This morning, while emptying my inbox of an influx of emails received over the weekend, I came across a press release from Mothers Against Climate Change. They wanted to alert me (and you, and everyone we know) to a little PSA they recently put together to fight the powers that be, and insist the Canadian government take action at Copenhagen.
Here is the video:
Before I begin, note that I am quitting coffee this week…
I hate this video. I find it trite and offensive. To me it epitomizes the very problem with the climate change movement. Emotional music set over do-nothing images designed to induce an emotional reaction to a ridiculous narrative. I mean, come on – Police in full riot gear and baring attack dogs stand menacingly, ready to put down the minions of cute, mostly white, rioters, baring hand panted signs that read “My future is at stake?” It’s one cliche after another, and does nothing but trivialize the real experience of people risking their lives to fight for their freedoms every day.
From the press release:
The video itself was inspired by the student protests in Iran in the summer, said Lorraine Tao, a partner in the film’s production company, Zig. “We were all so moved by the images on YouTube and Twitter… It kind sparked the idea, ‘What if kids actually knew what could happen to them and what would they do?”
I think a quote like that more or less speaks for itself.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I disagree with your analysis.
The video has high production values, and it makes an interesting point. I agree – climate change is about more than affluent children, but in terms of creating change, this is a key chord to strike. The music is a little much – I agree, but the emotional impact is compelling. And the child actors are more diverse than you give the video credit for. Overall, not a bad piece of work. It’s interesting that they came up with the idea and implemented it so well. I’m impressed.
Just my two cents!
My friend Gill left this on my facebook wall in response to the post
Different strokes for different folks? The only thing I was compelled to do was write an angry post…