V for Vendetta: One of My Favorite Films

A great and epic film comes along as often as a shooting star is seen streaming across the night sky. Some movies have the power to impact an entire generation, while others fail to rise to the occasion. With that being said, not all great films are given the recognition or publicity that they deserve. If you mention the film V for Vendetta, you will more than likely encounter a very puzzled expression, followed by the question, “what movie is that?” I know this because I used to be that person. After I saw this film, I fell in love with it and even felt a tad guilty for my ignorance of such a powerful movie. V for Vendetta is my favorite movie because it shows that the power of people as a whole, can overcome any form of oppression, even being oppressed by their government. It also stresses the importance of knowing and protecting your inalienable rights. I believe that everyone should see this movie so that they never fall victim to totalitarian rule and if they ever do, they will know how to address the issue.

The film takes place in England, in the future. In this time era, there is a war going that lead to the collapse of America and England has been taken over by a dictator, who ensures the “protection” of the citizens of the country by using terror tactics and intimidation. This movie is very similar to George Orwell’s 1984. There is a man, who simply goes by V, trying to save the entire country from the totalitarian rule, by reminding them of what they have lost and what this country has become. In the film, V says, “People should not be afraid of their government, the government should be afraid of its people.” This character is so eloquently spoken throughout the entire film. But, it is this particular statement that holds so much power. I cannot reveal the ending of the film, but what I can say is that this statement acts as one of the film’s many themes and holds great truth, as far as how people should view their power in society.

What our government tells us may not always be true. There are many conspiracy theories circling around, and there have always been. But, it is quite simple for government officials to create “epidemics” and blame them on someone else. Some people in power, or those who are trying to gain power, use this strategy so that they can be viewed as the savior. In return for salvation, they seek complete control and compliance from everyone. This is one of the ways that the dictator in V for Vendetta was able to control the people of England. Some people believed that George Bush used 911 to have more control over the people. The document that followed this was The USA PATRIOT Act, which violates our 4^th Amendment. This film is like a warning to all people. It is easier than it may seem to take control over an entire country.

In conclusion, V for Vendetta is a film that is completely underrated. It makes people realize that they are the most powerful force in their government, not the government itself. It also warns people by making them aware of the ways a totalitarian can come about and take over. This is a wonderful film and I highly recommend it.

America: A Contradiction

Many people immigrate to the United States because they believe that it is better than their native country. In fact, many people believe that the United States id the best country in the world. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness; these are the self-evident truths that act as the backbone for the United States. There are few countries that have the luxury of living in a society in which they believe in inalienable rights and those rights are protected. This is one of the reasons that many people from other countries decide to make the large commute to the United States. This country is known as the land of opportunity, which I suppose is true, but it all depends on the person. Some may even consider the United States to be the best country in the world. Every nation has its own share of problems and the U.S is no exception. With that being said, I do not believe that the United States is the best country in the world because it does not fully exemplify what it represents which is equality for all and the power of the people.

Although America constantly includes the ideas from John Locke, who believed in rights and equality for all man, this country does not actually believe this to be true. An example would be the on going battle of homosexuality. Many same sex couples cannot reap legal benefits that a heterosexual couple would, through marriage. If America is supposed to be the land of equality, why is that those who are different are constantly being ridiculed and not given the same rights as everyone else? Personally, I do not see the harm in same sex marriage. A person has the right to love and marry whom ever they feel is best suited for them. Some have even pushed the issue of adding the restriction of homosexual marriage, into the Constitution. If this does occur, than it will only further represent how much this nation contradicts itself.

I personally believe that the most powerful force in any country is not the government, but its people. Citizens of a nation do not realize how powerful their voice can be as a whole. With this in mind, the government looks for ways to limit the rights of the common man, mainly through politics. For example, Americans do not directly elect the president. Each state has a certain amount of representatives; depending on how large the state is, to decide who they feel is the better candidate. This is the Electoral College System and it is a form of indirect democracy. This limits the voice and power of the people and no matter whom the representatives elect, they will never fully represent American citizens. The Electoral College also makes many of the elections appear to be more corrupt, considering that these representatives can and most likely do accept bribes from the candidates. If the people had direct democracy, I believe that this country would not be in the position that it is in now. Yes, Americans do have a pretty large voice, compared to other countries. But, as time progresses, it is beginning to subside.

The United States is a land of opportunities and is pretty advanced, in comparison to other nations. However, like everything in life, it does have its flaws. I do believe that America is better than some countries, as far as politics go, but it is extremely bold to say that this is the best country in the world. America has a habit of contradicting itself. This country does not fully exemplify the rights of the people and equality for all. Ironically, those are the two aspects that this country takes pride in.

Wealth Equals Success????

   For whatever reason, most of us have concluded that the only way one can achieve ultimate success, is through wealth. I personally believe that it is this mentality that causes people to be unsuccessful. Success isn't measured by materialistic, but by one's accomplishments. People spend more time obsessing over what they lack, rather than being appreciative of what they already posses. No, our possessions may not be much to others. But if we spend out entire lives trying to keep with our neighbors, we will be very unhappy, in the long run.
  
During my 16 years of life, I have come to the realization that we determine our own success. Why try to live up to someone else's standards of accomplishments, when we can simply live up to our own. We know ourselves better than anyone else, right? I am not saying that it is wrong to hope for things, or to have desires. We wouldn't be human if we did not. Take into consideration the people who do not have what you consider "little" or "not enough." It's time we start focusing on the things that count.
  
In conclusion, take a second and look around at all you have accomplished. I can not give you the questions to ask yourself, to determine your success. Just know that success isn't found in a lottery ticket, a house, or a car.