Once In A Blue Moon

Your Website Title

Once in a Blue Moon

Discover Something New!

Status Block
Loading...
39%23dAQUARIUSWANING CRESCENTTOTAL ECLIPSE 9/7/2025
LED Style Ticker
Dystopian Themes of Ascension, Sacrifice, and Population Control in 1980s Cinema - The 1980s produced a number of dystopian films that explored the intersection of ascension, sacrifice, and population control, often portraying societies where survival was determined by governments, media, or unseen forces. While some films tackled the subject through direct state-mandated elimination, others used symbolic or psychological methods to explore the idea of who gets to ascend, who must be sacrificed, and how societies justify these actions. This article examines a few key films that delve into these themes and how they shaped dystopian storytelling. I. The Precursors: Films That Set the Stage Logan’s Run (1976) – The Illusion of Ascension Although released before the 1980s, Logan’s Run remained influential throughout the decade, inspiring many later dystopian films. It depicts a world where citizens must die at age 30 under the pretense of “renewal,” a process that supposedly grants rebirth. In reality, this ritual is nothing more than systematic population control, disguised as a spiritual or celebratory event. This theme—a false promise of ascension to justify sacrifice—became a recurring idea in later dystopian films. II. 1980s Films and the Control of Life and Death The Running Man (1987) – Entertainment as Execution Based on a novel by Stephen King (under the pseudonym Richard Bachman), The Running Man envisions a future where criminals and dissenters are forced into a gladiator-style television show. The masses are entertained by public executions, normalizing violence as a spectacle. While this film does not center around “ascension,” it portrays a state-controlled elimination process, where survival is turned into a form of media manipulation. Those who resist are sacrificed, reinforcing state dominance under the guise of entertainment. They Live (1988) – A Hidden Ruling Class and Selective Survival John Carpenter’s They Live does not explicitly feature population control through ascension, but it does explore the elimination of those who "see too much." The ruling class—aliens disguised as humans—use subliminal messaging to keep the population obedient and unaware of their oppression. Those who break free from the illusion are systematically hunted and removed. In a way, They Live reflects a dystopian form of selective ascension, where only those in power thrive, while the rest remain entrapped in false realities. Brazil (1985) – Bureaucratic Erasure of Identity Terry Gilliam’s Brazil presents a world where the state exerts total control through bureaucratic elimination, a more subtle but no less terrifying form of population regulation. In this society, people are not executed outright but are instead erased through paperwork, false accusations, and re-education. Instead of promising ascension, the system forces people to disappear in a way that feels arbitrary and senseless. The horror in Brazil lies not in explicit death, but in the gradual erasure of individual identity, reinforcing a cold, impersonal system of control. Akira (1988) – Ascension Through Destruction In Akira, the theme of ascension takes on a different form—one tied to power, mutation, and loss of control. The character Tetsuo gains god-like abilities due to government experimentation, but his “ascension” is not a spiritual one—it is a horrific transformation that threatens to consume both him and the society that sought to control him. This film presents an alternative version of population control, where unchecked power leads to destruction rather than salvation. In contrast to Logan’s Run, where ascension is a lie, Akira suggests that ascension, when real, is often catastrophic. III. Thematic Patterns in These Films Across these movies, certain themes emerge, showing how dystopian fiction uses ascension, sacrifice, and elimination as tools of control: State-Driven Control Over Life and Death Logan’s Run and The Running Man depict governments using systematic elimination to maintain order. Brazil shows bureaucratic suppression, where life and death are determined by paperwork rather than direct violence. False Promises of Ascension or Renewal In Logan’s Run, “renewal” is an illusion designed to prevent rebellion. In They Live, the elite ascend while the masses remain ignorant and controlled. Entertainment or Ritual as a Mask for Execution The Running Man turns elimination into a public spectacle, keeping the masses entertained while reinforcing control. Logan’s Run presents execution as a sacred ritual, convincing people that their deaths serve a higher purpose. Individuals Who Break Free from the Illusion In They Live, the protagonist discovers the hidden rulers and fights back. In Akira, Tetsuo breaks free but loses control, becoming more dangerous than the system that tried to regulate him. In Brazil, the main character attempts to resist but is ultimately absorbed by the system. IV. Why These Themes Resonate The idea of population control, ascension, and sacrifice in dystopian settings reflects real-world anxieties about government power, societal manipulation, and individual autonomy. Population control as a means of order – Many real-world societies have experimented with eugenics, sterilization, and forced sacrifices in the name of progress. Entertainment as a distraction from control – Modern media, like in The Running Man, often sensationalizes violence and conflict, creating a passive audience conditioned to accept control. False promises of a better future – History is filled with leaders who promise utopias but deliver oppression. The illusion of ascension keeps people compliant. The 1980s, marked by Cold War fears, government mistrust, and rapid technological change, was the perfect era for these stories to take hold. They remain relevant today because they address timeless questions about who decides who lives, who dies, and who gets to rise above the rest. V. Conclusion: Dystopian Visions That Still Matter The dystopian films of the 1980s explored ascension, sacrifice, and elimination in ways that still resonate. Whether through state control, media deception, or bureaucratic oppression, these films revealed the many ways societies justify controlling populations. Some films portray forced sacrifice as necessary for survival (Logan’s Run). Others show elimination masked as entertainment (The Running Man). Some depict ascension as a horrifying transformation (Akira). What remains constant is the struggle between those in power and those who resist, and the unsettling idea that sometimes, what is presented as ascension is really just another form of control.
Interactive Badge Overlay
🔄

🐝 World Bee Day 🌼

May 21, 2025

Article of the Day

Redundant Every Day Tasks That Tend To Get Neglected

20 more often-neglected everyday tasks that can enhance your personal growth, relationships, and overall lifestyle: Incorporating these tasks into your…
Return Button
Back
Visit Once in a Blue Moon
📓 Read
Go Home Button
Home
Green Button
Contact
Help Button
Help
Refresh Button
Refresh
Animated UFO
Color-changing Butterfly
🦋
Random Button 🎲
Flash Card App
Last Updated Button
Random Sentence Reader
Speed Reading
Login
Moon Emoji Move
🌕
Scroll to Top Button
Memory App
📡
Memory App 🃏
Memory App
📋
Parachute Animation
Magic Button Effects
Click to Add Circles
Speed Reader
🚀

In a world that often rewards conformity and uniformity, standing out can feel like an act of rebellion. But here’s a thought: What’s so great about being “normal” anyway? “F*** being normal” is more than just a rebellious mantra—it’s a call to embrace individuality, reject societal expectations, and live authentically. Here’s why being “normal” is overrated and how embracing your unique self can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life.


What Does “Being Normal” Even Mean?

The concept of “normal” is often shaped by societal standards, cultural norms, and external expectations. It implies fitting into predefined molds—dressing a certain way, holding conventional beliefs, or pursuing socially acceptable goals.

But here’s the catch: normal is subjective. What’s considered “normal” in one culture, era, or community might be seen as unconventional in another. Chasing “normal” is like aiming for a moving target—and in the process, you risk losing what makes you unique.


Why “Normal” Is Overrated

1. It Stifles Individuality

  • Trying to conform means suppressing your quirks, passions, and creativity to fit into a box that someone else designed.
  • Conformity may feel safe, but it often leads to a life that lacks authenticity.

2. It Leads to Comparison and Anxiety

  • Striving to be “normal” often involves comparing yourself to others, creating unnecessary stress and insecurity.
  • You might find yourself asking, “Am I doing this right?” when there’s no universal “right” way to live.

3. It Limits Growth

  • When you stick to what’s “normal,” you may avoid risks or new experiences that challenge you to grow.
  • Growth often happens outside of comfort zones, and “normal” is the epitome of staying comfortable.

The Power of Saying “F* Being Normal”**

Rejecting the idea of normal doesn’t mean rejecting responsibility or ignoring societal needs. It’s about defining life on your own terms and pursuing what genuinely matters to you.

1. Embrace Your Uniqueness

  • Celebrate your quirks, passions, and differences—they’re what set you apart.
  • Whether it’s an unconventional career path, an unusual hobby, or a bold style, lean into what makes you you.

2. Take Risks

  • Living authentically often requires courage. You might face judgment or criticism, but the freedom to be yourself is worth it.
  • Taking risks—trying new things, speaking your truth—leads to a more adventurous and fulfilling life.

3. Redefine Success

  • Success doesn’t have to mean the same thing to everyone. For some, it’s financial stability; for others, it’s artistic expression, meaningful relationships, or simply peace of mind.
  • By rejecting societal definitions of success, you can focus on what truly makes you happy.

How to Start Living Authentically

1. Stop Seeking External Validation

  • You don’t need everyone’s approval. Focus on aligning your actions with your values and passions.

2. Surround Yourself with Like-Minded People

  • Find a community that supports and celebrates individuality. Being around people who value authenticity makes it easier to embrace your own.

3. Practice Self-Awareness

  • Reflect on what truly matters to you. Are you pursuing goals because you want to or because you feel you “should”?

4. Take Small Steps

  • You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Start by making small choices that align with your authentic self.

Conclusion: Rewrite the Rules

“F*** being normal” is a declaration of freedom—a reminder that you don’t have to follow the script society handed you. Life isn’t about fitting in; it’s about showing up as your truest, most unapologetic self. By embracing your individuality, you can create a life that’s not just “normal,” but extraordinary.

So, let go of the pressure to conform. Dare to be different. Own your quirks, chase your passions, and rewrite the rules. The world doesn’t need more normal; it needs more you.


Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


🟢 🔴
error:
🐝
🐝