Posted on: Friday, July 16, 2004

ISLAND VOICES
'Spider-Man's' lessons on politics

By Currun Singh

There has been much ado in the past several weeks about the political ramifications of "Fahrenheit 9/11." Other movies, though their intent is entertainment, also have lessons applicable to politics. For example, "Spider-Man 2," a smash at the box office, can tell us a lot about the American political scene.

"Spider-Man" is a uniquely American phenomenon. From the brainstorming of the first film to the rolling out of the sequels, the franchise has bridged pre- and post-9/11 America. Spidey is decidedly apolitical (even his costume is bipartisan), but reactions to the movies can trace American attitudes and perceptions.

The story of Spider-Man centers around Uncle Ben's advice to Peter Parker: "With great power comes great responsibility." That's what I'd tell George W. Bush, president of the richest and strongest nation in the world. Unfortunately, the president has abused his military power and abandoned his responsibilities to civil rights and American workers.

Closer to home, Gov. Lingle has spun her own intricate web of deception with the help of Republican legislators. With rhetoric about education and campaign finance reform, Lingle has deceived people into apathy while she consistently vetoes effective legislation and slashes funds for the arts.

The United States and Hawai'i need politicians with real exoskeletons. My spider sense tells me that Republicans have bitten society hard, and the only way to cease the spread of their poison is to vote for progressive Democrats in November, on both the national and local stages.

It's become hard to distinguish many Republicans from comic-book villains. Remember Doc Ocks: "With great power comes great responsibility." We're watching you with all eight eyes.

Currun Singh of Manoa graduated last year from Punahou School and is attending Harvard.