Introduction
Every community has individual characteristics, traditions, ways of living, and communicating among each other, and foundations. It is a challenge for the representatives of a particular society to accept others, those, who look differently, think differently, or have different habits and beliefs into their circle. As a result, the presence of the “aliens,” or those, who, according to the community’s perceptions, do not belong to the group, raises severe challenges, problematic issues, and negative encounters. It is possible to utilize the ideas in the movies and narratives about aliens to consider the outsiders’ feelings. According to Cohen, “monstrous difference tends to be cultural, political, racial, economic, sexual,” which shapes the view of the inhabitant on them (7). The purpose of this paper is to observe the issue of ethical living with “aliens” through the analysis of the District 9 movie and the book Monster Theory and suggest possible solutions to the problem.
Main text
Different pieces of art, whether it is cinematography, fiction, documentaries, or paintings, have a substantial influence on one’s perception of a particular topic. In such a way, such works as District 9 and Monster Theory have an impact on individuals’ perspectives about aliens’ infiltration. First, it is curious to consider the emotions that the movie is raising within people and how it affects one’s sense of responsibility and morality. In this visual piece of work, Blomkamp managed to awaken different feelings among the viewers, fluctuating from fear and uncertainty to prejudices and compassion, and misunderstanding. In my opinion, District 9 perfectly shows the ruthlessness of the human race under particular conditions, and how every individual can change their prejudices if they learn the truth and see the real picture. It is possible to say that this film used a compelling storyline and images to portray who becomes a real monster under the conditions of unfamiliar and offbeat presence.
The movie is portraying aliens as monstrous creatures who are unwelcome in modern society and who should be treated like garbage. There are numerous references throughout the events, where the viewer can see the perception of the aliens by humans and the way they treat them. For instance, the way they call the representatives of another planet, prawns, shows the extent to which people do not accept them and how hostile they are. It can be compared to the way many communities view the increasing numbers of refugees or immigrants. Although everyone shares one planet, many individuals still have critical perspectives on those who are different and who have another religion, another skin color, unique apparel, or unknown traditions. Hence, those tiny aspects come to one massive pile of fears and prejudices about the “aliens,” creating a negative atmosphere, erasing ethical considerations, and moral principles.
One can claim that this is the reaction to the feeling of threat or danger. It is in humans’ nature to develop fearful attitudes towards the unknown and experience dread in front of something that looks different. Consequently, individuals generate negative emotions and senses against unfamiliar presence, which is influentially portrayed in District 9. Another essential scene in the movie is when the MNU employees are burning down the house with the aliens’ eggs, meaning babies (District 9). The main character, who later on dramatically changes his perception, makes a comparison of exploding eggs to popcorn, which shows the ignorance and horrible attitudes of those who came from the outside. It is created by the feeling of danger in the attempts to overpower and show who is in charge.
The same situation happens to the immigrants and refugees who come to other countries seeking asylum or different types of help, trying to find ways to feed their children and give them a better future. The primary point to understand here is that those “aliens” do not come to bring harm or change the communities, but to find support, help, and, most importantly, understanding. Instead of finding empathy and consideration, refugees and immigrants face intolerance, pressure, unfair and biased judgment, and the provision of inappropriate conditions. Thus, those who are “others” in the eyes of the community members are as described in Monster Theory, as “as boundary phenomena, anomalous hybrids that constantly make and unmake the boundaries” (Uebel, 266). This type of attitude eliminates ethical thinking and actions towards those seeking help and sympathy but builds unacceptance and enmity.
It is essential to understand personal responsibility towards outsiders to start building the perception and attitudes based on ethics, moral obligations, and the principle of humanity. First, it is vital to realize that the fact that someone is different does not imply that they impose threats to the sustainable and familiar state of being. In District 9, one can see that aliens did not mean any harm to humans and existed in their separate commune, possessing only one desire to come back home. Contemplating on potential purposes of others coming to the community can be the first step in accepting their arrival and finding common ground for decent mutual existence.
Another aspect worth considering is the way humans are treating the “aliens,” which can be observed in the chosen movie as well. The way the outsiders are portrayed implies a connection to illegal activities, like gun sales or criminal activities. District 9 shows how those who arrived from another planet to find a temporary shelter on Earth, go rival, live in horrible and dirty conditions, and do not have any rights. One can compare some of the immigration services’ activities to the example of evicting the aliens and asking them to move to horrible conditions, as later revealed by Wikus. I believe that this aspect shows that the attitude towards those who do not fit regular traditions of the community can face unfair judgment and be treated poorly. Different appearances, or another language, or distinct preferences do not give the right to others to consider the one an outsider, potentially dangerous, not intellectual enough, or not worth an equal attitude.
It is also critical to raise the question of the research conducted over the aliens’ bodies. In District 9, the viewer sees the laboratories and what is done to the captured creatures, which is shocking. In efforts to gain power and find a way to use their weapons, humans resorted to extreme, cruel measures. The others, who are the outsiders in the chosen community, are weaker and have lower opportunities to stand up for themselves, which can be transmitted to the real-world situation. The understanding of proper treatment and considering everyone’s rights can be challenging but should be implemented to ensure fairness and ethics.
One more direct connection of the movie to real-life situations with immigrants or refugees is the fact that the government decided to establish a temporary camp. In District 9, it was said that they had to do the right things and provide help to the aliens, after breaking into their ship and finding them malnourished and not healthy. Thus, it is believed that setting a camp was enough and that the aliens are the ones who turned it into slams. However, providing shelter is not sufficient sometimes, and it requires more to offer others decent treatment, equal rights, and real opportunities. Another significant point is creating an atmosphere where those who are different, would not feel like outsiders but would be welcomed and respected by other members of the community. It did not happen to the aliens in the movie, and it not always happens to humans in reality. Going beyond simple needs can generate positive outcomes for all the parties involved and restore the belief in humanity.
It is crucial to mention that the movie is made as a documentary, which provides additional tension and the shade of reality to the portrayed events. One of the moments that was showing that there is hope for the aliens was when Wikus decided to help Christopher and his son to come back home, sacrificing his desires. It was an act of compassion and a final understanding of the outsiders’ life. District 9 left the viewers wondering whether Christopher will come back in three years to help Wikus, and somehow it seems highly possible. Although the beginning of the movie shows aliens as monstrous creatures, through the course of actions, one can see how smart, kind, and humane they are. Sometimes, those who are under horrible conditions are willing to share and help, in comparison to the enriched.
It is critical to remember that everyone is equal, and everyone should have an opportunity for unprejudiced existence and non-discriminatory treatment. The movie showed that the aliens did not meet appropriate decisions towards themselves or objective perceptions from the humans other than Wikus. The same often happens to outsiders and requires possible rational solutions to improve the situation for those who are in need. One of the measures can be addressing the issue following the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Turning to the official guidelines that require conventional treatment towards everyone can be a substantial step in fighting biased approaches towards those who come from other countries or backgrounds seeking help. Hence, sometimes one should remember their rights and demand them if facing the limitations without a valid reason.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would like to state that humanity is an essential factor in making the global society a fair-minded place to exist, treat each other decently, and find the best in oneself and others. The reflection on District 9 provides unique insights into the real-life situations connected to immigration and asylum issues. The perception of those who come from the outside is biased and unfair. It does not consider the set of universal human rights that is vital to establish a respectable and aboveboard existence. Sometimes those who are oppressed under those conditions can even face hidden cruelty, and it is crucial to protect them and their rights for fair attitudes and opportunities. Building the programs that will concentrate their activities on ensuring the safety and equality for the “aliens” is a vital step for the human factor of the global community.
Works Cited
District 9. Directed by Neill Blomkamp, TriStar Picture, 2009.
Jeffrey Jerome, Cohen. “Monster Culture (Seven Thesis).” Monster Theory: Reading Culture, edited by Jeffrey Jerome Cohen, University of Minnesota Press, 1996, pp. 3-25.
Michael, Uebel. “Unthinking the Monster: Twelfth-Century Responses to Saracen Alterity.” Monster Theory: Reading Culture, edited by Jeffrey Jerome Cohen, University of Minnesota Press, 1996, pp. 264-291.