Disney vs. Pollan

Disney presents Johnny Appleseed as a hero of American history- a good-doer with only selfless intentions of sharing the fruit of the apple tree. Disney’s goal is to paint a pretty picture of John Chapman, with a fairytale like ending. Their target audience is children and their parents, whom have their children in mind. The intent of the video is not to retell the true story of John Chapman, but to paint a pretty picture and create a happy ending. Disney provides parents with a positive role model for their children, a simple-minded, animal-loving man of song with good intentions; a man that selflessly protects nature for future generations to come. No where is there any hint as to the true intentions of John Chapman.

John Pollan’s more realistic yet cynical retelling in The Botany of Desire, however, is targeted for an adult audience. These adults do not need nor want the fairytale ending that Disney provides for children, but rather would prefer the true version of historical happenings. They want to know what John Chapman was really about. Pollan provides that Chapman was not the selfless man that he was made out to be in American folklores. The infamous Johnny Appleseed was actually planting these apple trees because of the economic benefits that would be reaped by having trees on one’s land. In this historical take, the production of apple cider is another large benefit of owning an apple tree. This version conflicts greatly with the one that Disney likes to sell, a story of innocence and responsibility to the earth. There is no harm in preferring either version of this story. Both provide positive points of a man of innovation and longevity.