It's Fun to Be a Person I Don't Know

Its Fun to Be a Person I Dont Know is a memoir by Chachi D. Hauser, the great-granddaughter of Roy Disney, that explores her family history, the social and environmental history of New Orleans, intimate reflections on love and navigating open relationships, and a searing self-examination of gender fluidity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 03 April 2023
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

At first glance, a reader might mistake "Its Fun to Be a Person I Dont Know" for a juicy Hollywood tell-all, given Chachi D. Hausers background as the great-granddaughter of Roy Disney, a cofounder with his brother Walt of the Walt Disney Company. And to her credit, Hauser doesn't shy away from confronting painful family memories when considering how the stories, myths, and rumors surrounding this entertainment empire have influenced her own imagination. But family history is only one strand in this intricate and variegated weave that also interlaces the social and environmental history of Hausers adopted hometown of New Orleans, intimate reflections on love and navigating open relationships, and a searing self-examination that reveals a gender fluidity chafing against social barriers.

Hausers innovative and multifaceted narrative navigates a variety of terrains, seeking truth as its final destination. While the family company excels in fantasy, Hausers story is that of a young documentary filmmaker determined to train a sharply focused lens on the reality of her lived experiences.

Born and raised in the heart of Hollywood, Hauser was immersed in the world of storytelling from a young age. Her great-grandfather, Roy Disney, was a visionary who cofounded the Walt Disney Company with his brother Walt, creating a legacy that has touched the lives of millions around the globe. However, behind the glitz and glamour of the Disney empire, Hauser discovered a darker side of family history. She learned about the struggles her great-grandparents faced, including the loss of their business and the emotional toll it took on their family. These experiences left a lasting impact on Hauser, shaping her perspective on life and inspiring her to pursue her passion for storytelling.

As a young woman, Hauser moved to New Orleans, a city with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant community. She fell in love with the city's unique blend of history, music, and art, and decided to make it her home. However, her journey in New Orleans was not without its challenges. She faced discrimination and marginalization as a transgender woman, struggling to find acceptance and belonging in a society that often reinforced traditional gender norms.

Despite these obstacles, Hauser remained determined to pursue her dreams. She enrolled in film school, where she honed her skills as a documentary filmmaker. Her work focused on capturing the lives of marginalized communities, particularly those affected by social and environmental issues. Through her films, Hauser hoped to shed light on the experiences of others and inspire change.

In "Its Fun to Be a Person I Dont Know," Hauser weaves together a tapestry of personal experiences, family history, social and environmental history, and introspection. She explores the myths and rumors surrounding the Disney empire, questioning the impact they have had on her own imagination and identity. She also delves into the social and environmental history of New Orleans, highlighting the city's resilience and its struggles with poverty, racism, and climate change.

Hauser's writing is raw and honest, reflecting her own struggles and triumphs. She doesn't shy away from confronting painful family memories, including the loss of her great-grandfather and the emotional toll it took on her family. Through her writing, Hauser seeks to heal the wounds of the past and create a sense of closure for herself and her family.

"Its Fun to Be a Person I Dont Know" is a powerful and thought-provoking book that challenges readers to think critically about the stories we tell ourselves and the impact they have on our lives. Hauser's innovative and multifaceted narrative navigates a variety of terrains, seeking truth as its final destination. While the family company excels in fantasy, Hausers story is that of a young documentary filmmaker determined to train a sharply focused lens on the reality of her lived experiences.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496233158