I can remember a time when I would watch cop shows and accept that they were the good guys. No matter what they did, they were in the right because they're the police.
How things have changed. Since my "conversion" more than 2 years ago, I've found that there are so many movies and TV shows that I have difficult time watching. Even movies and shows that I love are bogged down by statist moments that are difficult to see past. Let me give you a few examples:
Cop Shows
To any anarchist, it should go without saying that I can't watch a cop show without thinking of the main characters as the bad guys. I mean, it just seems insane to me now. They threaten and kidnap people because of the substances they choose to ingest and sell.
These people are supposed to be the heroes? I see them as nothing more than violent meddlers. And then I just laugh when they have to deal with "corrupt cops."
You're all corrupt.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Don't get me wrong, I adore this movie. I'm a big comic book geek plus, it is unabashedly pro-freedom. The Mises Institute even wrote an article calling it "Rothbardian."
As a political libertarian I thought this movie was perfect. As an anarchist, I find the ending problematic.
I'll give a brief summary: After several rousing speeches about the value of freedom over security, Captain America punches out the bad guys and takes down a corrupt government organization. Hooray! Right?
The movie ends with a montage of FBI and CIA agents arresting members of the "corrupt" faction of the government. Yayyy... the "good government" players have saved the day. Ugh.
I still love the movie, but it's hard for me to enjoy that moment.
The Untouchables (1987)
This is one of the worst offenders I can think of. I loved this movie when I was younger and now I can hardly stand it. Why on earth should I side with prohibition era cops? Why on earth would I side with men who have made it their business to arrest or kill anyone for the crime of selling alcohol?
The movie ends with a reporter telling Elliot Ness that there are rumours that prohibition is ending. He asks Ness what he'll do if that happens. Ness responds, "I'll have a drink."
Years ago, I thought that line made him an interesting character. How noble, he enjoys alcohol but was still willing to uphold the law and abstain without question! I thought to myself. Now I just think, What an asshole. He's shooting and arresting people just because the government tells him to. He would have no problem doing exactly what these "bad guys" are doing if the government allowed it. He's an immoral yes man.
What about you?
What movies or TV shows have been ruined by your political (or non-political) leanings? Let me know in the comments!
~Seth
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