A Disneyland guest visiting the “It’s a Small World” attraction encountered a striking scene over the weekend—a protest doll holding a sign that said “Remember Hiroshima,” leading to much online chatter after a video surfaced.
The footage, which circulated on TikTok and Reddit on Monday, showcased a woman walking through the park with a female doll bearing the sign. Another image appeared online, showing the doll placed near one of the tunnels along the boat ride.
As the video gained traction, viewers and social media users expressed confusion and curiosity about the message behind this political statement. Many went so far as to wonder how such a doll could evade the park’s security measures.
On Thursday, Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, revealed that he orchestrated the stunt. In a phone conversation with Fox News Digital, he explained the action was part of a campaign aimed at critiquing the U.S. government’s large weapons arsenal. This initiative, dubbed “UP In Arms,” is focused on the Pentagon’s budget, which Cohen believes exceeds partisan boundaries and impacts policies from prior administrations, not just Trump’s.
“The essence of the Small World attraction is unity,” Cohen remarked, emphasizing that it celebrates children from all countries coming together. He continued, “So, placing a doll there with a sign about Hiroshima was meant to remind visitors of the past and its consequences.”
This protest coincided with the anniversary of the atomic bomb that devastated Hiroshima during World War II, marking nearly 80 years since that event. Additionally, Cohen expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza, describing it as a pressing moral issue of our time alongside the Pentagon’s budget of around $900 billion.
“They turn us all into murderers, taking our money to fund bombs while people in Gaza suffer,” he said, referring to the current situation which has intensified under the Biden administration.
Cohen underscored that the focus on the military budget is not a new conversation, criticizing how both parties have historically engaged in military actions. He mentioned Trump, but acknowledged that previous leaders share responsibility for the development of the U.S. nuclear arsenal.
In his view, the political discourse has often pushed troops into conflicts that they had no desire to engage in, wasted on misguided ideologies.
When asked about the protest dolls, a Disneyland spokesperson indicated that cast members removed the doll promptly upon discovery, adhering to park guidelines. The activists involved reportedly exited the park without incident.
Ben & Jerry’s, founded in 2000, has a legacy of progressive activism. Cohen has actively participated in public demonstrations, including being detained during a Senate hearing regarding aid to Gaza in May. He shared that he has launched a four-year campaign pushing for military budget reform, aiming to redirect funds towards initiatives that truly serve people’s needs.
“Americans are inherently compassionate,” Cohen emphasized. “We simply want a good life for ourselves and our families, without resorting to violence or spending excessively on conflicts around the globe.”
