Introduction
Currently, democracy in the United States is endangered just like it was at the filming of “Meet John Doe.” The Americans do not clearly agree in a marginal way what actuality really looks like (Brackney, 2017). Essentially, humans are not inclined in having similar thoughts or beliefs. In discussing democracy and reality, people miss the long-term perception, the one that relates to the root of present equality.
It is hard to comprehend the dilemma in democracy without considering the issues existing in independent politics. Various situations prove the decline of American democracy, for example, deprived voter turnout and few people associating with political parties. Money and gerrymandering have been identified as the key causes for citizens not participating fully in their democratic voting rights. Notably, there are over 100 people who run unopposed and if there is public funding, they all have serious opponents in vying for re-election. This paper discusses US power and politics, with concern on the film “Meet John Doe.”
Film Synopsis
“Meet John Doe” by Frank Capra presents a 1941 story exploring greed, ambition, and the United States political structure. The play shows Ann Mitchell, a reporter who is laid off by her manager due to streamlining. She pleads to continue working claiming she is taking care of her mother and siblings. She becomes angry and collects all her belongings. Before leaving, she writes a fake letter from “John Doe” stating how bad she feels after being laid off and that she plans to commit suicide on Christmas Eve. After printing, the letter attracts great attention and everyone want to assist “John Doe.” However, Connell is shocked when Ann tells him that there is no letter and she suggests they get a fake John Doe to present the claims of the letter. Later, Ann’s job is restored and she gets benefits of more salary and contract.
Notably, several men line up to fake “John Doe,” and Ann and Connell have to make their choice on the man to be purported to have written the letter. John Willoughby walks in and Ann notices him and later appoints him as the fake “John Doe.” He is likeable, quit baseball sometimes back, and has occasionally fallen. Ann is certain that he is a good fit to play this part because she believes he is desperate enough. As her next step, Ann rotates fake photos to attain the correct angry look. John expresses his anger to get the global attention on the unfairness in the world. John is now contented that his baseball career is not as worth as faking “John Doe”.
He reads a speech that Ann writes which is later to be broadcast Ann trains him on sincerity and suggests falling in love with him. When broadcasted on radio, the speech catches public attention due to the “love-thy-neighbor” style. The crowds love John but he cannot move fast enough and he flees to the boxcars with Connell. However, Norton thinks that John is great and wants him located.
A dinner waiter identifies John, and his thirst for a normal life is splashed by unexpected crowd who badly want to meet him. Norton and Ann locate him but he is not contented with it. Norton suggests a lecture tour but John strongly rejects it. After the crowds try to talk to him, he softens on realizing the impact he had on them. Here, Connell is disgusted and thinks that John has been hooked and finally walks out of him. The tours are planned and conducted from state to state and this is where john and Ann start expressing to each other. It becomes a powerful movement that Norton plans to end claiming it has gone too far and would expose. However, John feels that the movement can overpower Norton and there is no plan to end it any soon.
John later shows up at a public gathering where the crowd is singing the national anthem. He is introduced by a priest, but Norton has a report that John is fake. Norton’s troopers storm the place as John struggles for the crowd’s attention. John is subdued and Norton takes the microphone to address how fraudulent John has been. Whenever John tries to speak, the troopers cut the cords of the microphone and this forces john to go back to his place and meet Connell (Brackney, 2017). Newspapers announce John’s fakery, clubs disband him and he feels a disgrace to the people.
Christmas is approaching and John had said to take his life then. Some people are sure he will, so they heed to the roof, including Ann. Amazingly, John shows up holding a letter that addresses his admirer who he is sure to have let down. He attempts to jump off the building but Norton appears with his men telling him that his I.d. if he attempted suicide and that nothing would happen. John claims to have sent a copy of the letter to someone else and says he is happy they are there. He assures Norton that the movement they had destroyed will come back again. When john tries to jump, Ann shows up and pleads with him not to do it. She tells him they can start it over again and the followers agree, where they eventually walk away. The characters in this play have been used to demonstrate the power misuse and the impact of lies in the society.
Authoritarian and Democratic Populism
Authoritarian populism is evident in “Meet John Doe”. This could be termed as a power misuse action by those in the authorities for the purpose of oppressing the common citizen. In the play, Frank uses Norton as an authoritative subject where he wants everyone to follow whatever he says (Brackney, 2017). He aims to end the movement because it is capable of exposing his administration. Democratic populism is visible where John ends up in a position to continue with his movement. Here shows a sign of equality for commoners and elites since John can comfortably speak on behalf of the regular people.
Application of Theme
Various themes in the film are evident in the current political system. The theme of dishonesty is very clear in the play where Ann is able to lie and convince the public by using a fake John (Brackney, 2017).
This shows how the people in power use the regular person to express their fake interests in their favor. John Doe’s clubs resemble president’s Trump movement where he is determined to stand again even after Norton pulls down the movement. John’s Clubs are determined to stand again after being brought down by Norton. In the same way, Trump’s movement was determined and tried to convince Americans on how to recover from a failed system. John reflects the vision of centrism by combining freedom and government involvement in social matters. The people in the two movements heed so much to their leaders’ words, regardless of truth or lies, and this is a sign of loyalty.
Conclusion
Ordinary citizens cannot hold the government accountable for democracy. This is because the regular people have no say in government and cannot be heard like the elites. The appearance of democracy exposes people to exploitation by politicians. People can be fooled in a democracy because of their self-misunderstanding. It is hard for people to see through the struggles of politicians to manipulate them because they often fail to understand important information on equality.
Reference
Brackney, M. L. (2017). Tax controversy corner-Meet John Doe summonses. Journal of Passthrough Entities, Forthcoming. Web.