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The movie Perks of Being a Wallflower was aflawless tale of overcoming the empire. It is the story of a young man namedCharlie starting his first year of high school. Trauma and the loss of his bestfriend do not make this an easy journey for Charlie; he spends the beginning ofthe year alone until he meets Patrick and Sam who welcome him to “the island ofmisfit toys”. This film reinforces therepeated message of the Bible: caring for others. It is human nature to needothers, after all no man is an island. Throughout the movie, the characters cryout for the kingdom as they try to escape the suffering of the empire. This is evidentwhen Charlie and Sam ask why the people they love allow people to treat thembadly, to which a teacher responds that people accept the love they think theydeserve. We all accept what big corporations, advertisers, the “matrix” tell usis true rather than search for more—the kingdom.The origin of evil and sin is beingnumb to the pain of others. Charlie is tormented at school (call him names, riphis book, etc.), Patrick is harassed for his sexual orientation, Sam is used byguys, and the list goes on. As Christians, we are called to help each other;yet, the people in Charlie’s life are continually hurt by the system of theempire. However, the film does not leave us feeling as if the grasp of theempire is inescapable; it leaves us with hope. Charlie struggled throughout themovie, but with the support of his friends, he becomes a stronger person. Atthe end of the film, we are left with the feeling that there is hope in theworld, hope for moving toward the kingdom of God. Redemption comes from community. ThoughCharlie and his friends have troubled pasts and continue to struggle throughlife, their friendship helps them. Twice while with friends, Charlie speaks ofbeing infinite. I think this is code for the kingdom. The kingdom exists insidethe turmoil of the empire and, with the support of his friends, Charlie stumbleson the path towards the kingdom. He becomes infinite through the kingdom. Charliesubverts the ruling authority by leaving the comfort of the empire. During thescene where Charlie is in the hospital, the doctor asks Charlie to let her helphim and Charlie agrees. He leaves the denial of the empire in order to face thetruth and uncover the path to the kingdom.
1) Howcan we help others subvert the empire?
2) Doyou think that there is still hope in the world?
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