Where conscious subjectivity is concerned, there is no distinction between the observation and the thing observed. -John Searle
Almost everything humans do is done with intention. The creative endeavors almost always say something, try to convey something. But there's a variable that all creatives must consider: human subjectivity. If two people see or hear the same thing, I guarantee the will get different things out of the experience. Our observations are tinged with history and feelings that an outside force cannot predict. For instance, if two people see a photo of a dog, the animal lover will feel happiness whereas the person who is afraid of dogs will exhibit fear. It doesn't much matter the intention of the photograph at that point. To one, the dog is not a dog, but rather happiness, to the other the dog is fear.
These days, it seems Hollywood is more in the business of propaganda than pure entertainment. From children's programming to late-night comedy, everything is pushing a message. With the loudest voices in Hollywood being liberal ones, that message is usually pro-liberal/anti-conservative. This may serve to wear down softer minds, but a number of us know it's not necessarily about what is overtly presented. The key to being entertained by entertainment is to be objective whenever possible.
Robin Hood opens soon and it's already creating buzz on both sides of the political spectrum. Conservatives see a character who stands up for the rights of everyone, crusading for the advancement of deserving souls, whereas liberals see someone exacting vengeance on the affluent and redistributing their wealth. When broken down, the story ceases to be cut and dry on any issue and it's certainly not 100% for or against either points of view. The minds behind the film have gotten antsy at the thought of Robin Hood being an encouraging force to 'Tea Partiers.' But in spite of all their efforts, viewers are going to have their own opinions. Once the film is taken in by the individual and processed through their unique filters, the message ceases to be as intended and becomes as interpreted.
Hollywood likes to think they are the sighted leading the blind, but I believe the opposite to be true. As I examine my life and the things by which I've been entertained, I find the intended message is not always how I take it. To me, Star Wars was never a working-man's battle against evil capitalists, Star Wars was about the power of honesty, tenacity, and forgiveness. X-Files wasn't a few stalwart liberals facing a corrupt conservative government, it was a pained search for truth against the forces of people who valued only self-preservation. Though I'm disheartened by the talk of what Robin Hood is intended to be, I know only what I feel when I hear things like "It is time for lambs to become lions." For too long, the taxpayer, the Christian, and the middle class worker have been trampled on. For too long, the Constitution has been ignored. If there are any lambs in this country with the strength and will to become lions, conservatives are those lambs. Liberals simply don't have the stomach for it.
