Top Five Fictional Responses to the 2016 Election (Intentional or Unintentional)

In the midst of the incredibly disheartening presidential campaign, I’ve really appreciated movies and shows that push back against some of the rhetoric being spouted behind podiums.  Now, it’s true that some of these projects would have been in production long before the Trump hate train really got underway (animated stuff especially takes a long time to make,) so it’s more just serendipity that they came out at the right time, but either way, I seriously appreciate it!

Hamilton

The obvious starting point.  Proof that political barbs and backstabbing has been part of America since its beginning, but it’s also a stunning reminder of the ideals that shaped “this notion of a nation” we were able to build.  Not to mention, “Immigrants:  we get the job done!”  I have virtually no doubt that Obama will be singing “One Last Time” to himself on January 20^th.

Zootopia

A shockingly-thoughtful exploration of how ignorance and stereotypes divide us, how the unscrupulous stoke people’s fears for their own gain, and how there’s such better living to be found in unity.  The anti-predator agitators shouting, “Go back to the forest!” feel especially familiar.  I’m still a little bowled over that this film exists, but I love it to no end.

The Jungle Book

The other fantastically-savvy children’s movie Disney made addressing these issues this year.  Our villain is the one insisting that Mowgli is dangerous simply because of “what he is,” claiming he can never make the jungle his true home because he doesn’t belong there.  The film’s response to this xenophobia is a resounding, “Can, too!”, and I love the fact that Mowgli doesn’t have to assimilate and “act like a wolf” in order to be a part of the jungle.

The Magnificent Seven

I’m putting up my review of this film later in the week, but although I thought it was so-so overall and the diverse cast could have been better used, it still has a place on this list.  To anyone hankering for the America’s “good old days,” this film serves as a handy reminder that immigrants (including immigrants of color) have been part of America since it began.  Plus, it takes all seven of our heroes working together to win the day, not just the white ones.

Supergirl

Supergirl has depicted Kara and other aliens on Earth as refugees since day 1, but they’re really leaning into the analogy this year.  We’ve already looked at the political discussions about the rights of aliens, questions of assimilation, the pain of missing one’s lost home, and anti-alien violence.  When Roulette, speaking of her illegal alien fight club, remarks that Michael Vick’s problem was that “people care what happens to dogs,” it’s so chilling.  (And, not for nothing, the Supergirlverse has a female president in addition to the female superheroes and media moguls!)