Save The Heroes
From our namespace cousins at Alternet.org: The Matrix’s Neo is the Hero of My Generation.
There are some fundamnetal flaws in it, and some glazing over of deeper issues, but he does say one thing in particular that feels familiar:
That may be the big joke behind the Matrix. Even those who are trying to step out of the system step back into it when they buy the ticket. The movie has become another a product for sale. But to me, Neo can’t be co-opted.
My generation has been through this in the past. We’ve seen culture and ideas we identify with sold back to us, like graffiti, hip-hop or skateboarding. Big-time industries only see the surface, and not the deeper reasons why they resonate with us. Corporations see the Matrix as cool martial arts, leather trench coats and shades – but we see an idea that finally defines that feeling that this society is fake. Even if the movie comes from Hollywood.
Thoughts? Is Neo someone with a vision, the inspiration from him taken directly from Shepard Fairey or Shawn Wolfe; he sees through the bullshit? Or is it really about kicking ass while wearing trenchcoats and sunglasses in the dark?
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3 Replies to “Save The Heroes”
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well. I haven’t actually had the chance to see matrix 2. (working nights sucks). but what i can gather from this post, the matrix is being used as an example. Look at the current situation. Hip-Hop is becoming a corporate thing in the mass market. With all the bling bling and manufactured bands pumping out beats stolen from some of the old school classics (see J’LO for a very big example. and I’m not talking about samples) doesn’t anyone remember when hip-hop was political. About independence and the minority getting some power? as for the matrix… i do think its cool, but definitely hollywoodised. look at the original inspiration for the matrix – manga and underground comics. Hard Boiled is a title everyone should check out, and far too hard for mass media. Ghost in the shell, whilst well known for Manga (beaten in popularity only by Akira in the west) is a very un Hollywood and much cleverer take on the matrix. Especially as it came quite a few years before this trench coat infested mess. Now. If you want something that will never EVER be picked up by the mass media, check out Johnny the homicidal maniac comic book by johnen vasquez. Not for the faint of heart or any one who isn’t into pretty damn gratuitous violence.
Surely there isn’t anything that we can see that is real. Surely we can’t define what reality actually is. Our comprehension goes only so far. Our imagination can create anything. Our purpose is to create. Many of us is still in the matrix, thinking in a routine, working in a routine, operating like robots. What is different to us and slaves, yet our slavery is more of a self inflicted slavery. Freedom is a choice, many of us are stuck in the prison of the mind. All those philosophical thinkers out there who are into hip hop I urge you guys to check out BLACKALICIOUS with their albums NIA and BLAZING ARROW. They are off the hook, Lyrics cannot be more influencial than any other music in my life. To all those who are not acknowledging their spirit, their hearts and what is truly real, I urge you to listen. Email me with all the philosophy you can get your head around and send me back an email, @ milkbottlereality@hotmail.com
The matrix, well, I’mstill trying to free myself from it as I transform my reality day by day. Reality is what you create it to be and peace to all who want to better their lives. There is no better high than that natural high inside. Search for the answers in the right places, live your life and awaken that which is asleep. Life is more than material, material is meaningless. Move on and free struggle. Peace
yes, i agree…