I found out something interesting today...
Every one who has seen the movie V for Vendetta, or simply has heard of the movie, has heard the poem the entire move bases is on. But, in case you haven’t, here it is:
“Remember, remember, the fifth of November
the Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I can think of no reason
the gunpowder, treason,
should ever be forgot.”
I have it posted immediately before this one, as well. I apologize now for the repetition. But that alone isn’t what I am writing about now.
The poem apparently refers to no the act of causing a rebellion and giving more freedom, not the idea that every one deserves their piece of life to live in peace any way they wish, to make decisions for themselves and say what they wish, when they wish and how they wish…but the exact opposite.
The poem refers to nothing else but the punishment the conspirators of the original Fifth of November were subject to.
The poem wants us to remember and take heed in their punishment, to never forget how becoming a “traitor” by fighting for what you believe in will only get you a kick in the rear and a swift death.
But I say no more. No more judgment, no more worrying about what we say or do. No, we dont get put to death for doing such things, but we certainly get punished. We are limited to what we can and can not do. We are forced into what we can and can not think is acceptable.
For example:
- Death: no matter how violent or gruesome or saddening or depressing or simply WRONG it is, it is still okay to show such a thing. Even to our children!
- Sex: Our bodies are something natural. The ancient Greeks used to believe that the human body is something of beauty. Not something to hide away from the world, but something the cherish; worship. Now, we are taught to hide our bodies, to be ashamed and embarrassed by them. Why is this? We should be seeing ourselves as beautiful, no matter what we look like!
Those are just two examples. But I digress. The topic at hand isnt how we are programmed to think. It is a simple poem.
This poem can make me feel so good inside, can make me think of how structured my very own life is and how easily I can change that. But the reason for it’s writing was so very opposite.
In england, on the Fifth of November, they still celebrate the day Guy Fawkes and his comrades [the Guys] “attempted to blow up Parliament.” It is said as “attempted” because they did not succeed. No, they failed miserably and were put to their death.
How is this day celebrated? By setting off fire words and setting bonfires. The worst part hasnt even come yet. No, the worst part is that children make “guys” to represent “The Guys” for that evening. They show them off to every one and ask for “a penny for the guy.” After that, they throw their “guys” into the bonfires, more than likely ever innocent to what they are truly celebrating.
Do you think they would celebrate if they knew they were throwing a representation of a man who fought for freedom?
I wonder how many British adults celebrate this tradition without knowing the history behind it, as many Americans celebrate Halloween without knowing the story of All Hallow’s Eve.
As they say. Ignorance is bliss.
http://www.rhymes.org.uk/remember_remember_the_5th_november.htm
