now as then

Joana 2022-03-22 09:01:48

I prefer to watch American movies in the 1930s. The movies of that era in the United States seem to be in line with the contemporary reality in mainland China in some way...

"The Grapes of Wrath" describes the exploitation of the toiling masses by the rich and powerful at that time. Needless to say, the protagonist has become more and more aware that the only way out is to organize and resist after being baptized by society. After hearing that the original novel of this film was published, it caused panic among the ruling classes in the states, and many states banned the novel from being published, and the history is always strikingly similar!

Thinking about today's China, many people take a self-castration attitude of not caring, not discussing, or even fearing to avoid certain sensitive-sensitive words, as if they are only seeking peace and security. I think patience can only urge people Metamorphosis - just look at someone shouting: "You are a fart!", taking money to incite people's faces, black coal mines, etc., you will know: not only the oppressed person is perverted, but the oppressed person is also perverted.

In fact, Chinese people are used to being controlled, and they have no sense of autonomy - without freedom, how is it different from slaves? There is a saying on the Internet: Chinese are captive, Americans are wild.

In fact, American power is also fought. John Adams said: "In my lifetime, let me see the freedom and independence of our country." So let's wait and see.

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Extended Reading

The Grapes of Wrath quotes

  • [last lines]

    Ma Joad: Rich fellas come up an' they die, an' their kids ain't no good an' they die out. But we keep a'comin'. We're the people that live. They can't wipe us out; they can't lick us. We'll go on forever, Pa, 'cause we're the people.

  • [the family is leaving the farm, heading for California]

    Al Joad: Ain't you gonna look back, Ma? Give the ol' place a last look?

    Ma Joad: We're going' to California, ain't we? All right then let's go to California.

    Al Joad: That don't sound like you, Ma. You never was like that before.

    Ma Joad: I never had my house pushed over before. Never had my family stuck out on the road. Never had to lose everything I had in life.