Why do we applaud rebellion in film, but not in Baltimore’s streets?
Christopher R. La Motte, The Baltimore Sun, May 9, 2015
Over the past few years, Americans have spent millions of dollars to enjoy fictional rebellion. Combined, “The Giver,” the “Hunger Games” series, and the “Divergent” series — all novels turned films — have amassed over $2 billion globally. In addition to their financial success, they have accumulated enormous fan bases, especially among young people.
All of those stories deal with protagonists attempting to overthrow oppressive dystopian societies. Often, particularly in the case of the latter two, the characters accomplish their goals through violence, destruction and outright murder. So why do we admire these rebellious fictional characters while viewing those in Baltimore and Ferguson with contempt?
