Plato's Cave Allegory

I am regularly amazed by the power and profound impact a film can have one’s life. As we watch movies at different intervals of our lives, the movies can also be special markers of what defines our own human experience. When I first saw this film some seventeen years ago during its initial release, I was in my mid-twenties. I was in awe of the experience. At a time when one is questioning so much about the world and self, this movie made me think about existence. To return to this film, in my forties, it is a completely different experience. My view of the world is a bit more cynical. I have experienced more and had formulated my opinions about the purpose of my existence. I now think more about a creator. There has been more loss

Two messages stand out, “Once you've tasted the truth, you won't ever want to go back to being ignorant” When we experience something new, or sometimes even convinced that something is truth, we feel that our thinking has evolved. For some reason I started thinking about the Born-Again Christian. These are faithful people who firmly believe that a truth has been revealed to them and they can never think of going back to any other belief. It is interesting to see people who have eventually left some of these fundamentalist ideas and feel that in the search for a truth they were preyed upon and during a vulnerable time of their lives, that “truth” was revealed to them, only to discover that this truth was being controlled and there was no place for thinking outside of that “truth.’ In fact, if you do not stick with those beliefs, you could be excommunicated and lose not only this new identity, but the community to which is was also connected. Secondly, “Better to be the poor servant of a poor master, and to endure anything, rather than think as they do and live after their manner?” Which pill would I take? I do not know. Is ignorance bliss? I also cannot help but make a connection to Santa Claus. We live in a world of wonderment every Christmas. The jolly, red dressed bearer of gifts brings us our hearts desires on Christmas Eve. Yet, I will never forget

The Matrix takes on new meanings and new struggles in this newer modern world since its release. Over the past decade both of the Wachowski “brothers” have transitioned to transgendered women. Although I am unable to speak directly of their experience it is most likely a safe assumption that the struggles with their gender identity have been life-long, even while creating The Matrix. I think it is very interesting to note that when you look at some of the characteristics of Neo it can bring forth a new perspective about this film. Throughout the film the character of Neo essentially has two identities. He is Thomas Anderson and Neo. The only people that ever refer to him with the former name are those who are in positions of authority. In fact, they call him “Mr. Anderson.” All his other friends and encounters are people who call him Neo. The name Neo, of course, means New. It seems that Neo is not able to fully embrace himself as “the one” until he fights the “demon” (the Agent) In his final monologue, Neo says, “You are afraid of us…” this is very telling of the struggles of the transgender community. The final scene can also be seen as Neo has fully accepted this new identity and steps out into an unchanged world. The struggles in this