ESPYs

I'm just curious about Intercotee's reactions to the Arthur Ashe Courage Award selection. I have been an avid Disney fan since I first went to Disney in 1978 and have watched ESPN since its inception. I cannot believe that a company that was founded on family and courage would honor a politically correct honoree and ignore true courage. I have never in MY LIFE been embarrassed by a company as I have been with this selection of Caitlyn Jenner for the ESPY courage award. I have no problem with his/her choices -- what you choose to do with your body is your business. However, I believe Walt Disney believed in childhood and the beauty of innocence! My son who is an avid ESPN watcher (at 10 years old) will not understand this and why a reality tv star with money chose to become a woman and someone with TRUE courage was thrown by the wayside. Disney (stock holders) are pandering to the ratings game. I have never thought twice in my life about going to Disney World or being a Disney fan but I seriously am going to do some deep soul searching about supporting Disney (ESPN) from this point forward. I can't imagine that Walt Disney could even comprehend his company's direction at this point. I know that ESPN is a different "division" from the parks but I cannot help but feel that it all goes to the same "pot" of money. The Walt Disney Company is now answering to the stockholder and must show profit and growth in all areas -- how do you should profit and growth in this day and age -- pandering to the lowest common denominator. I'm so deeply saddened that this is where Disney is today. I think we see it in all aspects of Disney -- less customer service, bottom-line cuts, less services for more money. I will go to Disney in November and I will try to enjoy what may be the last of the truly "Disney" experiences. I'm truly afraid it is all downhill from now on. :(

MODERATOR ALERT!

This is quite clearly a sensitive and controversial topic. I'll be watching this thread very closely to ensure all comments are on point, relevant, family friendly, and not offensive to those of different viewpoints.

As always if we can behave like grownups we'll be fine.

People said the same thing when WDW first started gay days. The naysayers will survive and Disney will not be at a loss. I don't feel like it was a decision made solely because of money. It would have been far easier to choose a less controversial winner which would have ruffled no one's feathers. I applaud ESPN for choosing to recognize that courage takes many forms. Kids are capable of understanding much more than most adults give them credit. My 5 and 7 year old seem to understand so I bet your 9 year old will be just fine as well. Love and acceptance are easy to teach.

I do have to agree with the OP. I feel the choice by ESPN wasn't the best. There are many more courageous people who deserved the award. I do also feel they caved to political correctness.

And, WDW never started gay days, nor do they endorse it. It's not a Disney sponsored event.

This is the main statement that needs to be understood : "There are many more courageous people who deserved the award." I also think that this could've been a private ordeal (Bruce to Kaitlin) rather than stick it all over the national news.