#311 Musings Beyond the Bunker (Tuesday March 29)
Dear friends,
Thinking a lot about Ukraine these days. Here we sit, in a free and democratic society that allows the free expression of ideas, without consequence (at least for now). Meanwhile, across the world sits a peaceful democratic country with insufficient weaponry, fighting off an unjustified war that targets civilian populations. As if the lack of justification weren’t enough to demonstrate the utter lack of morality of Putin and his minions, false pretense (see, e.g., “denazification”) show the hollowness of the aggression.
There are some who suggest that coming to the aid of Ukraine, while not helping those suffering from conflict in Africa, exposes a natural bias of Western liberal governments. There no doubt is something true in this observation, but it doesn’t justify not acting regarding Ukraine. While the United Nations and others should address aggressions outside of Europe with the same resolve, there is a greater risk to world peace when an unchecked nuclear power with a large standing army is acting in such a cold act of aggression. That said, it is not an argument against being more supportive of freedom fighters and the oppressed around the world.
It’s Tuesday and time for a potpourri of ideas…
A POSTSCRIPT TO THE ACADEMY AWARDS
Andrea and I have developed a nearly religious aversion to watching the Academy Awards. It is a self-celebratory display that drags on for three hours (or more), with only minimal entertainment value. Plus, hearing the repeated tearful assertions about “what a giving industry this is,” makes me a bit nauseous, as I don’t believe it’s true. For all of its power and wealth, the entertainment industry is not nearly as active in, or generous toward, the community in which they operate, as are other industries in other locales. If you think Hollywood is particularly generous, ask the many social service organizations in Los Angeles that year after year seek industry participation, coming up largely empty-handed.
Even though we skipped much of the show to enjoy another episode of We Crashed, the crazy story of the overly exuberant rise of WeWorks, I followed-up to learn the results, watch some of the excerpts and read some of the reviews. Here are a few observations:
CODA, a nice enough feel-good movie that touches on its share of issues—the struggles of a small family fishing business, gouging by middlemen, the oppressive power of government, and the struggles of those with disabilities and those who live with them, won Best Picture. I suppose that, in a year that continues the trend that bifurcates movies toward blockbusters versus “little movies” the little movie won.
I suspect CODA winning this year’s Best Picture will go down in history as among the worst of choices, even in a year of remarkably little outstanding fare. That said, how do thoughtful, often deep, movies like Don’t Look Up, Drive My Car, Belfast, and The Power of the Dog lose out to a nice little film? To say nothing of the brilliant remake of West Side Story?
Some of the great artistic disciplines necessary for great moviemaking were shunned from the televised presentations this year. Technical contributions like editing and cinematography deserve their moment in the sun, together with the annual explanation to the viewers of the importance of these crafts. Their omission from the evening’s festivities furthers the incorrect notion that it’s all about the people in front of the camera.
Then there are Chris Rock and Will Smith. Chris can be held accountable for a joke some might find was in bad taste. But that hardly justifies physical attack. Will Smith was so completely out of line, committing assault and battery on international TV. What Smith did in his display was to help reinforce horrible false tropes that we need to quash, to wit (a) passion justifies violence,and (b) men are toxically violent and incapable of controlling their anger.
Would someone please buy Timothy Challamet a shirt? He looked like an idiot. For the first time on the red carpet, a man exposed more breast than the women.
IS THE AGE OF RESPECT FOR ADULTS OVER?
A while back, I recalled a theatre owner admonishing kids to behave. Several people recounted similar stories from their childhood. Mark Farrell asks whether it is possible any more for an adult to give a child a talking-to in today’s society:
“I remember being a child and respecting and depending on people in uniforms, teachers, and others in positions of authority. But nowadays, it seems that children can do no wrong and if someone other than their parents discipline them, the adult will receive the full force of the law or worse.”
I think Mark is right. The days in which community politely policed children are long gone. Every child (and their parents) has become a potential plaintiff.
CONFIRMATION HEARINGS
A few people said I was too harsh regarding the Republicans’ display in questioning Judge Jackson. They felt I was unduly unfair and that the Democrats had been far more egregious in their questioning of Republican appointees. One cited President George W. Bush’s floating of the name of Janice Brown, a distinguished jurist, who was discredited by the Democrats before even being nominated. I didn’t say the Democrats weren’t guilty of playing this game—just that the Republicans are better and more vicious at it.
Have a great day,
Glenn
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