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Did you know the idea of a peaceful atomic age was once promoted by Disney? In 1956, during height Cold War, something unexpected happened.
Walt Disney and German physicist Heinz Haber collaborated to sell the idea of peaceful uses for atomic energy to the American public. This partnership resulted in an episode of Disney’s show, “Disneyland,” called “Our Friend the Atom.” The episode, which was later turned into a popular school book, drew parallels between atomic energy and a genie coming out of a bottle. While the genie could inflict tremendous harm, it also had the potential to fulfill wonderful wishes for humanity. The aim of the episode was to dispel fears of nuclear power and promote its positive potential. It was part of a wider Atomic Age phenomenon, which envisaged a future where atomic energy would be used in everything from electricity generation to space travel. Unfortunately, subsequent nuclear disasters put a damper on these optimistic visions, but the curious episode reminds us of a time when atoms were seen more as friends than foes.

Tags: #AtomFriend #Disney #ColdWar