So I just saw the new batman flick. It’s only redeeming quality is that Heath Ledger actually does a good job. What disturbed me most was the take home message of the film. I’ll just come out and say it – it might have been made by the Bush administration.
What The Dark Knight tells us is that when there is danger in the world, and when people are afraid, it’s not only acceptable but preferable that we forget about civil liberties. It’s okay to lie to the public, to trick them, to work in the shadows – because damn it, that’s what they need. They need to believe in a hero, in the possibility of goodness – and god knows they’re too stupid to be treated like anything other than children.
There’s even a scene where Batman rigs up some sort of system where he can spy on everyone via their cell phones. Morgan Freeman’s character feigns indignation about it, but ultimatly agrees to do it, because, you know, there are bad guys out there. But only this once, surely it is okay just this once.
Civil liberties, government transparency – these are things that can not and should not be suspended or revoked at anytime for any reason. Otherwise, where does one draw the line? Evidently one draws the line at a psychopath in clown makeup. When there’s one of those around civil liberties go out the window.
Recent Comments