nlike the Russian masterwork, the shallow facade of Disney's modern Potemkin village soon broke down. Shorty after crossing the tracks, the dark, ominous, undertones that reverberate throughout this happy land became clear. In an unintended metaphor, the seemingly soft cartoon environment yielded hard plastic when touched. According to Disney Public Relations,"'Do Not Touch' signs are unknown in Toontown." Yet the enticing objects of fancy, haphazardly strewn about the land, were fiercely glued in place and the touchable doors were merely part of the wall. The surprisingly small set was designed to be seen but never examined.

Despite the overwhelming evidence of recent construction, evidently the "first new land in twenty years" has quite a history. According to Disney's parable, Toontown was once an exclusive "Toon Only" city. In a sick parallel to 'white flight,' the Toons moved out of low-rent Hollywood to this hidden suburb. But now, thanks to skilled Disney negotiators, the previously untouchable caste of non-Toons has been permitted to cross the tracks. This vivid fable of veiled racism is only the beginning of the subtle oppression hidden behind the sculpted smiles.