O PATRIOTA (2000): NAÇÃO E NACIONALISMO NA HISTÓRIA DOS EUA

Summary

The video script explores the themes of patriotism and nationalism in the context of *The Patriot* (2000), analyzing how the film portrays the American Revolution. The speaker critiques the movie’s depiction of freedom and unity, noting that the colonies were not fully unified at the time. Drawing from historical insights, including Marc Bloch’s study of nationalism, the script questions the authenticity of national identities and how they are often shaped by myths and ideologies. The discussion extends to modern-day patriotism, emphasizing the complexities and contradictions inherent in national pride.

Takeaways

• 😀 The film discusses the American Revolution in 1776, focusing on the tensions between the American colonies and British rule, particularly regarding taxation.
• 😀 The film explores the idea of freedom, with the American colonists seeking independence from the British monarchy and aiming for self-governance.
• 😀 Slavery is depicted in a way that shows slaves as willing participants, working alongside the revolutionaries by choice, which reflects a somewhat idealized view of historical slavery.
• 😀 The film's antagonist, the English, is portrayed as the embodiment of evil, with all negative actions and deaths being attributed to them, thus reinforcing stereotypes of the British during the era.
• 😀 The protagonist's use of the tomahawk may symbolically tie the character to Native American culture, suggesting an indigenous influence on the narrative.
• 😀 The film emphasizes the concept of 'honorable patriots' fighting for a nation, with individuals joining militias without the expectation of rewards, driven by the ideals of freedom and nation-building.
• 😀 The revolutionary forces are depicted not as a formal army, but as militias formed from common people—farmers and villagers—who undergo basic military training to fight for their independence.
• 😀 A key theme of the film is the creation of a new world, as the American revolutionaries aim to break from the old European systems and establish a new identity free from British influence.
• 😀 The idea of nationalism is questioned, with the notion that people in the colonies were not initially as united as they later became, which complicates the modern understanding of patriotism.
• 😀 The concept of national identity, particularly the French and English understanding of it, is explored, referencing historian Marc Bloch's work on the 'myth' of monarchy and how it shaped national unity in the past.
• 😀 The film reflects on the modern idea of patriotism, especially in the United States, where it is heavily tied to symbols like the American flag, but also examines the contradictions and complexities within American national identity.

Q & A

What is the primary theme of the film discussed in the transcript?

The film primarily explores the themes of patriotism, freedom, and the struggles for independence during the American Revolution, focusing on the complex process of nation-building and the moral dilemmas involved in fighting for freedom.

How does the film portray the issue of taxation and freedom?

The film introduces the issue of heavy taxation by the British crown as a central cause for the American Revolution. This taxation is portrayed as an infringement on the colonists' freedom, leading to a broader debate on liberty and the desire to break free from British rule.

What role do slaves play in the film’s depiction of the American Revolution?

The film depicts slaves as individuals who are portrayed as free workers, working voluntarily and receiving payment, rather than being subjected to oppression. This presentation of slaves aligns them with the revolutionary cause, where they are depicted as willing participants fighting for freedom.

What significance does the use of the Tomahawk have in the film?

The protagonist's use of the Tomahawk, a tool associated with Native American culture, is potentially symbolic of indigenous influence. It could represent a connection between the protagonist and the indigenous peoples of North America, particularly in the context of frontier life and resistance.

How does the film frame the concept of fighting for freedom?

The film presents the struggle for freedom as a moral and ideological battle, where ordinary citizens, including farmers and tradespeople, form militias to fight for independence without expecting personal reward, driven solely by a belief in liberty and the creation of a new nation.

What historical contradiction does the speaker point out about the concept of patriotism in the film?

The speaker notes that the idea of patriotism in the film is problematic because, during the American Revolution, the colonies were not as unified as the film suggests. The colonies had significant internal divisions, making it difficult to imagine them as a homogeneous, united nation in the way the film portrays.

How does the speaker critique the concept of nationalism and patriotism in relation to the film?

The speaker critiques the film’s portrayal of patriotism as simplistic and aligned with a nationalistic ideal, emphasizing that the notion of a united nation based on shared principles of liberty was not a clear reality during the American Revolution. The speaker argues that nationalism often arises from constructed myths rather than historical truth.

What does Marc Bloch’s study suggest about the formation of national identities?

Marc Bloch’s study suggests that national identities, such as the French and English, were built on myths and fabricated beliefs. For example, the belief that a king's touch could cure diseases was a key factor in solidifying national identity, showing that national loyalty and identity were often based on falsehoods and collective delusions.

What is the significance of the American flag in Hollywood films, according to the speaker?

The American flag is frequently used in Hollywood films as a symbol of patriotism, often inserted into scenes without narrative justification to evoke emotional responses from the audience. This practice reinforces the idealized concept of national pride and loyalty, even when not directly related to the plot.

What comparison does the speaker make between American and Brazilian patriotism?

The speaker compares American and Brazilian patriotism by highlighting the dangers of embracing a simplistic, unified view of nationalism. They argue that both countries, like others, have internal contradictions and diverse populations, making it unrealistic to expect everyone to abandon their differences simply in the name of national pride.