The Golden Compass

What is it with fantasy movies and controversy? First the Potter series and now the Golden Compass. Honestly!

Explanations first. The Golden Compass is the movie adaptation of Philip Pullman's Dark Materials trilogy. Based on the first book, Northern Lights, it's somewhat in the Potter genre. Except with better plot and eloquent narration. Here is the gist of the storyline for The Golden Compass:

* The main protagonist is a child, fiery little brat called Lyra
* Children have a familiar of sorts called Daemon
* Basic Good vs. Evil struggle
* Forces of evil are adults, all strong advocates of a tyrannical religious group
* Magic wielders = good, religious ones= bad

Can you see where the controversy begins to unfold?

To be fair, it is just a creative articulation of a compelling story; it's not propaganda, it's not hidden conspiracy plot to lead children astray. Or mislead adults into liking a "devious" story - although I would be insulted if authorities thought they had to think for me, decide for me and protect me from what might potentially scar my brain. I'll be the judge of that, thank you very much And for that matter, let the other parents decide on their own. If they watch it and like it, their choice. Anyone who's sensibilities are offended by movie can simply walk out of the cinema.

It is quite sad that the Golden Compass movie has received such negative press. It's one of the best stories I have read in a long time. Anyone who is an avid fan of fantasy RPG games will appreciate this story; familiars that are linked to your inner self, presence of inert magic within you, forces of evil, traveling through exotic lands, battles, traversing the wild seas, flying, soaring, swooping away in the icy wind - you name it! What I also find interesting is the concept of empowerment of an inner self; deciding between right or wrong on your own and making conscious decisions to recognize evil. Furthermore, and this might be what makes most people cringe, the plot revolves around socialization norms, more precisely the ritualistic nature of some religions dealing with sexuality. More precisely, it portrays how of a child's initiation into adulthood is a traumatic severing of their inner self (bye bye familiar and hello 9-5 jobs). His Dark Materials books make great social comment, question norms and are intelligently written. And you know what? As with the movie, if you don't like it, you can always close the book.

But that's not the case is it? So far, religious groups have been rallying against the trilogy and booked meetings in advance to protest against the Golden Compass movie as well. Latest news is that the Catholic League is urging parents to boycott the flick. Check this out:

"Parents might be inclined to say, `Hey, our kid really enjoyed the movie, why don't we buy him His Dark Materials for Christmas?' ...“(It) introduces the kid to atheism. (It's) a stealth campaign.”

I must ask at this point - and please feel free to imagine the Dr. Phil voice - Just how negligent are these parents? I mean think about it -

1. Surely you don't drop off kids at the movies and hope there is nothing dodgy being shown? Doesn't anyone check out the movies for themselves before showing it to their kids? Read a synopsis if you don't have time, google it, type controversy + Golden Compass, anything, do some research!

2. Don't you talk to your kids about values and religion, so that if they watch / hear something that contradicts it, they'll ask you about it? The answer isn't to ban anything that seems to potentially question your faith - you should be able to sit down with the kids and explain it to them.

3. And out of curiosity... what would you do if there is a kid in school who is brought up by Wiccans? Atheist parents? Petition to expel the kid so that you don't have to provide an explanation for questions of faith? Whatever happened to tolerance?

And honestly what are they worried about atheists for? It always amazes me how jubilant the religious groups are when someone converts to their side. Note the euphoria surrounding the discovery of faith by ex-atheist Antony Flew. How sad is it that your own faith needs constant reaffirmation by counting your group numbers. If he found faith, good for him, that's his choice in life. It's not about being right or wrong - it's being able to live life as you choose.

Watch movie, read the book, it's truly a masterpiece. And make up your own mind, dammit! If in case, someone does have a conflict of faith, toss and turn and can't sleep at night, call the latest poster child; I'm sure Antony Flew will straighten out the hazy details for you.