the_information_nexus/random/social_norms_movies.md

Thought Experiment: A Century's Cultural Shift in Film

Scenario 1: A film made in 1924, reflecting that era's social norms, is released as a major box office film in 2024 without context or disclaimers.

Scenario 2: A film embodying 2024 social norms is somehow created and released to audiences in 1924.

Central Question: Which scenario represents a more drastic cultural shift and would face more significant backlash?

Analysis:

Scenario 1: 1924 film in 2024 Likely reactions:

1. Shock at outdated portrayals of gender, race, and social hierarchies
2. Offense at now-unacceptable discriminatory content
3. Disbelief at the film's unconstrained release
4. Mixed fascination with historical perspective and criticism of outdated norms

Potential backlash:

• Social media outrage and calls for removal from theaters
• Debates on artistic freedom vs. social responsibility
• Discussions on the importance of historical context in media

Scenario 2: 2024 norms in 1924 Likely reactions:

1. Extreme confusion at unfamiliar social structures
2. Strong moral objections to modern equality concepts
3. Fear or anger at challenges to established norms
4. Possible misinterpretation as satire or cautionary tale

Potential backlash:

• Widespread calls for censorship or banning
• Public protests and boycotts
• Legal action against filmmakers
• Condemnation from religious and political leaders

Comparative Analysis: While both scenarios would provoke strong reactions, Scenario 2 represents a more drastic shift and would likely face more severe backlash. The 1924 audience would lack any frame of reference for many 2024 concepts, whereas a 2024 audience has some historical awareness of past norms, even if objectionable.

The 2024 norms would appear not just disagreeable but potentially threatening to the core of 1924 society. The comprehension gap would be significantly wider, potentially leading to more visceral, even violent reactions.

Conclusion: This thought experiment highlights the magnitude of social change over the past century. It illustrates how our perception of "normal" is profoundly shaped by historical and cultural context. The more drastic shift occurs when future norms are introduced to the past, rather than past norms being viewed in the present. This underscores the gradual nature of social progress and the importance of historical context in understanding cultural evolution.