Secret Movie Saturday: The Vigilante Vol. II
Vigilantism vs Superheroism?
Should vigilantes be subjected to the same punishments as criminals that commit crimes out of rage, self-reward, addiction, or just because they are bad?
According to Merriam-Webster, a vigilante is a self-appointed doer of justice. A Law Library online encyclopedia defines Vigilantism as, “The act of taking the law into one’s own hands and attempting to enact justice according to one’s own understanding of right and wrong; action taken by a voluntary association of persons who organize themselves for the purpose of protecting a common interest, such as liberty, property, or personal security; action taken by an individual or group to protest existing law; action taken by an individual or group to enforce a higher law than that enacted by society’s designated lawmaking institutions; private enforcement of legal norms in the absence of an established, reliable, and effective law enforcement body.”
The history of vigilantism in the United States is as old as the country itself. In many ways, the history of the United States began with vigilantism. On December 16, 1773, American colonists, tired of British direct taxation, took part in what came to be known as the Boston Tea Party. As part of the resistance, they threw 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor. If justice wasn’t considered adequate for a victim, does that give someone the right to take the law into their own hands?
From Batman to Dexter, vigilantes have received Hollywood glam and public approval…but should they? (Crime Museum)
Let’s explore the ‘alternative’ side of vigilante/superhero films. Check out the list here.
A screening and a casual, fun discussion will be the main course at this meetup. The movie remains SECRET until the showtime! Curious? You should!
NB: First come, first served basis
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