During a recent visit to Disneyland, attendees encountered a surprising protest relating to the “It’s a Small World” attraction. A woman was seen carrying a doll holding a sign that read “Remember Hiroshima,” which drew widespread attention and speculation on social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit. Videos of the event garnered significant views as visitors questioned the protest’s intent and how the doll passed through the park’s stringent security measures. The displayed doll appeared in the attraction itself, positioned strategically near a tunnel along the boat ride route, further amplifying its visibility.
The individual behind this unusual protest is Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s. In an interview, he explained that the campaign is part of his “Up in Arms” initiative, aimed at raising awareness regarding the U.S. military’s substantial budget and stockpiling of weapons. Cohen emphasized that the protest was relevant to ongoing policies that extend beyond the current administration, suggesting that past U.S. leaders have also contributed to military spending issues. He positioned the “It’s a Small World” exhibit as a poignant reminder of the need for global compassion and collective memory regarding tragic historical events like the Hiroshima bombings.
This protest coincided with the approaching 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombings, a moment when over 100,000 lives were tragically lost. Cohen highlighted this backdrop to underline the importance of remembering such events and asserting that the lessons learned have seemingly been forgotten. He expressed particular concern over the recent conflicts, particularly the war in Gaza, which he views as a pressing moral dilemma. His assertion is that military spending and support to nations engaged in conflict create a cycle of violence that disproportionately affects innocent children and families.
Cohen’s critique isn’t restricted to the current political landscape; he noted that the issues with U.S. military expenditure are bipartisan and lengthy, highlighting longstanding policies that have perpetuated such spending. While he acknowledged the Trump administration’s role, he asserted that previous presidents have also been complicit in the country’s ongoing nuclear armament efforts. The tone of his remarks reflects a deep frustration with bipartisan support for military expansion while neglecting domestic issues that affect American families.
In contrast, former President Trump had proposed a “peace through strength” approach, promoting military readiness as a deterrent against international conflicts. He criticized previous military engagements and insisted on a need to prioritize American interests over overseas interventions. This dichotomy presents the ongoing debate regarding military philosophy in U.S. politics and the challenges of addressing complex international relationships in a manner that does not lead to violence or loss of innocent lives.
Following the protest, Disneyland officials confirmed that the doll had been removed from the attraction, with a cast member enforcing park rules. Cohen’s efforts are part of a broader four-year campaign aimed at reshaping budget priorities toward domestic needs rather than military expenditures. He articulated a vision for a compassionate society that focuses on delivering essential services to families and reducing the reliance on military solutions around the world. The protest at Disneyland encapsulates Cohen’s broader mission to confront systemic issues and provoke discussions surrounding the ramifications of the military-industrial complex on both domestic and international fronts.
