A Call To Arms - Critical Review of The Kite Runner (movie)

In October, 2001, American military forces made their way into Afghanistan to defeat the Taliban. Two years later, Khaled Hosseini published The Kite Runner, and a movie soon follows. The story captures the hearts of millions of Americans, but don't be fooled by this innocent parable.

This movie promises to show us the "real" Afghanistan. Instead it shows us a carefully-chosen set of images depicting destruction and poverty. It shows us "authentic" images of the Taliban, and urges us to despise them.

It confirms that hating them is okay, because the Afghans don't like them either.

Then it shows us how the Afghans admire America and American things to boost our ego.

Is it a conincidence that this slingshot is made in America?

It calls upon the brave American spirit to fight the Taliban, just like the main character does when he goes to rescue an orphan from the Taliban.

It tells us this is our way to be good again. And it leads us to see America as a force of good, as though America is the only way out for them.

It makes us realize that our invovlement in Afghanistan is no small commitment. But even still, it is our national duty to help them, to take on the "Western Man's Burden," to do whatever is necessary.

This movie gives us a slanted view into Afghanistan, and then urges us to take action by force. The fact that this pro-war move has not been criticized for this underlying messages leads me to wonder:

Has America accepted a role as the world police? And if so, how long can it last?

Category:

Education

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