This year in many ways has been different from the other ones. It is the year of death of not one but three dictators, year of strings of Jasmine Revolutions, death of iconic people who shaped(changed) our world, wikileaks doing what one can just dream of, Anna Hazare, recession and bailouts.
But there is one thing which caught my attention which I would like to bring forth to yours also. The mask which was first time seen in popular media, in the movie V for Vendetta, then slowly and slowly which has started hijacking protests which are remotely antagonist, against greed; Guy Fawkes mask. The mask which signifies the belief ‘The People shouldn’t be afraid of the government but it should be the government who should be afraid of their people’. Self proclaimed supporters of Wikileaks, Anonymous group and now even "Occupy Wall Street" protesters are wearing this mask. Wachowski brothers have once again changed the world, they way people think and question or this time should I say Alan Moore!
The mask you see above is of Guy Fawkes, one of the earliest known anarchists who lived during the late 16th century. He was one of the thirteen co conspirators who tried to blow up the British Parliament. One night below in the cellars he was caught with barrels of gunpowder which was meant to blow up the parliament. For which he was arrested, tried and sentenced to death. Later British people started celebrating 5th November as ‘Guy Fawkes Day’, the day of ‘Deliverance’; the day gunpowder plot was foiled.
Legacy
The Guy Fawkes mask first appeared in the Alan Moore’s graphic novel (1980s) where the main protagonist in protest to the dystopian society, to protest against the tyranny dons a get up complete the mask to finally blow up the one main thing which represented tyranny to him. It was an amazing graphic novel, beautifully thought and executed.
It was the year of 2008 when the mask surfaced, worn by people who were protesting against scientology. A classic case of fiction inspiring real life protest kind of thing; like Rang de Basanti out here. The mask made the people anonymous, a body without a face, one thing connecting all, the idea; the idea which is bulletproof.
Iconic times
This mask is now a symbol for people who are shares their commitment to the desired cause. It is appearing everywhere. ‘Occupy Wall Street’ protesters, Anonymous group, Self-proclaimed Wikileaks supporters, all apart from the shared idea, the shared cause have the mask to showcase their support. It has become a symbol for the future.
The mask is the top selling mask on amazon.com. Now does this say that there is something wrong?
In the end don’t forget the nursery poem which is taught to the children so that no one forgets the “Treacherous Act”.
Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t'was his intent
To blow up the King and Parli'ment.
Three-score barrels of powder below
To prove old England's overthrow;
By God's providence he was catch'd (or by God's mercy*)
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Holla boys, Holla boys, let the bells ring.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!
And what should we do with him? Burn him!
Scary isn't it!!
Oh that movie. that movie altered a little bit of me. I would like to quote the lines natalie portman says in the beginning of the movie:
ReplyDeleteWe are told to remember the idea, not the man, because a man can fail. He can be caught, he can be killed and forgotten, but 400 years later, an idea can still change the world. I've witnessed first hand the power of ideas, I've seen people kill in the name of them, and die defending them... but you cannot kiss an idea, cannot touch it, or hold it... ideas do not bleed, they do not feel pain, they do not love... And it is not an idea that I miss, it is a man... A man that made me remember the Fifth of November. A man that I will never forget.
That movie. that idea. bringing justice by tearing down the tyrant men. we need someone like that in India. someone who is fair and fearless.