I just finished watching The US vs. John Lennon, I never know what to expect from a documentary. This particular documentary appeared to be straight to the point, it had very interesting news clips and interviews from a wide variety of politicians, radicals, and other figures in the media. I have never read or study the John Lennon case, or anything outside of his musical background so whither or not the documentary was accurate I am unable to say, but it was such an interesting account. John Lennon’s life not only as a musician but also as an activist and most of all as a human being was extraordinary.
Questions always arise in my mind when watching information from this era. Has society lost its touch? Have we become so accustomed to bowing down to the system that standing up for what believe has taken a low priority on our list of things to accomplish. Are we so used to war and other criminal activities that we no longer question the government’s actions when dealing with these situations. When looking back, the 60’s and 70’s have become looked upon as decades of change, decades of making a difference. Decades that truly molded our country into what it is today. But everyday decisions are being made, history is still being changed, and it seems in our fast growing world, we no longer take the time or make the effort to follow progress, or regression. Are the actions taking place in this day and age, any less important than those made 40 years ago. Do the actions we take today not affect those of future generations, as much as the actions of our parents affected us.
I’m sure this sounds like the usual blabber. How can we make a difference? Blah Blah Blah. I’m not suggesting becoming radicals, storming capitols, Causing chaos. I am simply saying that maybe we close our eyes to quickly at what is happening around us. That we should look not only at the past and present, but what we can do to ensure a livable future for those who come after us. I think it is important to exist peacefully, to recognize the difference between those around the world, and embrace those differences with understanding. And realize that understanding and acceptance are not the same thing. I think it is important to question that which we don’t understand,
I am just as guilty as the next person of being indifferent, of being to busy to attempt to make a difference, to busy surviving to strive for something greater than what we have. It’s just something for all of us to think about. None the less this was an excellent documentary.