MovieChat Forums > Billy Jack (1971) Discussion > The criticism that the film is 'hypocrit...

The criticism that the film is 'hypocritical'

posted 11 years ago by Wuchakk
4 replies | jump to latest

Contrary to the complaints of the film's critics, this movie is not hypocritical in that "it preaches pacifism while showcasing violence." The film spotlights the fascinating debate between limited pacifism (i.e. selectivism), which is a peaceable attitude that only resorts to violence when necessary, and absolute pacifism, which refuses to ever turn to violence in response to evil. Billy Jack adheres to the former and Jean to the latter. It's only Jean and, by extension her school, that supports total pacifism whereas Billy advocates limited pacifism, only resorting to violence when justified.

The film addresses the question of which perspective is better and effectively illustrates that total pacifism does not work. It supports the balanced position advocated by the New Testament.

Some erroneously think that the New Testament supports the idea of absolute pacifism, but it doesn't. Jesus Christ' ministry team had a treasury box with loads of money and some of his workers carried swords for protection from thieves and murderers. Not to mention that Jesus got a whip and chased all the greedy fools out of the temple -- throwing over tables, swinging the whip and yelling. This caused the legalistic religious leaders to fear him and plot murder (Mark 11:12-18). Harmless pacifists don't inspire fear and provoke murder plots. Also, Romans 13 clearly states that the righteous laws of human governments are God-ordained for the purpose of punishing criminals, including the right to execute when appropriate. The majority of sane Christians realize this, but there are a few extremists who refuse to be balanced with the Scriptures on this matter and insist that resorting to violence and especially armed conflict is never appropriate.

"Billy Jack" shows that some people are so degenerate and evil that violent opposition and even execution are sometimes just reactions.

=========================

"I... don't... see... any... method... at... all... sir."

[–] Arlon10 11 years ago

I did not find the movie "hypocritical" at all. Different characters had different functions and different attitudes. It wouldn't be much of a movie without several characters.

some of his workers carried swords for protection from thieves and murderers

I read that in the Bible myself. It depends where you are going. I usually don't carry when I go to the grocer. Oh, I actually don't even own a gun, but I don't have to go any place I would need one.

Although the movie was not "hypocritical" it was tricky. Did you notice how the worst behaved girl in the movie, Barbara, was the daughter of Deputy Mike? Watch the movie again and notice what a theme there is to that. Is that fair? How real life is that?

[–] Wuchakk 11 years ago

Did you notice how the worst behaved girl in the movie, Barbara, was the daughter of Deputy Mike? Watch the movie again and notice what a theme there is to that. Is that fair? How real life is that?

It happens all the time: The preacher's daughter or cop's kids turn out to be some of worst-behaved kids, likely a negative reaction to the legalistic spirit they grew-up with at home, not that I'm justifying bad behavior. But, yeah, I did notice that subplot and addressed it in my review of the film; it's not a meaningless subplot and the filmmakers make a good point with it in the story. Here's my commentary cut & pasted:

An interesting topic is addressed: The pregnant girl, Barbara, comes off pretty obnoxious at first. She's disrespectful to her cop father and flaunts her dallyings with casual sex (no wonder he's ticked off, but this doesn't excuse his abuse). She starts to develop a relationship with a native student at the school, but she questions why he hasn't made sexual advances. He humbly informs her that sex isn't the reason he loves her. Somewhere along the line Barbara obviously confused sexual interest with love, but this guy demonstrates that sex is best as an offshoot of love & commitment.

=========================

"I... don't... see... any... method... at... all... sir."

[–] friendoffilm 11 years ago

The thing with Barbara is that she's not only quite obnoxious and badly behaved, but the fact that she acted stupidly enough to have sex with a number of guys, who were probably a lot older than she was, to boot, become pregnant without knowing who or where the father of her kid was indicates that she (meaning Barbara), was no better than a lot of guys who are promiscuous and will have sex at any price, with no love, caring or committment along with it. When Barbara is befriended by Martin, a gentle Native American boy, he tries to say that he loves her for who what she is. Inotherwords, Martin attempted to teach Barbara that love doesn't really come through easy sex through just anybody, plus he respected her as a real human being, rather than thinking of her as just a sex object.

[–] Wuchakk 11 years ago

Well said.

=========================

"I... don't... see... any... method... at... all... sir."