Episode Details

These sources examine the tactical use of Mickey Mouse, known as Topolino, as a propaganda tool in Fascist Italy during the 1930s. The regime repurposed this globally recognized American icon to sanitize and promote the Abyssinian campaign, effectively turning a symbol of innocence into an instrument of nationalist fervor. Through case studies like the song “Topolino va a Abissina,” the text illustrates how soft power can be hijacked to normalize military aggression and colonial expansion. This historical analysis highlights the political malleability of cultural symbols and the ethical dilemmas creators face when their work is co-opted by authoritarian states. Ultimately, the materials serve as a cautionary study on how popular entertainment can be leveraged to bypass critical reasoning and shape public sentiment in favor of state agendas.