The Price of Job Security
Coonskin caps covered hearts in respect for Fess Parker, better known to all as Davy Crockett who died last week at the age of 85. The three part series in which he starred for Disney in late 1954 and early 1955 was dwarfed the merchandising bonanza that followed. It was perhaps, the first, inkling marketers had of the buying power of the baby boomers, as the hula hoops, Barbie dolls and trends that followed.
But, if Fess Parker had designs on being something other than a stalwart player at the Disney studios, he was destined to be disappointed. As Richard Severo pointed out in Mr. Parker’s obituary in The New York Times, “He began to chafe at the roles the Disney organization was offering him, and when he refused to appear in “Tonka,” the studio suspended him. He was unhappy, too, that Walt Disney had discouraged his being cast in “The Searchers,” the John Ford classic starring John Wayne, and “Bus Stop,” with Marilyn Monroe.”
Of course, no one will know what Mr. Parker’s acting future might have held, if he had appeared in those films. After he hung up his buckskin, he went on to a business career, including that of vintner. Was he typecast by Disney? Or were they just unwilling to tinker with success?
As Towers Watson reported last week, in the aftermath of the great recession, employees are seeking security. To what extent is it okay to give up some of your dreams for security?
