Roshi7

Part I

The basic concepts put forth in the film was old territory. A relative lack of new information, and nothing in the piece that would sway a Christian from his/her core values. The Christian/Pagan link has been firmly established for centuries. The Bible was assembled by committee, taking an oral history that was nearly centuries old to start with, and codified the belief system using established symbols and icons held over from the pagan religions. That is well known. The conspiratorial tone of the film was what interested me the most. It presented it in a way that gives a "just unearthed" feel, where someone who is already on the fence about religion might be persuaded to dig deeper. But for most people, it just seems to confirm already held viewpoints. To the unbeliever, it just confirms their beliefs, and to the fundamentalists, their feeling of beseigement only deepens. Their bible reinforces thier paranoia over unbelievers as minions of the devil. My big kick is the passion by which Zeitgeist was presented, both in class and on the screen. The passion alone is polarizing. The next step is to say so what, what's next? Waddya want me to do about it?

Part II

No new territory on this part either. I did enjoy the way it feeds on fear, on both sides of the issue. I know it seems to be a bit of Schadenfreude. If you believe the accusations (as I do), it is the fear of some massive conspiracy which uses Americans as pawns in a labyrinth of secrets and lies. If you disagree, as I know some do, then the fear of organized terror feeding on the carcass of a rotting complacent civilization. Both scenarios give the individual due cause to live in fear. Fear is something that becomes currency on both sides. It is the force which brought primitive man out of the caves, and fear of the lack of comfort is what drives us to act (or inaction). It is what fuels political campaigns, and sells products in billion dollar industries. The secrurity industry is an example. Just wear this button when you've fallen and can't get up. For only X dollars a month, technology can take the place of family. The fear of the loss of independence fuels the entire AARP organization, where you get your invitation as soon as your 40th birthday.

What can be done on the level of the individual? Zeigeist project link goes nowhere, which I see as an omen. Talk the talk, but can they walk the walk?