“Our story takes place in a nice, cozy, little barnyard…”
And that is how Disney began its 1943 animated short, “Chicken Little.”
Two marvels about this work of art are how it:
- was a politically activated cartoon—or, as Leonard Maltin described it, a “war parable.”
- resonates with current events in America and elsewhere in the world.
Originally, animators had the pernicious Foxy Loxy character reading quotes from the book “Mein Kampf.” Yes, it’s true. As you can see in the ten-minute cartoon, Disney changed the book’s title to “Psychology”—but kept the Nazi manifesto quotes.
These 82-year-old cartoon quotes offer disturbing parallels:
“To influence the masses, aim first at the least intelligent.”
Oppressors prey on those who are fearful or lack access to critical information. The oppressed are more likely to believe in and follow simple, authoritative answers. By offering safety, simplicity and unity, bullies secure complicity from those who might otherwise question or resist coercion
“If you tell a ‘em a lie, don’t tell a little one. Tell a big one.”
Big lies help tyrants consolidate power, control the narrative, create fear, legitimize injustice, suppress dissent, maintain popular support, undermine independent institutions, and build a cult of personality…all to keep themselves in unchecked control. As Foxy Loxy says, “Dinner is served.”
“Undermine the faith of the masses in their leaders.”
Authoritarian systems tend to target those advocating for rights, freedoms and systemic change while seeking to maintain control over institutions that reinforce their power. To undermine leaders, despots will also fan fears that “redistribution of power” means “redistribution of wealth.
“By the use of flattery, insignificant people can be made to look upon themselves as foreign leaders.”
Narcissists have an inflated sense of self-importance and entitlement. They overcompensate by creating compelling narratives, dominating political spaces and manipulating the vulnerabilities of people who feel desperate or uncertain.
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“Chicken Little” animated short and all illustrations in this post © Disney
Isn’t the historical resonance of a WWII-era Disney cartoon stunning? At the same time, is it not an excellent example of artistic activism? The simplicity of the animated short, its well-drawn characters and the horrifying source material also provide clues for cunning, creative responses in 2025.
Please consider how you might mobilize your creative talent for democracy and social justice.
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