In 1984, nobody expected the Soviet invasion. It's likely nobody expected Patrick Swayze and Charlie Sheen would be the ones to fight it off in the new version of "Red Dawn."
"Red Dawn" was shot during the Cold War and played on the fears of our fellow paranoid countrymen who were ready to head to the hills in the event that Premier Konstantin Chernenko even so much as sneezed in the wrong direction.
I loved "Red Dawn" and still do to this day. I am one of those who, had I been around during the Cold War, would have headed to the hills and taken up arms in a heartbeat. No Soviet Spetznaz were going to parachute into my backyard, herd my fellow Americans up like cattle and raid my refrigerator if I had anything to say about it.
My reaction was predictable upon finding out a remake was in production. I was ecstatic, hoping for a faithful remake of the movie I love and would gladly draw my inspiration from if I were to organize a militia. I wanted to relive the thrill of watching the original "Red Dawn" for the first time. Then the viral promotions were released.
Photos of a "Chinese/American Friendship Center" in Detroit prominently displayed in its windows: "Deceitful Leaders. Greedy Corporations. This is Not a Democracy. We Are Here to Help."
I couldn't believe what I was seeing. China? A Chinese invasion? In my movie? Come on, Dan Bradley. You can direct something better than this. Don't use this classic movie as an opportunity to take a jab at China.
Then it hit me: Contemporary Sinophobia, the fear of China, its people and its culture, is ruining my favorite movie.
According to a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released in 2009, 71 percent of Americans believe China is threatening the United States economically while 51 percent see China as a military threat.
A Washington Post-ABC News poll showed 43 percent of the public believe China will be most involved in world affairs and news prominence compared to 38 percent who believe the United States will top the list.
The tendency to lean toward China in terms of economic and world involvement is a dramatic shift from a decade ago when the United States was the clear and favored contender for its place as top dog in the global economy.
The remake is stirring up quite a bit of controversy. Chinese media outlets reported the film as instilling Cold War-era fear of growing Chinese economic and military power. They have a point. The United States and China see almost eye-to-eye nowadays and Americans might feel somewhat Sinophobic as a result, especially in times of financial insecurity.
It's because of that financial insecurity that we may not even see this film come to fruition. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is in dire straits fiscally. The company has shelved this film indefinitely, and its Nov. 24 release date is probably going to be pushed back until MGM gets its head on straight.
Until that happens, I can still hope that the film's production staff will make some last-minute changes that will make it more like the original. Anti-Russian sentiment still sells 16 years later, especially in video games.
"Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" and "Battlefield: Bad Company 2" portray the Russian Federation as the primary antagonist of their storylines. "Modern Warfare 2" actually makes several references to the original "Red Dawn," alluding to its opening scene with paratroopers dropping from the sky over suburban areas and even in one of the level names and achievements ("Wolverines!" and "Red Dawn," respectively).
The reimagining of a classic is nice. The notion I adhere to, however, is that if it isn't broken, it doesn't need fixing. All I want is for the new film's production team to tone down the changes to the original foundation of the film, drop the Sinophobic premise, digitally splice in archived footage of Patrick Swayze and just get the movie out in theaters at least by 2012 so I can see it before the world ends.
Is that really too much to ask?
Read More
IPR: Fewer Indiana high schoolers are going to college as enrollment hits record low
By Indiana Public Radio / 14 hours agoLess than 52% of Indiana high school graduates enrolled in college in 2023 — the lowest rate on record, according to new state data. The drop continues a yearslong trend that could have long-term consequences for the state’s workforce and economy.
Community, Creativity, and Summer Celebration: Muncie’s Week of Events
By Ball State Daily / YesterdayFrom community care to creative flair, this week’s events offer ways to make an impact and spark your curiosity. Donate life-saving blood at the Red Cross Blood Drive, then dive into local ecology at White River Inhabitants with hands-on exploration. Tap into your inner artist at the Fused Glass Workshop at Minnetrista, or stop by Second Harvest’s Anderson food tailgate to receive a helping hand — no ID or proof of income required. Finally, celebrate summer in full swing at Fire Up DWNTWN with hot air balloons, live music, spicy eats, and family fun. There is something in Muncie for everyone!
