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I definitely feel strange, sitting down to write about my favorite movies while I watch the nail-biting presidential election results roll in. We are living through a time where the most hateful sides of humans are out in the open. We are divided to a point that is beyond political belief but is about moral code. This week I have seen a lot of arguments stating that no matter who you vote for, it’s okay! We can all be friends! Yay differing beliefs! While it is true that respect is at the foundation of a strong nation, there is a point where this acceptance ends. This idea that the 2020 election is no more than a simple vote highlights one very important issue: 

Privilege. 

When someone is able to so easily say that they are not impacted by an election like this because it does not change the way they will live, that is a privilege.

I am a straight, cisgender, young, white woman who lives in central Pennsylvania. I am terrified for what is to come in this election, but the truth is, it won’t hurt me that much. I worry for everyone else whose rights are up for debate. 

I have seen a lot of posts across outlets discussing this same issue. People deny its existence, but this ability is granted by privilege itself. 

In addition to being a classic, I have always felt there is credit due to the 1995 film Clueless.

The main character, Cher Horowitz (played by Alicia Silverstone), is a very rich teenager living in Beverly Hills. She loves to shop and spend time with her friends. The film is a modernized adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma and it tells the story of Cher matchmaking people she meets and even herself. Though her motivations are not always the purest, she goes through a character arc of realizing that she enjoys helping people. Additionally, she seems to have some grasp on the issues of others. Cher’s speech about refugees is something I think everybody needs to watch. 

Image from The Independent

Though the social commentary is not at the forefront of this film’s plot, the very presence of this caricature of a privileged girl demonstrates the consciousness of the issue. It is a lighthearted movie, with not-so-subtle nods to her affluence and naivety throughout. 

We have to talk about these things if we are going to make any real change. I think that movies like this, which are beloved by many but also house some deeper beliefs, are important to the process. 

As we return to the news coverage that constantly has us saying “Oh my god, I am totally buggin’,” let us remember to take others into consideration. That is how we build a brighter future.