CMT - The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951)

Of the films I've seen in 2015, this one has made me think the most. During the final moments before the end, it provoked me with something I hadn't considered before. Insightful stories about humankind, are very good at pointing out our flaws. Even so. this is the first film of its kind to make me seriously consider, if free will is the root of all evil.

Classic Movie Trailers - The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951)

I'd like to share with you, the scariest thing about people. Human beings can tell themselves to believe anything. You can put conflicting information in front our faces and fetch definitive evidence, but it will have no effect on our decisions. If we so desire, we can disregard all of the facts, no matter how strong. The truth is ultimately whatever we want it to be.

We can justify doing just about anything. If we want to steal we will do so, and then we'll cook up some excuse, as to why it isn't wrong. We can treat others how we want, for any reason that we like, and that reason doesn't even have to make any sense. If we started a group, to take donations from poor seniors and give them to wealthy businessmen, it would be legal, defamed, decried and very popular.

We surround ourselves with others that agree, shun those that do not and ignore any consequences. Those qualities are harmless sometimes, but they are devastating and destructive when they are not. If we kept to our own social groups, that would mitigate some of the problems. Unfortunately, interaction leads to discrimination, inhumane behavior and even war.

Now imagine a race of similar beings, who decided long ago that self-policing is inadequate. In order to keep the peace and enjoy better lives, they collectively decided to give up their freedoms. They even went about the business of creating their own slavers. They proceeded with full knowledge, that any contrary efforts would lead to their deaths.

It's a powerful, profound and chilling scenario. I can't even comprehend the proposal of such a thing, let alone the consent to it. We have often dreamed of meeting a more advanced species, but how many have written about a race with no faith in itself? The concept is very concerning, because it makes me question the trust we place in ourselves.

Is the freedom to disagree, destroy and deny everything worth it, as long as we're free to do so? If an otherworldly race says no to that question, are they an advanced people? Your answers to those queries might truly disturb you, if you are subsequently asked to place humans on the same scale. Can we honestly say we're better than them?

If not, what if we're worse?

Trailer Here.

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@ChannelSeals

Watch "The Day The Earth Stood Still" on Netflix!