So we have all seen the movie “The Purge” right? Well if you haven’t, here’s a brief synopsis. A new society formed in America dedicates a day to freely committing crimes (killing included) in hopes of decreasing crime rates. In the film, we specifically see the wealthy purge on the poor or the wealthy purge on the each other. This movie does a great job of dramatizing issues such the socio-economic gap through such a hypothetical event. In both movies “The Purge” and “The Purge: Anarchy” social stigmas are challenged that are prevalent now. The rich prey on the poor while enemies feast on the fears of their weaker foes. All in all both movies are great and their concepts even better.
Now let’s say the concept of “The Purge” really came to fruition. Donald Trump has just become president and his first call to action is to decrease the rate of crime by letting the American society purge itself of all criminal activity for one twelve hour night a year. This means you can commit any crime (no bombs or killing government officials). Killing is especially encouraged. You can kill whomever, wherever and however. Scary huh? But the question plagues me as to who would actually purge? Which group of people would be more susceptible to attacks, the rich or the poor, white people or minorities? Who would survive? Who are my own personal enemies to purge on me? So I did some digging and asked my college community. I got responses from almost every demographic group of people. I talked to Asian, African-American, Latin American, Indian, Caucasian, male, female, heterosexual, homosexual, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, slightly wealthy, middle class and lower class students. And here are some of the figures and responses I got.
- Who do you think is the most susceptible group of people to death?
- If the Purge were to actually happen would you purge or hide?
- Who do you think would purge? Do you think the movie appropriately represents this group of people?
“The poor, so minorities but you never know, the poor could rise up against the rich” –Lisa Huff
After asking 20 different people from various backgrounds and demographic groups as mentioned before five people said they would purge and 15 wouldn’t. Those five people all being white males.
“I honestly don’t think I would be able to pull out my gun fast enough so I’d have to hide”- Breeana Wubbles
“I’d probably shop lift and take all the clothes” –Kate Bayless
“I think Donald Trump supporters would purge. And I think both poor and wealthy people would purge but there would be a higher percentage of wealthy people to snap” –Cole Grecco
After asking around it seems as though not many would purge. This is great! But take these responses how you will but the way your community responds to a day designated to killing people says a lot about where you live. So strap up and keep your enemies closer than ever.
