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Friday, January 28, 2005
More on WE3
As expected, reading other’s reactions and interpretations to WE3 has proven to be an enriching experience. Jog’s review was great but it was Rose’s comments under it that got me thinking. WE3 is Grant Morrison’s most explicitly political book since he tackled the issues of animal rights and South Africa apartheid in the pages of Animal Man. Most of his works have had some political elements to them but this is his first book in a while where the relation to the story and what’s making the newspapers is greatly apparent.
The homeless man who becomes 1 and 2’s caretaker by the end might very well be, like many homeless persons, a veteran. In that case the final image of the book gives us a look at three beings that have been chewed up and spit out by the military-industrial complex (perhaps four if you count Dr. Trendle, on his way to what seems to be a senate investigation on the matter). In this WE3 proves itself to be the perfect antidote to a world where the emptiest of empty slogans, “Support Our Troops,” appears on the bumper of cars riding on every American highway. The fact is that the Bush administration has treated the troops told to fight their wars with little to no support at all. They have to pay for their own meals, the armor they get is insufficient protection and just when they’re told they’ve served their duty to the fullest they’re called back up to war. When a soldier does question this before Sec. Rumsfeld all he can get is some patronizing rhetoric. The animals of WE3 are meant to replace human soldiers and with that Morrison seems to be pointing out that the military sees their grunts as beasts already. Any behavior that shows some independence or want of freedom, never mind that’s what you’re supposedly fighting for, is discouraged, be that question the Secretary of Defense or escaping for home. The heartbreaking covers for the comics are a reminder that these animals aren’t just cannon fodder; they’re beloved members of families. One would wish the Bush Administration would think of the families of our soldiers when they’re deciding how much to spend on the equipment and vehicles for our troops abroad.
I feel WE3 can also be applied to something else concerning this country’s “hard diplomacy.” This weekend Iraqis are getting the chance to participate in what is the closest thing they’ve had to a legitimate election in a long time. It is to wonder what happens if in this election or others, if there are others, the Iraqi people vote in a government that is more likely to side with a country like Iran than the United States. Has Bush’s quest then been a failure? Why should we be certain that since we gave Iraq something resembling a democracy (although nothing resembling safety, which would seem like a better place to start) that they would mirror any and all out thoughts on foreign relations? As Morrison points out, you can tinker with elements of nature all you want, be it human or animal, but any expectations all that tinkering will lead to control will be in vain. A larger idea that WE3 goes over is that in this world we are all part of a plan, be it God’s or destiny’s or nature’s or whatever you want to call it, and attempts to sway that plan to your advantage will place yourself in position for severe punishment. We must instead find the “home” that is the companionship of the other living creatures who are part of this plan (namely all living creatures). That’s what “home” is, not governments or states with their own interests.
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