The movie Shane that we were assigned to watch was very interesting and I believe that it showed key aspects of American culture and its development. In the movie the characters who are farming on the land are in conflict with the people who own cattle and are trying to drive them off. One of the main issues within the movie is the fact that the nearest person involved with the law (Sherif, marshal, ect) is three days away. As things get worse for those living off the land it becomes apparent that justice is going to have to be taken into the hands of the people. I believe the movie represents some key characteristics of American life and the development of American society. As we see in the movie it is clear that the people want to work for themselves and make a living off of the land that they own. The ideas of individuality and being self-made are prominent in American society and are clearly seen in the movie Shane. Another representative part of the movie is that fact that there must be justice for the people. A key part of American society and its development was focused on justice for all. The movie shows how taking actions into your own hands in order to make things right is the best thing to do and I believe the movie was conveying how justice is required to live a happy and peaceful life. The various events throughout the movie that build up to the point in which matters are taken into the hands of the people show aspects of American development and I believe the movie helps give insight into many American values.
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One reply on “Shane and American Values”
I enjoyed reading your comments on the film, ‘Shane’. I believe that the aspects of American culture and its development that was portrayed throughout had a direct correlation with that of Tocqueville’s. Furthermore, it comparatively relates to the ‘battle’ between the Indigenous and Puritans in terms of land. The theme of justice is also recurring and as a viewer or reader, I noticed that it is quite present in Tocqueville’s writings. Whether or not justice has been served during his era, the topic of it still lingers his text. Sooner than later, I believe that the presence of justice will be more evident further down the road.