Thursday, July 27, 2006

not a paid political advertisement

If you are anything like me, you have avoided seeing Al Gore's movie, An Inconvenient Truth. You figure you know it all already--global warming is real, the government isn't doing what it should, we can do better. You figure you know him already--after all, there were those eight years as vice president and then an endless campaign which, though he didn't lose, he let get too close so the other guy could win. And you don't want to be depressed.

So here's the surprise (which shouldn't be a surprise, because you're really not like me and you already saw it): none of the above makes any difference. It's a good movie, you don't know Al Gore like you thought you did, and the movie's not depressing.

It's the last point that's really what makes the difference, of course. I know it feels like buying energy-efficient lightbulbs and driving a slightly "greener" car won't make a difference, but now I'm convinced it will. Not enough of a difference, all by itself, but maybe enough of a difference to make more of us work at making a difference, at holding our politicians accountable, at educating our kids. (Here are more suggestions.)

Mark and I went to the movie when we had an unexpected gift of free (i.e., no kids) hours. But I think we might go back, with them.

2 comments:

Caroline said...

Isn't the movie surprisingly effective? I was really moved, frustrated, and inspired to take action.

L said...

We SO want to see this movie, but my parents are here for my dissertation, not for me and hubby to go out and have "fun" together, so... there you go. Maybe we'll go this week, since it may be my parents' last week here.