The Imperialistic Attitude: Two Sides to a Story
The films, The Charge of the Light Brigade, and The Wind and The Lion exemplify Great Power Imperialism in what is now known as the 'Third World.' These movies depict the images that the imperial powers and local people and elite's held of each other. In both films the imperial powers are portrayed honorable, civilized, and decent, whereas the local people and elite's are viewed to be dishonorable, uncivilized, barbarians. The imperial power's view of the local people and elite's is revealed through the condescending attitude shown to them, as well as their traditions. The local people and elite's are treated as pawns on a chessboard, willed to move by the whim of imperialism. Also dealt with are the imperial's views on the Great Power struggle for territorial acquisitions outside of Europe. Yet despite their many cultural differences, the local people and elite's hold a similar view to the imperialists. They see the imperial powers as being cowardly, and manipulative, and often we see the same imperial attitude brought out in the local elite's. These various perceptions and attitudes are illustrated in various scenes through the actions and reactions of the characters.The imperial view is examined in two ways: their pe
rception of local people and elite's, and their perception of themselves. Throughout both films there is the constant attitude that the imperial powers feel that the local people and elite's exist to do the imperial bidding. This mind-set is first seen in The Charge of the Light Brigade when the British military officials, in a condescending manner, inform Surat Khan that the Queen of England has revoked her monetary support. Their expectation of diplomatic relationships to remain changeless illustrates their consideration only for the welfare of their state, while remaining dismissive of the welfare of those 'beneath' them. Similarly, in The Wind and The Lion, the Americans expect the Bashaw of Tangier to force the Raisuli to hand over the American hostages. Their manner towards the Bashaw is very demanding and at one point a more experienced official has to curb a younger officials rude outburst. Their whole mannerism indicates that they feel that the Bashaw is not a political equal, and that their demands should be met just because they are Americans. The imperials continue their poor treatment through the obvious disdain that they show for local customs and traditions. In The Charge of the Light Brigade the British openly criticize the Bashaw for owning a vulture, citing it as barbaric, even though they are guests in his home. In The Wind and The Lion, the military official shows his impatience at the Sherif of Wazan for his request of lions. His whole attitude determines the request petty, as if the Sherif is a spoiled child, and his actions towards the Sherif are comparable to those of an exasperated parent. Though they view the locals as uncivilized, and beneath themselves, the imperials see themselves in quite a different light. They are motivated by honor; always acting in a manner they consider civilized and decent. In The Charge of the Light Brigade the battalion feels that it is necessary to vow revenge of Surat Kahn and the Russians for the barbaric slaught
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1345
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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