sister who taught me to stand up to bullies. I was renewed at each moment by the glow of a faithful heritage, the warmth of the teachings of Jesus, and the light of the Holy Spirit.

For more information:

Orange County Register's coverage of the protest

Mickey Mouse and Katie in the paddywagon

Katie's previous stories:

Katie Blaisdell is a member of the Student Ecumenical Partnership (STEP) Leadership Team and is a member of Hilo Church United Church of Christ in Hilo, Hawai'i, and First Christian Church in Concord, California.



		Cinderella goes to jail As the police led me away in handcuffs to the tune of “We Shall Overcome” and chants of “Si se puede!”, I found myself wondering if this was what Jesus meant when he said, “I was in prison and you comforted me.” You see, I was standing with a thousand protestors representing 2,300 hotel workers at Disneyland whose livelihood is under the threat of corporate greed. Dressed as Cinderella, I stood with Esmerelda and Aladdin and Peter Pan to remind Disney of the image it has shown of how good can triumph over evil, and how those of good character will win the day. Disney characters are models for our children, who learn that paupers can become princes and servants can become princesses if they stand firm in faith and if they are treated with respect. Our argument was this: Disney is no longer showing good faith; it has forsaken the image of its characters and betrayed the values of justice. As an industry leader, it should create a standard for the workplace that other employers strive to meet, treating its workers with dignity and fairness, so that others are empowered to do the same. Instead of abandoning its place of moral leadership in Orange County, Disney must join hands with the community to lift up its workers, building good will on the firm foundation of community instead of profit on the backs of its workers. In trying to say all this to Disney, we also blocked the street through which cars enter the park, and so 32 of us — costumed and singing the songs of solidarity — were arrested. But over the sound of police orders and a thousand chanting workers came a still small voice that reminded me what brought me to this place. I felt proud of the values I have been taught by the church, the values of justice and love for all of God’s children. I thought of my parents, worrying at home, who have never backed down in the face of injustice, and of my sister who taught me to stand up to bullies. I was renewed at each moment by the glow of a faithful heritage, the warmth of the teachings of Jesus, and the light of the Holy Spirit. For more information: Orange County Register's coverage of the protest Mickey Mouse and Katie in the paddywagon Katie's previous stories: Corpus Christi Jesus without borders Run fast and walk slow Katie Blaisdell is a member of the Student Ecumenical Partnership (STEP) Leadership Team and is a member of Hilo Church United Church of Christ in Hilo, Hawai'i, and First Christian Church in Concord, California.