So, if you’re not familiar with Father Nathan Monk on FB, you should be (https://www.facebook.com/fathernathan/). Below is an unsettling story he shared about a Samoan friend of his and Disney security. These are his words, not mine, but I think we know what to do here:
“Everyone knows I’m one of the biggest Disney fans ever and I don’t like having to call them out. Especially because they’ve been working really hard on representation in all of their recent films. But something happened to my buddy Kyle Paala this week that really has me upset. Kyle is Samoan, he’s a tall brown guy with long curly hair and tattoos. He kinda resembles a certain demi-god. Kyle is an annual Passholder to Disneyland and when Moana first came out he was stoked to find out that his culture would be represented in film. Imagine his surprise when one of the main characters truly looked a whole lot like him! After the film was released, Kyle would be stopped literally everywhere he went, the mall, walking around downtown, and of course at Disneyland. Little kids stopping him and calling him Maui. Well, a few days ago he was approached by Disney security and told that he was being watched and he needed to consider even changing his appearance. It should be noted this isn’t coming from top Disney execs but just some nosy park security. However, it’s got Kyle pretty upset and he’s been trying to get the word out that people need to stop calling him Maui. But how are you going to stop excited children who don’t know better? He doesn’t dress like him at the parks, he doesn’t go by that name, he introduces himself as Kyle. He’s just Samoan. He is truly one of the most loving, kind, and generous people ever. He’s also a diehard Disney fan. It’s a real shame that he’s being shunned instead of embraced. Don’t kick Kyle out! Hire him or something. Because clearly, people love him. I sure know I do!”
Thoughtfulfangirling 