I want to have a bit of fun today and use fiction to commentate on the experiences we’re currently walking through. I came across an article entitled, “America’s New Normal—Silent, Obedient Consent”. In this article the author references the movie, V for Vendetta. I’ve seen the movie once or twice, but as a teenager watching it, I didn’t really understand what was going on or the message conveyed.
Researching and refreshing my memory about it, I realize the movie is clearly meant to promote liberal and progressive ideals and to warn citizens of the dangers of a Neo-nazi authoritarian regime. There have been some that have compared the movie’s themes to the election of Trump. The movie, which takes place in England in 2028, emphasizes that the eventual dictator starts out a conservative religious extremist (which, in England, conservative means something entirely different than conservative in the United States), who, once he has power, established the supremacy of the white man, and rounds up minorities, gays and lesbians and anyone who does not conform or fit into his world.
So, naturally, given all the slanders and accusations against Trump—saying that he is a racist, sexist modern day Hitler—it makes sense that people would draw comparisons.
But, watch the video below. There’s much more to the movie’s message then simply arguing that a right-wing extremist may swoop in and cause the utter destruction of liberty.
As you can see, the movie also explores the way in which this authoritarian extremist comes to power. He comes to power through fear. He and his minions orchestrate a virus outbreak (all the while holding the cure in their back pockets), which causes fear, divisions, riots and the like. Eventually, this extremist is elected by a staggering 87% of the popular vote. Magically, a cure is then presented to the population but not before people are rounded up and executed or thrown into “concentration camps” to make sure that no one opposes the power of the newly established supreme authority of this extremist leader. Fascinating how blurred the lines between fiction and reality can become, wouldn’t you say?
The message is very simple though and one that all Americans should be able to agree upon: the powerful will use whatever method they can to keep, maintain and grow their power.
What I have trouble understanding is why so many Americans don’t recognize this simply reality about human nature and power. My Monday article focused on this topic exclusively as I looked at how corporations are benefiting from the coronavirus. It’s troubling. But what’s more troubling is the blindness or intentional refusal to see and acknowledge the simple reality that the powerful want more power and will use and manipulate everything to their advantage.
And yes, that means Trump and his people, and Biden and his people. They are all using the coronavirus to their advantage right now and something tells me that, should the powerful have their way, it would not be a slow eradication of minorities but rather a slow eradication of anyone that does not comply with the new social and politically correct ideals that those in power are currently establishing.
I’m not going give my interpretation of this video in this blog post, but let you see for yourself. Sometimes it’s better to just let you enjoy a little fictional commentary on the way of the world, governments and power and interpret it in today’s society as you see fit.
I will say this though. We’re all responsible for how we handle the 2020 crisis. And we can never forget that future generations will suffer or benefit from how we handle this crisis.
I’ll leave you with this quote from the movie, spoken by the revolutionary, V, who refused to cower or bow to the authoritarian regime.
“Well certainly there are those who are more responsible than others, and they will be held accountable. But again, truth be told…if you’re looking for the guilty, you need only look into a mirror.
I know why you did it. I know you were afraid. Who wouldn’t be? War. Terror. Disease. There were a myriad of problems which conspired to corrupt your reason and rob you of your common sense. Fear got the best of you and in your panic, you turned to the now High Chancellor Adam Sutler [pencil in whoever you think of here]. He promised you order. He promised you peace. And all he demanded in return was your silent, obedient consent.”
– V speech to London, V for Vendetta
The Liberty Belle