Farrell mentions that reviewers applauded the film for its "good message about the dangers of an overreliance on technology, encouraging kids to turn off the computer and go outside and play" (118). This is true. I too believe that good ol' fashion outdoor playing can lead to a lot of good: meeting new friends, learning games you wouldn't have before, using your bodies in ways you didn't know you could, understanding your surroundings and the world you live in... These are not bad things right?
Well, Farrell focuses on its portrayal of fat people instead, which does make sense for her book. She says that reviewers were blind since they obviously didn't care about the "depiction of fat people and the humiliation they face" (118). Hmm, I wonder what happens in a world were no one moves. Oh that's right, they gain weight. It makes sense. Everyone was fat. Not just select few, not just the tall ones or the black ones or the rich ones, but everyone. The biggest problem with the people in WALL-E was their lack of human interaction, not their weight. But Farrell thinks that this film shows fat people as a "devolution", as proof of a uncivilization (117). I understand this. I can see how fat people not doing anything themselves can be seen as a regression. But isn't there some truth behind this? Their actions (not weight) does give the impression that we shouldn't want to be this way. And perhaps being so fat that you can't move can be unhealthy. This is me playing devil's advocate.
An uncivilization. I think WALL-E does represent this well, it's a shame that everyone being fat renders its meaning in a different light. I'm not sure I can buy into either side, yet. Can you?
I was mentally playing devils advocate when I was reading this section in Farrell’s book too. Though it does represent an uncivilization because of the huge reliance on technology and minimal human interaction, I don’t think it necessarily is effective for the arguments she is making. Their surroundings and reliance on technology were the reason for their gain of weight, they were in a way becoming more civilized by using the technology given to them...there is also no discrimination between the humans...they are ALL fat, as you said...I am too conflicted as you can see about which side is correct..
ReplyDeleteI was also conflicted with this part of Farrell's book. Although they do not interact with each other face to face, there was a form of interaction through the use of technology. Due to this I do not necessarily believe that the world they lived in was completely uncivilized. It is important to acknowledge that we are viewing this film and seemingly "uncivilized" culture from our own experiences and values. In the movie no one views anyone else as fat or lazy; behaving in this way is how those people were taught. We judge this group of people quickly because we can recognize fat people and assume stereotypes about them. However, I do believe that Pixar made the conscious decision to put forth the stereotypes of fat people and send the message of the important to not rely so much on technology.
ReplyDeleteHere's a question: if everyone is fat, then what does "fat" become? To elaborate further, if everyone is "fat" already, then what happens to fat? Does someone become bigger than another and they are fatter? --- But everyone is already fat.
ReplyDeleteIn this sense, what do people regress too if they already fat? Vicki you touched on this, and my question is in tune with it -- what do fat people become if they are already... fat?