Lessons from "Capernaum"

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"Capernaum" is a mature film with a sophisticated visual language and a deep expression. It doesn't present a simplistic world of good versus bad, where everyone is either a suspect or a victim. Instead, it portrays a complex society where people are compelled to take on various social roles. Those on the fringes feel powerless in the face of their fate and can only struggle and make mistakes. The system remains unchanged, and societal needs persist, creating a cycle of socio-economic issues intertwined with educational problems. This results in the emergence of new, misguided parents, and tragedies continue to unfold. The crux of the structural problem lies in this interconnected web of societal challenges.

What should we understand from films with a "marginal underclass perspective" like this?

For everyday people, the usual response, aside from making a small contribution, is to express sympathy and empathy for those genuinely struggling. However, it's important to note that sympathy can be the most arrogant attitude in the world.

I was particularly struck by an episode of "South Park" where Kyle offended a black character named Token and felt remorseful about it. In an attempt to make amends, Kyle delved into understanding various aspects of black culture and tried to empathize with the struggles faced by black people. Despite sincerely apologizing to Token and expressing his newfound understanding, Token did not accept the apology. Kyle eventually realized that it's impossible to fully empathize with someone, no matter how much effort you put into seeing things from their perspective. Recognizing the limits of his understanding, Kyle apologized again, acknowledging that he couldn't truly grasp the pain of being black. This humility led Token to forgive him.

It's hard to accept, but sympathy often affects the person expressing it more than the supposed "victim." While sympathy is a powerful emotion that can stir one's feelings, its impact on the actual well-being of the person facing challenges may be minimal. Sympathy, being an emotion, can offer short-term support, but it falls short in addressing the systemic issues that contribute to harm in the long run within the social structure.

There are individuals who create their own "spiritual paradise," focusing on love and sympathy while addressing serious social issues. They genuinely believe in the inherent beauty of everything. However, some argue that despite their good intentions and lack of deliberate harm, these individuals may be overly narrow-minded. Immersing oneself in a personal world is a choice, but using that narrow perspective to comment on broader societal realities can be seen as arrogant and highly disrespectful to others. According to Foucault, "Language is power," emphasizing that words can cause harm and exert pressure on others. Blindly imitating elements of a culture without genuine understanding is not only ignorant but also displays arrogance.

It's essential to expand our knowledge beyond what we already know. If you have the means to assist, do so willingly. If you can't provide help, avoid using sympathy as a means of self-pity or exaggeration. Instead, invest time in comprehending the lives of marginalized individuals and their survival strategies. Show respect, acknowledge their experiences, recognize them in future encounters, maintain a sense of reverence, and refrain from disturbing or saying too much if you're unable to offer assistance.

Should the sinner who is forced to do evil be punished?

The answer is obviously yes, but punishment does not mean the end of the matter. If we always follow the simple logic of "make a mistake - receive punishment," it may lead to an either-or way of thinking.

We should look at a problem with a more systematic perspective. It is the judicial process for those who make mistakes to be punished, but if you don't understand why they made mistakes, it is very irresponsible.

Certainly, there's no justification for committing a crime, and it cannot be excused in any way. However, it's worth considering that if you were in his situation, the impact of mental illness might have driven you to extreme actions. Following such incidents, the focus of online communities should shift towards addressing the root causes of mental illnesses. It's important for individuals to prioritize treating their own children well, working to minimize the likelihood of extreme events, and easing the societal pressures that contribute to such situations. Instead of spreading incomplete anger, the emphasis should be on proactive measures to reduce the occurrence of mental health issues.

In "Capernaum", the mother chose to save one child but abandoned the other in a situation where she had no choice. These two things are essentially the same, but the former is more morally provocative. To be clear: The real enemy is not the parents in the film. If you insist that they are the source of evil, perhaps one day evil will come to you without your knowledge.

So, one of the ideal answers to this question is: We should severely punish offenders, while understanding their criminal background. We should strive to reduce the likelihood of such incidents within ourselves, and pay more attention to systemic issues and the solidification of social structures."

How should people face class and personal fate issues?

There's a belief that the "American Dream" serves as an effective tool to maintain social stability by asserting that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their dreams. When individuals are captivated by idealistic notions, they may be less inclined to resent the solidification of social classes, thereby posing no threat to governance. It brings to mind the line "Choose life, choose a big TV" from "Trainspotting." From a unique perspective, everything we encounter, including the coveted big TV, can have a numbing effect. While this idea may sound somewhat conspiratorial, it's advised not to take it too seriously.

The example illustrates that in life, there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, especially when people are deeply connected to their experiences. It emphasizes that while it's possible to "change fate," success isn't guaranteed simply by working hard. The crucial factor is understanding your genuine desires and making efforts towards them. What truly brings you a sense of fulfilment and vitality? Identifying and pursuing those meaningful goals can be more rewarding than following a rigid, universally applicable method.

If I were in Zain's shoes in the movie, making a choice would be incredibly challenging. The metaphorical high wall of fate stands before him. Staying at home, going to school, and alleviating the family's financial pressure might have offered a chance at a somewhat better life. Waiting for the right moment to rescue his sister could have been a rational choice.

However, Zain's desires extended beyond mere survival in that difficult environment. His love and dignity were stripped away when his parents sent away his sister. Instead of settling for a life in the muck, he chose to gamble with his own life. Even facing the possibility of prison and losing everything, he was determined to speak out against the injustices he experienced.

Did he win? Did his struggle overcome fate? It's doubtful that he overcame fate in a traditional sense, not because of a lack of effort, but because the harsh reality he faced provided few opportunities. Yet, he likely wouldn't regret his decision. In the face of an unforgiving fate, he did what he wanted and made his own choice, demonstrating a sense of agency and defiance in the midst of adversity.

Maybe he exists in this world just to speak out and tell more people about the injustices in this world. He tried, he faced fate, and he left the mark he most wanted to leave. This question is very immature. If you were asked, what would you say?