Deep Thunder- Eco

“Each robot obeys a program, can synchronise the movements of mouth and eyes with the words and sounds of the audio, repeating ad finitum all day long the established part…and the visitor, caught off guard by the succession of events, obliged to see several things at once…has not time to look back and observe that he has just seen is already repeating his external scenario.” (Eco 204)

In Eco’s The City of Robots, he asserts that animatronics are not equal to a human employee, but better. That they are not a simulation, but a simulacrum that is real and nearly perfect in its own rite. He also argues that the guests are robots as well. But what of the Cast? In my daily observations working at the House of Mouse, I have been struck by how much like a robot the ideal cast member is. But these robots are even more extreme than the animatronics and guests.
The ideal Disney Cast member is void of individuality. Shaving of the face is required (with the exception of mustaches like Walt’s, of course) for men so that they more closely resemble the women. The exact same clothing for men and women, cut and styled in ways that are intended not only to be surreal as is their explicit intent, but also in ways that are flattering neither to a man or woman. This is a move towards androgyny. Scripts are provided for each post within the parks, and you are to repeat them with enthusiasm always. The ideal employee does not apply critical thinking or intelligence in their position, however, a high tolerance for repetition and subservience comes in handy. You are to do what you are told and when you are told; this includes going on break or to the restroom in many positions. I could go on and on and probably will in my praxis essay but I will say this for now: If Walt had had the technology, there would be no humans working as Cast members and only robots. Oh wait, he did that already.