It has been a month already! I hope
that everyone has enjoyed Black History Month. Apparently, I have been watching
too many science fiction movies throughout February and came across The Matrix. While I was watching the
movie, I noticed something: it covers the topic, The Red Pill and the Blue
Pill. I thought it was rather odd that these things would be discussed in
movies. As I continued to watch, I noticed that this movie dove into what each
pill represents and from there I began to think, “Hmm, what’s up with these
two?” As I began my research, I discovered that professors all over the world
have discussed these two ideals. There have even been books on them. My
question to the readers: Have you heard of The Red and Blue Pills, and do know
what they represent? Well, have no fear; Mr. Taylor is here to help you with
the answers.
Often described in the media, these two
icons have been featured in movies such as Total
Recall and The Matrix. But, what
do they represent? The Matrix gives an indication as to what they mean: The red pill represents the truth or chance,
while the blue pill represents the blissful ignorance that some human beings
enjoy indulging in. Simply put, the world is a dangerous place, but how
dangerous is determined by the individual. We have been given the opportunity
to understand the world around us. When it comes to what we “believe,” that is another
story. In our households, we are raised to believe certain things as truth.
Consider Thanksgiving Day. Some individuals do not know that on that day the
Pilgrims slaughtered Native Americans. This is the reality of Thanksgiving.
The Matrix gives an example as to what
these pills represent and illustrates them throughout the entire series. Neo
(Mr. Reeves) starts and continues to ask questions throughout the entire movie.
Our lives are plagued by questions, which we try to answer during our lifetime.
Who, what, where, when, why, and how are examples of these questions. I have
found myself asking, “why am here? What is my purpose in life?” By “seeing how
far the rabbit hole goes,” we push ourselves against the norms of society and
find another way. People who are looked at as different or innovative are the
consumers of The Red Pill. They want to see what is going to happen if they
decide on this path or test the waters. Scientists do it all the time. People
who decide to consume the red pill create all of the businesses, gadgets, and
books around us.
Now I am not here to say that The Red
Pill is always good. We have our moments where we want or need to be ignorant
to the things that go on around us. Realizing just how messed up something is may
be tough to deal with. If Americans had the chance to know the foundation of
their country and what it was built on, do you think they would care or want to
know? That is for you to answer yourself. Wishing to know and wishing not to
know represents The Red and Blue Pill. Even within all this symbolism, we are here
to make decisions. There is a part in the first Matrix movie where the traitor,
Cypher, states, “if I knew what the situation was I would have told Morpheus to
shove that pill up his ass”. That sentence is a little extreme to say the
least, but nonetheless reasonable. The man wanted to live a comfortable life
without stress.
The outcome is based on the input, but
even along those lines, life has a way of placing us where we need to be.
Blissful ignorance is not a delicacy that needs to be consumed on a daily basis.
Keeping it real with yourself allows you to understand what is going on in the
world as well as within you. Why sugar coat the truth? Some people just do not
have the capacity to deal with everything at 100 percent, which is
understandable. Nonetheless, ignorance makes people happy. Who are we to say
who should not be ignorant? Times are hard, and yes, many people just want to have
fun. People all over the world take chances and have times when they are
ignorant. However, my question to you is; Are there any questions or concerns
that you have about the world, and have you gone about getting those answers?
That is for you to decide, readers.
Mr. Bryan Taylor is a red pill. I have
gone out on faith and it has taken me a long way. I have had the chance to
write, and allow others to read what I have to say. My articles are based on
research and from there I shape my opinions. I want my readers to not only
challenge themselves, but challenge me as well. I am not a know-it-all, and I
am learning about the world around me right along with you. Until the next
issue, please take something back with you. I want to know what my readers have
to say. If there are any questions, comments, ideas, or anything please feel
free to contact me on FB: B Ra Carter, email: B.Ra19150@gmail.com or twitter
@B_Ra215.
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