Politics, Marketing and Narnia

Governor Jeb Bush of Florida is under scrutiny for recommending The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as part of the state's "Just Read" campaign. But that's what happens when you mix marketing and religion. The recommendation comes as part of Disney's and Walden Media's promotional campaign for the upcoming film: three lucky essay-contest winners get to see a private screening of the movie plus two nights at a Disney resort. Complicating matters, of course, is the fact that Walden Media financier Philip Anschutz is a Republican, and naturally therefore a contributor to conservative political causes. And if the SBC were still boycotting Disney, I'm sure Bush would be under scrutiny from them, too.

UPDATE: Americans United for the Separation of Church and State has now waded into the fray, officially asking Governor Bush to withdraw the title.

Oh, how does art get so complicated?

MORE HERE and HERE
Palm Beach Post, 04.10.05 & 21.10.05