“Civil War” Warns Us Against Ignoring Democracy

A24’s dystopian thriller Civil War depicts a group of journalists crossing war-torn Northeast America to reach the Capitol and interview the President before he is assassinated. However, shrouded wrestling, violence and photojournalismThe film reveals a central truth that we must remember as election season approaches: denial of the constitutional ideals that have been the cornerstone of our country will lead to the end of American democracy as we know it.

In the film, the cause of the war is not directly stated. In fact, Civil War, despite the title, is not really about war. We are talking about photojournalists – what it means to seek the truth and what life at war is like for everyone who does not fight in it. However, the impulse for war—even if not actively stated—is heavily implied in the dialogue.

Sammy, an experienced journalist, jokes Along with fellow journalist Joel, he should ask the president whether he “regrets any actions taken during (his) third term” or “whether it was wise to disband the FBI.” These rhetorical questions paint a clear picture of the country’s past: in their America, a president ignored the Constitution and clung to power by firing anyone who stood in his way.

While nothing as egregious as an unconstitutional third term has occurred in our America, we can see some parallels to recent events. On January 6, 2021, a mob of Trump supporters attacked the Capitol in an attempt to undermine the democratic process and prevent then-Vice President Mike Pence from certifying Joe Biden’s victory. Despite the setback, three years later, former President Trump stated on comedian Andrew Schultz’s podcast that he wanted Pence to “have the stamina, maybe the courage, maybe both, to go on.”

The meaning here is clear. To go “further” would be to ignore the election results and keep President Trump in office for another term in violation of the Constitution.

Sound familiar?

The storming of the Capitol is the strongest parallel to the Civil War, but that’s not the only similarity. Other scenes reflect the dangerous end goal of the anti-immigrant rhetoric that is widespread in our increasingly polarized America.

In one instance in the film, a militia leader (Jesse Plemons) loyal to the United States (and, by proxy, the President) murders two Chinese journalists over the simple fact that they are not from America. The militia leader is disgusted by the immigrants he believes have ruined the country, and nearly executes American journalists as well because he doesn’t think they’re patriotic enough. This is perhaps the most intense scene in the film. However, not only his weapons are scary, but also his ideology.

How often have we heard from some politicians that immigrants taking our jobs, flooding our prisonshell, even we eat our pets? What happens if someone who sincerely blames immigrants for the destruction of America gets the support of the US government and is armed with enough weapons for a militia? “Civil War” answers that question, and it’s not pretty. Unlike some other dystopian films that revolve around real-life parallels, Civil War deeply addresses the danger of prominent far-right ideologies based on fear, hatred and anti-democratic values ​​taking over our country.

Fortunately, according to “Civil War,” there is hope for us. Today’s America may be becoming increasingly partisan, gridlock in Congress stagnation of progress and most conservative Supreme Court for almost a century, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Even in the much more extreme America that “Civil War” portrays, we see Texans and Californians, who are known to be on opposite sides of the political spectrum, working together to challenge the fascist rule of the president. This shows us that the party system is not rigid and that very different people can put aside their differences for the common good.

As long as we continue to walk the political path and actively combat extremism in all its forms, we will prevent America from descending into the dystopia of “civil war” and create a country that we can all be proud of.

Editor’s Note: This article is a review and includes subjective thoughts, opinions and criticisms.