Movies and the Overemphasis on 'Woke' Ideals
It is commonly argued that movies have become too focused on the concept of being 'woke', but this isn't necessarily about embracing diversity. Diversity is about ensuring a reasonable representation of the population without being forced into the narrative purely to meet certain quotas.
Ancient Woes of Woke Culture in Films
The term 'woke', derived from the concept of being awake to social injustice, often gets conflated with actual diversity. Characters from underrepresented groups are indeed necessary, but forcing them into the narrative for the sake of diversity detracts from the quality of storytelling. For instance, writing a female character into a story simply because she is female may not serve the plot effectively, and the same can be said for non-white characters who are shoe-horned into stories solely because of their skin color or sexuality.
Diverse Characters Beyond 'Woke' Narratives
There are numerous films that successfully represent diverse characters without the need for constant 'woke' messaging. In films like The Hunger Games, Divergent, Deja Vu, Lucy, and Hidden Figures, we see well-rounded characters that do not overly focus on social justice issues as a central theme. These films tell compelling stories without banging on about the patriarchy or diminishing other groups.
Examples of Films That Get It Right
These movies stand out because they do not make a point of demonizing white men or people in general. Conversely, films like Get Out, Barbie, Black Panther, Wonder Woman, recent Star Wars films, and Charlie's Angels (the Banks version) have faced criticism for overly emphasizing social justice without providing depth to their narratives.
The Blame Game and Stagnation
When you see people claim that movies are too 'woke', it often indicates a pattern of individuals who have not moved on from their old viewing habits. Young adult and children/family movies are politically correct, teaching moral behavior, but the true fault lies with those who refuse to evolve with their tastes and media consumption.
The argument that one should 'move on with your lives' is an important reminder that entertainment, like life, should be constantly evolving. Failure to do so results in missing out on new narratives and can lead to a vicious circle of blaming others for perceived setbacks. This mentality not only damages individual growth but also hampers the broader societal discourse on representation and inclusivity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, movies can indeed be more balanced and interesting without overemphasis on social justice themes. The key is to find a fine balance between representation and storytelling. As audiences, we must be willing to support and consume content that goes beyond simple checkboxes and delivers rich, engaging narratives. Moving out of our comfort zones and embracing new perspectives is not just good for entertainment, but it also contributes to a more progressive and inclusive culture.