Popular Culture Review 29.2
identities . While many Hispanic and Latino groups celebrate Catholic holidays in similar ways , sub-groups have more-specific traditions that distinguish themselves based upon their local traditions .
Problems may arise when Disney definitions of Hispanic / Latino do not align with how Hispanic / Latino peoples define and view themselves . Contributing to this is the use of the Three Caballeros for ¡ Viva Navidad ! at DCA . The Three Caballeros consists of Donald Duck ( a citizen of the United States ), Panchito Pistoles ( representing Mexico ) and José Carioca ( representing Brazil ). 1944 ’ s The Three Caballeros has been frequently discussed as a Hollywood propaganda tool under FDR ’ s Good Neighbor Policy in the 1940s to promote and ensure good relations between the United States and South America ( Spellacy “ Mapping the Metaphor of the Good Neighbor : Geography , Globalism , and Pan-Americanism in the 1940s ”). The use of the Three Caballeros within ¡ Viva Navidad ! celebrations coincides with a modern version of the Good Neighbor Policy that focuses Disneyland ’ s surrounding neighborhoods , as well as propaganda to continue friendly economic , political , and cultural relationships with Mexico and countries in South America .
In addition to the presence and visibility of Donald , Panchito , and José as the Three Caballeros , Mickey , Minnie , and Goofy are also present during ¡ Viva Navidad ! celebrations in Disney versions of traditional folklorico and mariachi outfits . Again , Mickey , Minnie , and Goofy are read as white , and when they are wearing the traditional garb of ethnic groups not their own , it becomes more than a simple costume and can potentially be read as wearing ‘ brown-face ’ to essentialize and stereotype Hispanics and Latinos . However , visitors are delighted to see these mainstay Disney characters participat-
142