The “Happily, Ever After” Mindset
The following chapter is from Full Circle: 101 Short Stories, Essays, and Insights to Improve Communication Skills
When thinking of Walt Disney, you may think of his famous animations.
But very few know about his career when the U.S was at war.
During the war, many countries weren’t showing Walt’s films.
Which plummeted his cash flow.
Tough times ensued for Disney Studios.
But there was one saving grace:
- The government.
The government hired Walt’s studio for educational films and stories on the disasters of communism.
Walt’s storytelling taught soldiers how to use certain equipment and gave them added inspiration to fight for their country.
After the war was over, many leaders dubbed Walt one of the greatest teachers of all time.
Despite being an ally for the US, Walt’s films also had a lot of negative side effects.
It may have distorted some people’s view of reality.
One thing common in Disney films is the happily-ever-after narrative.
The moviegoers see the prince and princess getting married after a bunch of conflicts.
The film ends with:
‘Then the 2 lived happily ever after.’
Many moviegoers accidentally bring this narrative into reality.
They don’t see the part where the prince and princess argue over where to go for their honeymoon once the film is over.
Reality is a lot messier than movies.
In my book, The Art & Science of Storytelling, I share how all stories need a:
- Character
- Conflict
- Lesson
Art imitates life.
Not all stories have the coveted happy ending.
But all stories do have a lesson.
