It was a matter of time before someone mistook or misused the narcissistic selfie-stick for a traditional weapon. Disney World has banned the selfie-stick from its theme parks citing security concerns. By Ujuh Reporter
Reports from the US say Disney World has passed a new policy, effective from the 1st of July 2015, preventing entry of selfie-sticks in its theme parks in Paris, Hong Kong and California (Disneyland Resort).
Disney World spokeswoman, Kim Prunty, is quoted saying “We strive to provide a great experience for the entire family, and unfortunately selfie-sticks have become a growing safety concern for both our guests and cast.”
It is not difficult to see why Disney World is concerned. The Selfie Stick can easily be turned into a club, an assegai or a sword.
The selfie-stick has become a new sensation in the world of the Me Media with sales skyrocketing across the globe in recent years. In 2014 the selfie-stick was listed in the Time magazine’s 25 best inventions of the year.
The mobile phone accessory is described in Wikipedia as “A selfie stick is a monopod used to take selfie photographs by positioning a smartphone or camera beyond the normal range of the arm.
“The metal sticks are typically extendable, with a handle on one end and an adjustable clamp on the other end to hold a phone in place. Some have remote or Bluetooth controls, letting the user decide when to take the picture.”
The prevailing version of the selfie-stick is largely attributed to Canadian inventor Wayne Fromm who patented his “Quik Pod” in 2005. Nevertheless an instrument of this nature has been around from the 1980’s with most indications pointing Minolta as the source.
The selfie-stick has also caught on in South Africa with increased visibility over the past 12 months or so. It is not difficult to imagine South African entertaining venues banning the selfie-stick. South Africa has bad experience of traditional weapons. It would seem the Disney policy was too late to cover the 2015 Johannesburg chapter of Disney On Ice, judging by the amount of Selfie Stick like selfies coming out of the event. www.ujuh.co.za
