Disney, an Influence on Modern AmericaWhile most consider Walt Disney to be the creator of the Disney film empire and the Disney theme parks, those like Author Steven Watts, who thinks more deeply about Disney, considers him "the influential architect of modern America" ​​(Watts, p. 4). Although Walt Disney's genius affected many aspects of American and now foreign cultures, his empire had a significant impact on what people experience during their childhood. BACKGROUND TO THE DISNEY EMPIRE Walter “Walt” Disney was born December 5, 1901, in Illinois, but lived most of his life in Missouri. He began drawing and painting at a very young age and sold his work to family friends and people in the neighborhood. Growing up, he went to work with his uncle who was a railway engineer. Disney loved trains and sold food and newspapers to train passengers (Biography.com). In high school, Disney took photography and drawing classes and in the evenings he took classes at the Chicago Art Institute. Disney left high school at age 16, joining the Red Cross and going to France to drive an ambulance. He stayed a year in France and upon his return to the United States, his brother Roy found him a job in an art studio. He left the art studio for a job at the Kansas City Film Ad Company where he learned how to use cut-out animation to make commercials. Considering all of his talents, Disney made the decision to open his own animation company (Biography.com). Unfortunately, this first attempt at owning his own studio was not successful. He had a few short animated fairy tales to produce, but the company quickly went bankrupt. However, he hasn't given up on the idea of ​​having his own study...... middle of paper ......disney text messages, these really can't be validated as having any real effect on children and families. There is nothing wrong with providing children with a fantastical and imaginative world. Parents, as well as the Disney corporation, support the idea that a child should be a child. Children should have fun and enjoy the world of imagination when they are little. Parents also benefit from the world of imagination by offering it to their children. Disney's impact on our society is based on providing this fantasy world to children. No other company in the world can do this with such success. It’s a niche that kids gravitate toward. Yes, it makes a ton of money for the company, but there's nothing wrong with providing products and services that kids want. Although Disney is still present in our society, the impact on culture is positive..