LA's Unreal and Disneyland's Disillusionment: Reflections on a Family Trip
2025-02-15
A family's Thanksgiving trip to Disneyland sparks reflections on the unreal nature of Los Angeles and Disneyland as a symbol of the American Dream. LA is portrayed as a city lacking historical memory, filled with uncertainty and temporality, while Disneyland is seen as the ultimate manifestation of its unreality—a meticulously crafted utopia gradually consumed by commercialization and cultural shifts. The author contrasts Disneyland with Pleasure Island from Pinocchio, exploring its ironic commentary on the American Dream. Ultimately, the reflections extend to California's future, urging a return to authenticity, building deeper community connections, and a sense of belonging to the land.