I've heard a lot of people say they like to watch movies that make them "think". These are usually refered to as "films" and they tend to be gritty, controversial, revealing, and rated R or whatever comes after that. I used to be one of those people that thought better of myself because I would allow my mind to be challenged by the ideas presented in such films. However, the older I get the more I find myself avoiding such films when seeking entertainment. I want to be entertained after all, not disturbed. Maybe it's just my increasing laziness the older I get.
Or, it could be because the older I get the more people I encounter that challenge my thinking, both good and bad. The more people I talk to the more food I get for thought. People are interesting and many of their thoughts are controversial. Sure, everyone agrees on the surface, but dig a little deeper and you find that people are pretty opinionated about things, especially if your opinion is contrary to theirs.
I see irony in the trend that many of those personal opinions tend to echo ideas from those "films". Sometimes they even seem to be quoting lines verbatum and they'll even reference the film to validify their point. When countered with a contrary opinion (mine), they'll accuse it (me) of being close-minded and backward. Which means they believe theirs to be open-minded and forward-thinking, maybe even empowering. "This is how the world should think about this" is implied since my thought is obviously wrong.
Let me take this vast generalization and provide some examples. Here are some lines I've heard both in movies and personal conversations:
- You can't learn from someone else's mistakes. You've got to make your own.
- The only person you are responsible for is yourself.
- Only you can ensure your own happiness.
- When you know what you want, you've got to go for it regardless of the consequences.
- If it makes you happy, don't worry about anything else.
- etc.
I don't want to take the time right now to analyze line by line, but let's say that everyone starts thinking along these lines and changes take place in our society. People feel empowered, in control of their own lives and without regard for consequences. Will we finally arrive at a point where we all live in peace and harmony? Not likely. Those phrases seem so forward-thinking and empowering, but once you melt them down, they are simply selfish and destructive to society.
Yes, it seems simplistic, but if you're looking for a thriving, harmonious, peaceful community, the sermon Jesus gave on the mount still reigns supreme.
