2/20/2003: Mickey Mouse gas mask

This page documents an interesting footnote of history. In 1942 and especially in Hawaii, the population didn't know whether they might come under gas attack from the Japanese. So they prepared - with measures much more stringent than putting together a box of duct tape and plastic.

They found that there were no masks in children's size, so they got permission from Walt himself and produced 1000 gas masks with Mickey Mouse features. The page notes:

The mask was designed so children would carry it and wear it as part of a game. This would reduce the fear associated with wearing a gas mask and hopefully, improve their wear time and, hence, survivability.



Reduce the fear associated with wearing a gas mask by giving that to children??

I prefer the duct tape.

I agree. Children are much easier control when you can duct tape them to something.

Oh, and just because ...

Duct tape is like The Force™.
It has a Light Side.
It has a Dark Side.
And it holds the universe together.

im having a hard time finding the words to explain why, but seeing this seems sad to me. i guess because a situation in which something like this is needed would cause a loss of innocence that no amount of cartoon-branding could compensate for.

~james

Can anyone imagine the present management of Disney Corp allowing the mouse's image to be attached to a gas mask? Maybe it's time to thaw old Walt out...

In a time of war, you betcha. Things are different then.

Trippy, man

Whoa - Mickey looks high. He must be huffing.

WARS were differerent then!

Duct Tape and Gas Masks

The whole gas mask craze is sad and giving people a false sense of security.

Being a former bio-chemical spec. in the Army , you learn that even a mask and full mopp suit will only prolong your life a few hours. Most of the bio-chem weapons will soak through your skin with ease. Like the nasty blood agents.

Cheers

Deep and Chilled

I can't imagine Disney doing this now, but perhaps MacDonalds would.

Hey kids get your free Ronald MacDonald's Gas Mask with the purchase of your Happy Meal.

That's creepy as all get out. Ronald McDonald on a mask would be just wrong.