War of the Worlds and Social Conditioning

  • Thread starter flashgordon2!
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In summary, people tend to adopt the dominant religion of the country they are born in, which leads to questions about why things like Nazism and racism arise. When faced with imminent danger, people's priorities change and they may act in ways that seem irrational or out of character. This can be seen in the original "War of the Worlds" movie where people's behavior drastically changes when faced with an alien invasion. Ultimately, this can be seen as a natural response to danger rather than a conscious decision.
  • #1
flashgordon2!
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Ever 'notice' that the majority of people in a given country say they are whatever religion that is dominant in that country? For most people, if they are born in a christian country, they will become christian. If they are born in a oriental country, they will say they are Buddhist, or Taoist. If they are born in Arabic country, they will say they are Muslim.

People wonder why Nazyism and Rascism comes around. Few people ever ask the question of where they go when things become 'unpopular.' In watching the original "War of the Worlds", I couldn't help noticing how in the beginning of the movie, everybody seems so nice to one another, and then, when L.A. is about to get wiped out by the aliens, all of a sudden, people are portrayed as CRAZY!

So, which is it? Does anybody have the balls to pick out logically what's what around here? Are there any scientists around here? Or did everybody go to school just to get their wicks wet and have a roof over their head?
 
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  • #2
flashgordon2! said:
So, which is it? Does anybody have the balls to pick out logically what's what around here? Are there any scientists around here? Or did everybody go to school just to get their wicks wet and have a roof over their head?
What exactly is your question?
 
  • #3
if your question is "why do people change under stress?"
The war of the worlds incident where people change when faced with imminent death.

let me answer with a question:
you like your neighbor... and being polite and controlled around them is normal.
If however aliens come to kill everyone your priority's change.
your only goal is to run away and take your loved ones with you.
you do not care what you look like, you could run naked if it saved you a few minutes.
you would not care what the neighbor would think of you running naked for the hills.
now... would you act like this? and would that be considered crazy? or a natural instinctive response to danger?
 
  • #4
People do stupid and unusual things that would not normally be in their nature under stress, like the threat of communism. It's a natural response.
 

1. What is the concept of social conditioning in "War of the Worlds"?

In "War of the Worlds," social conditioning refers to the idea that society's beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors are shaped and influenced by external forces, such as media, government, and cultural norms. The novel explores how humans are conditioned to act and think in certain ways, and how this can be challenged when faced with a major crisis, such as an alien invasion.

2. How does the novel portray the effects of social conditioning on society?

The novel portrays the effects of social conditioning in a negative light, highlighting how it can lead to blind acceptance of authority and conformity to societal norms. The people of Earth are easily swayed by the Martians' advanced technology and superior intelligence, causing chaos and destruction as they blindly follow the aliens' orders.

3. What role does social conditioning play in the survival of humanity in "War of the Worlds"?

Social conditioning plays a significant role in the survival of humanity in "War of the Worlds." The novel suggests that the Martians' downfall is their inability to understand human emotions and adapt to the societal conditioning of Earth. On the other hand, it is the humans who are able to overcome their conditioning and think critically to find ways to defeat the invaders.

4. How does "War of the Worlds" comment on the dangers of mind control through social conditioning?

The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mind control through social conditioning. It portrays how easily individuals can be manipulated and controlled by external forces, and the devastating consequences this can have on society. The Martians' use of mind control through the "red weed" and their manipulation of human emotions highlights the dangers of giving in to societal conditioning without questioning its motives.

5. What can we learn about our own society from "War of the Worlds" and its exploration of social conditioning?

"War of the Worlds" serves as a commentary on the power of social conditioning and the potential dangers it poses to society. It encourages readers to question and challenge the societal norms and beliefs that may be influencing their thoughts and actions. The novel reminds us to think critically and not blindly accept information or authority, as seen in the characters who are able to resist the Martians' control and ultimately survive the invasion.

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