FAQ: Ben Cohen & DCX's Hiroshima Remembrance Doll Protest at Disneyland

What was the purpose of the Hiroshima remembrance doll placed in Disneyland?

The doll was placed to mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and to spark a public conversation about the human cost of war, particularly its impact on children.

Who organized the Hiroshima remembrance doll protest?

The protest was organized by Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, under his new activist initiative Up In Arms, with the creative agency DCX Growth Accelerator.

When did the Hiroshima remembrance doll appear in Disneyland?

The doll appeared inside Disneyland’s It’s a Small World ride on August 3rd.

Why was Disneyland chosen as the location for this protest?

Disneyland was chosen as it was seen as the right place to ask America the question it keeps avoiding: ‘What does war do to children?’, leveraging the park’s global visibility.

What was the public reaction to the Hiroshima remembrance doll?

The doll triggered viral videos, national media coverage, and renewed public conversation about the human cost of war, with footage of the doll spreading widely across social media.

Who was detained in relation to the Hiroshima remembrance doll protest?

Doug Cameron, DCX founder and copywriter behind the Hiroshima concept, was detained by Disney security after helping place the protest doll inside the ride and was reportedly issued a lifetime ban from Disneyland.

What is Up In Arms, the organization behind the protest?

Up In Arms is a new activist initiative launched by Ben Cohen to challenge runaway Pentagon spending and advocate for redirecting public investment toward schools, housing, health care, and other essential needs.

What is DCX Growth Accelerator’s role in the protest?

DCX Growth Accelerator, a creative partner to Ben & Jerry’s, proposed the ‘cultural interventions’ concept for the protest, leveraging their expertise in creating ‘cultural moments’ through earned media ideas.

How does this protest compare to other actions by DCX?

Like previous actions such as The Payless Prank and Boxed Out, the Hiroshima remembrance doll protest was designed to create a ‘cultural moment’ by subverting familiar cultural symbols to spark conversation.

What are the implications of this protest?

The protest has intensified public interest in the conversation about the human cost of war and the redirection of public spending, demonstrating the power of creative activism to engage global audiences.