Julia Bonavita

The Sleeping Beauty Castle, a landmark in Disney theme parks and an icon around the world.

Life is full of personal victories. My most recent celebration was when I was entering the gates of Disneyland and noticed a sign that was unfamiliar to me. As I approached, I observed that it was a warning stating the newest rule in the park: Selfie Sticks are not permitted on the premises and will be confiscated by security if found. Of course, this is a small triumph in the eyes of others, but being the frequent Disney goer I am, I was ecstatic that one of my favorite vacation destinations continues to pave the way for sensibility and innovation, even with just the abolishment of these atrocities..

The Selfie Stick is a recent, unnatural phenomenon that has taken over the modern world. It is used by attaching a cell phone to the end of a stick, extending and aiming the camera towards the user. This “brilliant and revolutionary” invention has brought a new meaning to the term “selfie,” making it even more ridiculous than ever. Regardless of the current status of “selfie-ing”, those who engage in the act often look strange while snapping the photo in person, and with the addition of a long, metal stick to their arm, the humiliation in multiplied.

The benefits of the Selfie Stick are slim, while the disadvantages are extensive. The extendable piece poses as a hazard to those nearby, with head injury risk and view obstruction. It also holds the potential of phone damage, since the plastic holders are not very secure. The user of the stick is subject to public ridicule and humiliation because, contrary to popular belief, they just look strange. Even though the photos that are taken do posses a nice shot of the background behind the subject, there is a large stick obstructing over half of the photograph, disregarding and eliminating all elements of photography.

I have yet to understand why humans feel the need to add an extension to their arm in order to snap the perfect selfie to brag about on social media. Soon, nature will catch up to these offenders and adaptation will kick in, causing their offspring to be born with unnaturally long and extendable arms, perfect for selfie-ing. For those who are not supportive of this latest invention, please seek refuge with me in the Disney theme parks, since they are the only places known to man that is a Selfie Stick free environment, making it truly the Happiest Place on Earth. Of course, my argument will soon be deemed invalid by the “Stick-Supporters”, but before I surrender to modern culture and agree to fade into the darkness of the times where a kind stranger agreed to take our photos, I must take a selfie.