I watched the movie Civil War, released in 2024, during my flight back to Japan after a short visit with my father in Paris. The film stars Kirsten Dunst as Lee, a veteran war photographer. Set in a dystopian future, Lee embarks on a perilous journey across the United States during a nationwide conflict. Accompanied by her journalist colleague, a wise mentor, and a young, aspiring journalist, their mission is to survive and reach the White House to interview the president before his anticipated overthrow.
The film’s imagery, while not as graphic as it could have been, conveys a powerful message through its restrained approach and impactful use of silence. Some scenes depict situations that mirror real-world events, heightening the emotional resonance. Though the characters embody familiar stereotypes, this familiarity makes them more relatable. For instance, we all know someone who is jaded, believing they’ve seen everything and lost curiosity in life. Similarly, the older mentor represents those whose wisdom and experience remain beyond the grasp of younger generations. The young aspiring journalist is a poignant symbol of how future generations might grow up if global societal issues remain unaddressed.
The Global Lens of Civil War
The film’s setting in the United States prompts reflection on how global interconnectedness influences our perception of conflict. Today, we receive real-time information from around the world, but despite this access, indifference remains common. Societal norms and education systems often teach us to prioritize personal concerns over global crises. Historically, this mindset was understandable—limited communication tools hindered our ability to grasp distant realities. However, in this age of instant connectivity, these excuses no longer hold weight.
This broader perspective challenges us to reimagine society. Civil War highlights a hypothetical U.S. civil conflict, but it also invites us to consider how our world is already shaped by inequity and widespread acceptance of the status quo.
Reshaping Society Through Awareness
At One Daily Tale, we believe the path to countering inequity begins with three core ideas:
- Global Brainstorming for Basic Needs: Addressing inequity requires collective efforts to provide free access to basic physiological needs for everyone on Earth. While this may seem unrealistic, it’s only because we continue to think on smaller scales.
- Fostering Flexibility in Thinking: For global brainstorming to succeed, we need more people with greater self-awareness. A flexible, open-minded society can tackle challenges more effectively.
- Creating Healthier Brain Habits: To foster such awareness, we must encourage individuals to develop healthier habits for the brain. Society is composed of individuals, and systemic change begins with personal growth.
What’s Your Take?
Civil War challenges viewers to confront the inequities and blind spots in our current society. How do you think we can inspire global awareness and action to address these pressing issues? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
#tales-posts
Leave a Reply