Inspired by the 1995 depiction of Scottish knight Sir William Wallace in the movie "Braveheart," a mason created the above statue and leased it to the town of Stirling, the town by the location of Wallace's 1297 victory at Stirling Bridge. The statue faced repeated backlash and even vandalism due largely to the fact that the depiction of Wallace and the First War for Scottish independence in the film is so inaccurate (visually, progression of events, characterization, motivations and even roles/relationships of the characters)that it was considered insulting by many.
While I could go on with a listing of the numerous inaccuracies, the important part here is the fact that someone created a monument depicting the visual style of an entirely false depiction--a monument commemorating a false image. The Scottish highlander image boosted by the movie (kilts, face paint, etc.) was never worn in that era and yet it is a ubiquitous image associated with that time by many. Even the word "Freedom" as cried out by the Scots (and carved into the monument) would not have been used.
What is even more interesting is how an entirely false depiction of history created actual political repercussions, even helping to create a unilateral Scottish Parliament separate from the UK. Such is the power of a false image that it helps to sway an entire political landscape.
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ReplyDeleteQuidditch is another example much like what Eric brought up.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am talking about the fictional sport created by J.K. Rowling for her characters to play at Hogwart's School in the Harry Potter series of novels.
Middlebury College made it a real sport about four years ago now (here's a link to the 2009 Quidditch World Cup held at the Middlebury College campus in Vermont: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LRBV3rBTY0) and it's spread at least across the U.S. pretty quickly.
The game itself is confusing to watch, though if you remember the books pretty well, it should be easier to understand--they stay as true to it as possible, and apparently are very sensitive about not being able to actually fly (don't call them Muggles!). Also, the cameraman seems very perplexed and the beginning of the video is mostly clips of sweatpanted cheerleaders dancing to heavy rap music. The last six minutes or so is an actual match between two teams.
But anyway, this is an actual sport that has become an actual thing because of fiction, much like actual change occuring in Scotland because of a Braveheart statue. What we write and read and think affects what we write and read and think!
That's all.
Chelsea
I believe that a false image can have more impact sometimes then words. While someone could say something false it can be forgotten. An image that is presented and stands on its own can be more memorible. I think you have a great point here. It's quite interesting what things seemingly so unimportant can have the biggest effects.
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