Monday, May 16, 2005

A Very Obnoxious "Crash"

Last night I saw "Crash". If you ever saw "Magnolia" and wondered what it would've been like without the characters being so over the top, well, perhaps "Crash" is for you. I certainly wondered this and with that in mind I sat watching much of the movie comparing and contrasting the two. While this may have hurt my total enjoyment of the movie in the theater, it actually added to the resonating thought provoking feelings I had afterwards.

Much like the more abstract "Magnolia", watching "Crash" is like throwing a rock into your mind's serenity pond. It's an entertaining piece about people and the troubling situations that they face. It's very disturbing at parts and if the initial splash doesn't cause you problems certainly the rippling post-movie discussion will.

But most intriguing about this movie is what isn't said during the movie. Miscommunication mars the lives of these characters in easily avoidable ways. Sometimes it's because someone is merely not paying attention. Sometimes it's because someone is distracted. And sometimes they are so consumed by self-imposed issues and concepts that they cannot see their reality playing in front of them. What is so beautiful about this film is that while some characters are granted clarity, some are not. It's beautiful honest to life while still retaining movie magic. (BTW, Clarity would be a perfect song for this movie... I don't know if any of you folks listen to John Mayer but if you do you know what I mean. If you don't check him out on Itunes).

What interested me more than anything, was the important role of law enforcement officers in this movie (and Magnolia). I find police officers to be an especially interesting crowd because of their position of power and the percieved obligation they are put in to save the world. All this while being vilified by people who fear them, their general power, and/ or the power of a structured government.

Probably most rational is the fear of police, mostly because of the violent history of past police abuses. In Los Angeles, where I grew up, the history of police brutality goes way past Rodney King all the way to the 20's and 30's (see LA Confidential). During this time the police were given the unsaid word that they had almost complete autonomy in cleaning up the streets (ala Rudolph Giuliani). When such a task is given to even a morally and mentally strong human, unfortunately the human part usually comes out. In such a case either one (the moral or mental) part may collapse to stereotype, greed, or other issues that prey on those who need help to cope with a daily grind. Corruption of these ideals is almost inevitable without something to help cope. No one person is beyond this and only faith and outlets for anger and confusion will stave off the inevitable acquiesce.

When an otherwise normal person succumbs to such pressures, mistakes happen. If you saw Crash, you know what I mean. Being a Protector of the people is not without it's own perils. The pressure becomes almost Dave Chappellian (new word for the atlas-like effort of mounting the task of living up to the expectations of others... in this case the cops live up to societies expectations). Like a kettle of hot water, as the water turns to steam, only the release prevents an explosion. In fact, as of late there have been several incidents in LA, actually that would illustrate this point (look here or here - both are LA Times pages and you have to register).

When you are mentally or morally wounded by something and do not seek help, you leave yourself vulnerable to the thoughts and actions of weak people. I won't give away anything (more) in the movie but the more vulnerable you are, the more likely you are to allow the power given to you to be used in corrupt ways. I mean, look at that Anakin Skywalker! Starting wars all over the galaxy because people have told him that there were (unfounded) threats to the Republic. Thank goodness this couldn't happen in the good ol' US of A!

But I digress. If you can't imagine the Chappellian pressures... imagine countless people expecting you to use your eyes to see events that aren't there yet, to use your mind to know the devil inside people who seems totally normal, to have the strength to save those who cannot be saved or, perhaps, must save themselves. They have to be all things to all people. Then they must be infallible in avoiding mistakes and not allowing people to be seen in as groups but always as individuals. Their need for a release is immediate but their desire to maintain composure usually takes precedence. Which is also good because many times ordinary civilians can't handle the idea that their Protectors are worried. We need our Protectors to be strong... we need them to have a release.

With that said, I live near the National Law Enforcement Memorial and all I can say.. is WHAT THE F*CK?! These damn Protectors are playing their bagpipes at the wee hours o' the morning and acting like fools. You see, readers, starting last week cops from all around the nation have been coming and parking their asses and patrol cars in front and around my apartment building. They're here to celebrate National Police Week and all I have to say is... how ironic is THIS?! These guys party like they might not see tomorrow (oh wait) but seriously, isn't this law memorial weekend thing supposed to be reverent to those who have died in action?

As of now, I have counted them breaking only FIVE laws. The open container law, jaywalking, public drunkenness, noise restrictions, littering en masse, and generally being jackasses. That last one may not be a law, but Sweet Jesus and Friends, it was like they were attempting to break a record in jackasstivity. Damn pigs! (Kidding!) Now I understand what it is to host a Spring Break Week, Black Bike Week, Freaknik or whatever. These cops were extremely obnoxious and then with their blocking off of important streets... my friends, I wanted to kill. Adding on top of all this that they are law enforcement officers (as one could easily tell by the badges around their neck) it was almost unconscionable. (I mean who you gonna call? The COPS?!) Still, I thank my lucky stars because I think they haven't been quite AS bad as last year. And while I do remember the folks last year being almost twice as obnoxious on the bagpipes, last year (they played until, say, 7 in the morning) I appreciate that lately their ruckus usually loses steam around 4 or so. Thank GOD. 3 more hours of sleep. Oh... and they have not thrown nearly as much trash on the ground. Which I did sort of appreciate.

Still, mi amigos, with all that said, remember to be kind to your local cops. Despite what you may or may not think being a cop is often a thankless job. They aren't paid as well as they should and most people just expect them to be there when they need them. It aint that easy. Cops are an important part of keeping law and order, fulfilling Rousseu's "societal contract" and quite frankly it's a job with serious moral and mental repercussions. It may not seem like a big deal to you now but wait till you have something you actually want to protect... like.... kids, perhaps a car that is worth something, or even yourself. And if you think police harassment is bad, wait until they PARTY outside of your DOOR.

(And even then it beats the quiet crackheads that are usually there. Although... they usually are quiet.)

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