The "Disney" here in Cambodia that I have identified is Sokha Angkor Resorts located in Siem Reap.
Sokha Angkor Resorts as suggested by the name is very near to the famous Angkor Wat temples. Therefore, they are obliged to design their hotels like Angkor Wat, which features having stone sculptures around the hotel. It is just like Disneyland, where they hotels have to be themed like Disney, having Mickey Mouse features etc in the room. So in the hotel of Sokha Angkor Resorts, the design is forced to be like the Angkor Wat temples.
Another aspect of Disneyization is the performative labour. Performative labour is the growing tendency for frontline service work to be viewed as a performance. And like Disney, performers perform in their costumes to attract foreigners, to gain attraction. In the hotel, there are cultural performances, and this is also in an aid to attract foreigners and to gain more attention. It is deliberately staged, not something real or it is not something they are interested in doing out of their own free will. They are the frontline service staff, but they are performing.
Those are the Disneyization of Cambodia. The effects of Disneyization is everywhere, even in countries like Cambodia. Slowly, Disneyization is going to be literally everywhere. Theming, performative labour, merchandising etc. Do not be surprised if one day someone walks out of the toilet cubicle looking like minnie mouse.
Reference Links:
No comments:
Post a Comment