Peter Jackson's District 9: On saying it well

I just learned of District 9, a movie by Peter Jackson and Neill Blomkamp, due to hit theaters on August 14. It's about aliens who land in South Africa.

Actually, it's about humans and non-humans and, I think, about apartheid, segregation, racial fear and globalism (and aliens). Not sure if sci-fi action is your thing, but this kind of marketing fascinates me.

First, the interactive site is captivating and extensive at www.d-9.com. There is much to do and see there, like clicking on map points to watch realistic interviews of humans discussing questions such as, "Do you feel that the non-humans are taking our jobs?" or, "Do you have a problem with the way non-humans communicate?" Substitute "non-humans" with _____, and you and I could answer these questions, too.

Second, if the movie does end up being a social commentary, then I appreciate Peter and Neill putting the time, money and thoughtfulness into saying what they want to say. (If it doesn't, you can chastise me later.)

Warning: motivation coach ahead.
Not all worldview messages require Halo-esque video game delivery, but if you have something that needs to be said; if you want to awaken people or refresh conversations about important but tiresome topics like racism, then say it well - even with aliens if you have to. Use creativity and technology and collaboration and whatever other resources you have. Tell cryptic, compelling parables like Jesus did. Advocate non-violent sit-ins like MLK did. Powerful and fresh communication methods abound.

What if you just sit in a cubicle designing graphics for Rice-a-Roni? Slim chance that you'll help ease racial tension around the world. But maybe you can employ your talents to awaken us to new ways of addressing hunger in our own D-9's. The point is, you probably have something to say. So say it, and say it well.

4 comments:

Marcus Goodyear July 21, 2009 at 5:53 PM  

Cool. I love scifi. Can't wait for this one.

As to your thoughts about the limitations of easing racial tension while sitting in a cubicle designing boxes of Rice-a-Roni... the best way to do that is to treat the person in the next cubicle with respect.

Every Square Inch July 21, 2009 at 9:16 PM  

Sam - perhaps the combination of two overused phrases - "think globally, act locally" with "just do something" is what many Christians need to employ.

We need to get a global vision - the pain of this fallen world as well as a view of what God is doing in this world. We then need to look for opportunities to make a difference in our local environment - as Marcus pointed out... and we then just need to go out and do something!

Unknown July 21, 2009 at 10:29 PM  

Good and practical thoughts, guys.

Marcus, I like themes, so if I designed boxes of Rice-a-Roni, I'd have to a food-related local/global vision.

I'd try to be respectful, too, of course, but not with as much energy. At least, I wouldn't intentionally think, "Ease racial tension today, Sam."

L.L. Barkat July 24, 2009 at 9:41 AM  

Aliens that land in South Africa. That made me smile.

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