I haven’t watched it yet, however I read it is social commentary on “class”.
I plan on evaluating it first to see if it’s something I’ll bring to the boys attention (or at least be prepared if they watch it on their own).
It appears bleak. I wonder if the human qualities of co-operation, charity, volunteering, offering our spending dollars to the 1% (thereby driving ethics through their pocketbook) is considered or ifs it’s just a “dog eat dog” world out there?
I can’t comment yet...but I always wonder before I watch something “what am I suppose to walk away with or buy into?”
Edited to add: Sorry, I always get these afterthoughts. It’s like the “Circle”...after the aliens get the humans to kill each other to reduce their numbers and then release a bunch of PTSD or psychopaths back to earth - yah, nice clean restart...
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I’m 2/3 through, in and about. Got to make sushi. Anyway, don’t think I’ll bring it to the boys attention ..
I am a level 34! (Trying not to say too much) ... but some bitch a level higher is portioning out my food and giving me salad?!?! Fuck you. I’d be on that table shovelling in the meat and cheese...
@Whitefire13:
I haven't seen the Platform yet, but I read a synopsis. I wonder how valid this kind of zero-sum allegory is in a world where obesity has become a bigger problem than hunger. The number of people living in absolute poverty has fallen dramatically, and today famines only happen as a result of conflicts. The amount, quality, and safety of food is dramatically better than it was even 50 years ago. New technologies will allow us to produce ever more and better food without burdening the environment or mistreating other life.
There is inequality to be sure. Perhaps that's always going to be part of the human condition. After all, we're born unequal, and every attempt to impose equality has ended in tragedy and misery. What's the priority: that every one has enough, or that every one has the same?
Kurt Vonnegut addresses the tyranny of equality in a short story called "Harrison Bergeron". You can read it here.
http://www.tnellen.com/westside/harrison.pdf
Spoiler Alert
Algebe... I finished the movie. I was disappointed.
If this is “class” commentary it is sadly lacking. If it’s a statement about “competition” or lack of “control” again it fails. This writer’s portrait of the human condition isn’t my experience with other humans. I tried to think if it’s an analogy of the “food chain” (big stretch) consume to survive - the “ending” left me with the impression of the “universe” and the protagonist’s “death”, however the “gift” is sent heavenward. He tried to slip in religious overtones (fail) but successfully pulled off one line - character looks in mirror after being shit on literally and says “be optimistic...(pause)...I’m screwed”...
And then part of me related it to “new age” philosophy whereas some chose to go “there” to learn and others are sent as “punishment” - the reality of the institution isn’t really known to anyone outside of it and it’s brutal and shocking for the new comers. The “gift” is a child that is just above the lowest unknown level which is healthy and untouched by the “levels” and is freed...(inner soul development)
It didn’t make me “think” - just scrunch my brow and go huh?
Algebe... also thoroughly agree with your statement regarding having enough and equality. None of us are “equal” - that’s a pipe dream ... and “success and rewards”
( however you personally define it) come about through effort, desire, action, attitude and reciprocation. The “equal” ideology has failed in so many ways.
I believe wholly that each person deserves healthcare (physical, mental, emotional), food security, education, shelter. Beyond that, the interest of the person - where they decide to expend their time and energy for what they determine to be their quality of life is up to them.
Now I’m off read your link.
@Whitefire13 I believe wholly that each person deserves healthcare (physical, mental, emotional), food security, education, shelter.
I think that even more than those things, every human has a basic need and a right to be useful. I've seen little kids in school putting their hands up in a desperate competition to be picked to do some chore for the teacher. And I've seen adults wasting away in corrosive lethargy on welfare. A sense of contribution is vital to our mental and physical well-being.
...a right to be useful... hard to measure and (hopefully) enforce.
Where a person chooses to expend their time/energy... that’s why I believe “rewards” in how a person views their success
For eg single mother, raising 3 kids on welfare/social services, gardens, volunteers (youngest child has CF)
Mother (loose term) addiction issues, pregnant 6 times (4 fathers) all but 2 children are in foster homes - the 2 live with the grandparents (father’s side)
Access to health care, supports, education, daycare programs, food security and shelter - may not be used wisely by the “mother” but children raised in disadvantaged environments deserve opportunities to improve their lives, if they so choose.
First woman may view her “success” in leaving an abusive relationship, providing stability and nurturing her children. She may decide to further education/workplace once she feels the children are a more appropriate age.
Second woman may view her success in enjoying/indulging self-interest. She “knows” her kids are looked after and she’s a shitty mom anyway. Supports or help is available to her should she decide to pursue a different lifestyle and obtain a different “reward”...
Poverty is always portrayed as a moving subjective line, especially in the developed world.
Maybe it's because I'm blissfully uneducated, but I've always considered poverty as being in want of basic necessity, and by necessity I mean mean necessary to survive, sufficient food, clothing and adequate shelter. I'd throw in basic medical care and a free education as well. In societies that are among the richest on the planet it is shameful that anyone is allowed to fall below that basic standard, while dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of wealth. My own feeling is that this is a lie we are sold, by rich powerful people who perhaps understandably don't want to give up wealth or power.
That said I agree that the welfare state breeds a pernicious apathy, and even an expectation in a lot of people over generations of unemployment, that they shouldn't be made to work if they don't want to. I've seen its pernicious effect on whole communities that were cast aside in the 80's in the UK when the country's coal and steel industries were destroyed because in a global economy they had become uncompetitive. Of course as we fought to advance the pay and conditions of our poulace through two world wars it was inevitable that business would look to exploit cheaper labour markets in undeveloped countries. Inevitable in a free global market that is. The morality of it is largely one of perspective. However the tragedy of those left behind by a changing economy is all too real. I can't help feeling there is a better way, but then even now I've not lost all of the well meaning idealistic views I held as a young man.
How many rich corporations and individuals are poised to make themselves a lot richer in the aftermath of the globally collapsing markets caused by the current pandemic? How many are already profiteering, and not just large concerns.
Greed is not good, it possibly is a result of evolved traits that enabled early hominids to gather and store more food than they immediately needed to survive harsh winter conditions, or to cooperate on other essential tasks that were only possible when freed from the relentless task of finding food. In the modern world that instinctive greed has serious consequences, that see us stripping the planet bare of its resources, and fighting each other to do it at an ever increasing rate.
@Sheldon... necessity, and by necessity I mean mean necessary to survive, sufficient food, clothing and adequate shelter. I'd throw in basic medical care and a free education as well.
Countries, say Africa or S America - “riches and resources” are there. Often they are exploited (by corporation or our own govt policies that we “support” and the participation of the exploited country) and people within those exploited countries will add to their own exploitation and corruption because “that’s how they operate”.
@Sheldon... Greed is not good
It takes forms in what a person “values”. Money might be obvious (Wallstreet) but so is food (600 lb life) stuff (hoarders) alcohol/drugs (cops) laziness (judge Judy) ...
Right now, I’m greedy for conversation...notice I’ve been hogging this thread ;)
I had the privilege of growing up in rank poverty. My own personal experience of it, is it’s a combination of factors, but a large responsibility falls on the person themselves. Addiction, laziness, wishful thinking, mental health issues, selfishness, victimization, entitlement all play a role in poverty.
Outside factors, economic for example (changes in job market) can create temporary fluxes that add to the issue, thus social nets are vital. Social pressure, regulations and resource management are vital for the health of the environment and keeping corporations in check. For example, logging practices and reforestation; ethical oil practises... the corporations only “survive” if they are fed by dollars. Societal dollars, government contract dollars... a corporation only changes when its “food” supply is being threatened - on a micro level where we spend our money demonstrates ethics within certain areas of “our” control. Hate pollution and mining devastation? But you “need” the latest phone/gadget (or are forced into it when the phone supporting products are too out of date) - I think there are regulations coming in Canada regarding this waste.
Ah, so many moving parts in society...none can really be pinned down and various experiences, environments, ideas...maybe Trump is doing the world a favour by putting a “face” to a way of doing business that has “grown” old.
Like you Sheldon, I dropped the idea of idealism or utopia and lived through a “dystopia” in my youth so pessimism isn’t my personal preference. Both are “wishful thinking” and in many ways a shrugging off of responsibility.
Spoiler Warning
Thinking more of the “message” to Floor 0.
At first it was the dessert. Sure tell the 0 floor “we have leftovers” so they send down less. Btw we are given the impression that those working within the institution don’t really know what the fuck is going on. If I was a chef that had to meet stringent requirements, I’d be like “hey, nobody chose the panna cotta, leave it off the menu”.
Message is the healthy girl. Again I’d be like “looks healthy, good - although you shouldn’t be here” escort her out of building.
Either “message” just reinforces the system in place.