As a concerned viewer and citizen, I am deeply anguished and disappointed by the excessive violence glorified in Marvel Entertainment‘s movies “Deadpool” and “Wolverine.” After watching these films yesterday, I couldn’t help but reflect on the negative impact such content can have on society, especially on the impressionable minds of young people. This article aims to compare these movies with the wise teachings of Kauṭilya’s Arthaśāstra to illustrate the consequences of media that fails to uphold ethical and moral values. It also seeks to draw the attention of the Central Board Of Film Certification – India (CBFC), a statutory film-certification body in the Ministry Of Information & Broadcasting of the Government of India, which is responsible for ensuring good and healthy entertainment in accordance with the provisions of the Cinematograph Act 1952 and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules 1983.
Storytelling with a Purpose
Stories are powerful. They entertain us but also teach us values, shape how we see the world, and influence our behavior. Good stories should:
- Promote Positive Values: Teach kindness, honesty, and respect for others.
- Encourage Good Actions: Show the importance of solving problems peacefully.
- Give Balanced Views: Show the results of violence and the benefits of harmony.
The Wisdom of Kauṭilya’s Arthaśāstra
The Kauṭilya Arthaśāstra is an ancient Indian text by Kauṭilya (also known as Chanakya). It teaches important lessons about living well. Here are some key points:
1. शम.व्यायामौ योग.क्षेमयोर् योनिः ॥ (Śama-vyāyāmau yoga-kṣemayor yonīḥ) – 06.02.01
“Peace and activity constitute the source of acquisition and security.”
This sūtra highlights the dual necessity of peace (śama) and activity (vyāyāma) in achieving and maintaining wealth and stability. Peace provides a foundation for security, ensuring a stable environment where resources and acquisitions can be protected. Activity, on the other hand, involves proactive efforts and diligent work to achieve goals and make progress. Together, peace and activity create a balanced approach to life and governance, emphasizing that neither can be neglected if one seeks long-term success and security.
Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent struggle for India’s independence embodies this balance. His peaceful protests and active efforts to mobilize the masses led to significant political and social change without resorting to violence.
The Civil Rights Movement in the United States, led by Martin Luther King Jr., also exemplifies this principle. King’s philosophy of non-violence combined with active civil disobedience achieved remarkable progress in racial equality.
2. कर्म.आरम्भाणां योग.आराधनो व्यायामः ॥ (Karma-ārambhāṇāṁ yoga-ārādhano vyāyāmaḥ) – 06.02.02
“Activity is that which brings about the accomplishment of works under-taken.”
In this sūtra, activity is praised for its role in accomplishing tasks and achieving goals. It underscores the importance of diligent effort, proactive endeavors, and perseverance in bringing about successful outcomes. This principle encourages individuals and leaders to engage actively in their pursuits, recognizing that without such activity, aspirations remain unfulfilled, and progress is stunted.
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, known as the “Missile Man of India,” demonstrated this through his relentless work in the field of science and technology, significantly advancing India’s space and defense capabilities.
Elon Musk’s endeavors with SpaceX and Tesla show how persistent and innovative activity can lead to groundbreaking advancements in space exploration and sustainable energy.
3. कर्म.फल.उपभोगानां क्षेम.आराधनः शमः ॥ (Karma-phala-upabhogānāṁ kṣema-ārādhanaḥ śamaḥ) – 06.02.03
Peace is that which brings about security of enjoyment of the fruits of work.
This sūtra emphasizes the necessity of peace for enjoying the outcomes of one’s labor. While activity leads to the achievement of goals, peace ensures that the fruits of this labor can be securely enjoyed and sustained. Without peace, the results of hard work are vulnerable to disruption and loss. Therefore, peace is essential for maintaining a stable and secure environment where the benefits of one’s efforts can be fully appreciated and preserved.
The Green Revolution in India, which transformed the country into a food-surplus nation, needed the stability and peace maintained by government policies to ensure long-term benefits for farmers and the population.
Post-World War II reconstruction efforts in Europe, particularly the Marshall Plan, required a peaceful and stable environment to rebuild economies and ensure lasting prosperity.
Problems with Marvel’s Movies
Glorifying Excessive Violence:
In “Deadpool” and “Wolverine,” excessive violence is a major theme. The characters are always fighting and seeking revenge. This can make viewers less sensitive to real-life violence.
1. Deadpool: This movie mixes humor with extreme violence. Deadpool’s actions are shown as cool and heroic, which sends a bad message that excessive violence is funny or acceptable. The video game “Grand Theft Auto” also glamorizes excessive violence and criminal behavior, leading to debates about its impact on young players who may become desensitized to real-world violence.
2. Wolverine: Wolverine’s story is all about revenge and fighting. His violent actions are shown as justify ed, which overshadows any messages about peace or redemption. International Example: Films like “John Wick” also focus heavily on revenge and excessive violence, potentially influencing viewers to see violent retribution as an appropriate response to conflict.
Negative Effects on Young People
Many young people watch these movies, and they can be easily influenced. The excessive violence in these films can have several bad effects:
- Becoming Less Sensitive to Violence: Watching a lot of excessive violence can make young viewers more accepting of aggression in real life. Research shows that children exposed to violent media are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior and have difficulty distinguishing between reality and fiction.
- Wrong Ideas of Heroism: Showing violent actions as heroic can make young people believe that excessive violence is a good way to solve problems. The portrayal of vigilantes in media, such as in “The Punisher,” can lead to a misguided perception that taking the law into one’s own hands is heroic.
- Mental Health Impact: The intense scenes can cause anxiety, aggression, and other mental health issues in young viewers. Studies have found that excessive exposure to violent media can lead to increased fear, anxiety, and desensitization to violence, affecting mental health and social behavior.
The Role of the Central Board of Film Certification
The Central Board Of Film Certification – India (CBFC) is a statutory film-certification body in the Ministry Of Information & Broadcasting of the Government of India Official. The CBFC is tasked with ensuring that movies provide good and healthy entertainment in accordance with the provisions of the Cinematograph Act 1952 and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules 1983. It is essential for the CBFC to consider the following points:
- Assessing Impact on Youth: The CBFC should carefully assess the potential impact of excessively violent movies on young viewers and take measures to minimize exposure to harmful content.
- Promoting Positive Content: Encouraging filmmakers to create content that promotes positive values and constructive behavior can help shape a better society.
- Implementing Balanced Guidelines: Establishing guidelines that ensure a balanced portrayal of conflict and resolution can help prevent the glorification of excessive violence.
The Global Influence of Marvel Movies
Marvel movies, including “Deadpool” and “Wolverine,” are not only popular in the United States but also enjoy a massive global audience. These films are screened across the world and translated into multiple languages, making their impact far-reaching. The business of these movies is enormous, with billions of dollars in box office revenue. This widespread influence makes it even more critical for Marvel to consider the ethical implications of their content.
The Need for Better Storytelling
Marvel has a big influence and can make a positive impact. They should include ethical principles in their stories to:
- Promote Positive Role Models: Characters should show values like empathy, honesty, and respect, serving as good examples.
- Encourage Peaceful Conflict Resolution: Stories should show peaceful ways to solve problems, highlighting cooperation and understanding.
- Offer Balanced Stories: Show the consequences of violence and the importance of peace, helping to shape a better society.
Conclusion
While “Deadpool” and “Wolverine” are exciting and entertaining, it’s important to see the negative impacts of glorifying excessive violence, especially on young minds. Marvel has a chance to lead by example, promoting ethical storytelling that aligns with the wisdom of Kauṭilya’s Arthaśāstra. By doing so, Marvel can help build a better society and a brighter future, guiding young people toward a more peaceful and positive path.
The Central Board Of Film Certification – India (CBFC) should also play a proactive role in ensuring that the content approved for screening in India aligns with these values, fostering a healthier and more constructive media environment for future generations.
