Summary

The author reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced their perspective on societal behavior and personal aspirations, drawing parallels to the themes of pessimism and hope presented in Netflix's "The Old Guard."

Abstract

The article discusses the author's shift from optimism to a more pessimistic worldview, particularly in the context of societal responsibility during the pandemic. Despite the efforts of essential workers to maintain social order, the author observes a general disregard for the necessary behavioral changes to combat the global threat. This has led to a reevaluation of personal ambitions and the value of trying to fix human behavior. The author finds resonance with the characters in "The Old Guard," who, despite their immortality, continue to do good without expectation. The article suggests that a pessimistic outlook, supported by psychological research linking lower expectations to longer life, can coexist with positive actions, although the author questions the impact of individual efforts on societal change. The piece concludes with the author embracing a more cynical view while still finding value in personal experiences and the human condition.

Opinions

The author believes that witnessing human behavior during the pandemic has diminished their ambition and optimism.
Essential workers are likened to immortal characters doing what's right, akin to the protagonists in "The Old Guard."
Psychological research indicating that lower expectations about the future may lead to a longer life supports the author's pessimistic perspective.
The author admits to struggling with channeling positive actions for the greater good, focusing instead on self and immediate family.
There is skepticism about the ability to change the world, viewing the desire to do so as a "fine justification" rather than a tangible outcome.
The author expresses cynicism towards society's treatment of facts and doubts the potential for societal improvement.
The article suggests that enjoying the human experience is more realistic than striving for societal change.
The author explicitly states a loss of faith in humanity's ability to better itself, indicating a resignation to the current state of affairs.

Personal Views | Society | Film

How I Am Channeling My Pessimism Through Netflix’s ‘The Old Guard’

Time in this world is so precious, and I am no longer convinced fixing human behavior is worthy of it.

Have you been watching the news, lately? Some good means nothing.

Witnessing human behavior in the wake of a pandemic has tamed my ambition and optimism.

We grow up aspiring to become functional members of our society. At least, that’s how my parents raised me. Then, when facing a global threat that asks for simple social group behavior modifications for everyone’s survival, our societal responsibilities are pulverized to the ground.

Since March, we’ve seen scientists, doctors, nurses, and first responders knitting the fragile fabric of our society’s survival before our eyes. No matter the context or implications, their efforts keep us afloat — just like a band of immortals focusing on doing what’s right so that we can reap the benefits two or three generations later.

Mirroring ‘The Old Guard’ attitudes in life

In Netflix’s “The Old Guard,” we witness the continuous pursuit of good by somewhat immortal mercenaries. If we remove specific plot details, The Old Guard becomes a skeleton of pessimist souls driven by longterm hope.

Psychology research has shown that those having low expectations about the future are more likely to live longer. To my surprise, this study demonstrates that being overly optimistic in predicting a better future was associated with a higher risk of disability and death within the following decade. Perhaps, this is, in part, what fuels the regenerative capabilities of Andy (Charlize Theron) and company.

Much like Charlize Theron and The Old Guard, I go about my day with the heaviness, and hope, granted by Active Child’s “Cruel World,” playing in the background. I don’t feel emotionally decimated, but anti-optimistic.

Emulating the movie’s overarching attitudes, I continue to engage in positive and responsible actions towards society, but while carrying a pessimistic worldview.

I still care, but my acts of care are more ̶s̶e̶l̶f̶i̶s̶h ̶ condensed.

Contrary to the relentless commitment by the Old folks, I am failing to channel my positive actions for the greater good. But, at least I hope caring about myself and my immediate family will inject enough positivity into the world. Will I regret adopting this philosophical disposition in life once I pass my apex?

We’ll see. I am not there yet.

My cynicism

I believe this can change the world.

A fine justification. I’ve heard it so many times before.

I’ve always wanted to change the world. I’ve always wanted to teach, to cure, and to edify. As framed by Charlize’s character, this desire is just a fine justification.

The belief one can change the world provides a blueprint for the life of the hopeful. Longterm hope fuels the blazing fire of wanting to take small steps to fix society. Wanting to take small steps in the right direction for the benefit of society is a fine justification.

However, time in this world is so precious, and I am no longer convinced fixing human behavior is worthy of it.

In these past four months, I have witnessed cynism seeds flourish in light of inconceivable discourse around the COVID-19 pandemic and other social “issues.” For my survival, I’ve been tasked to trust others will take the necessary precautions and be just.

Why was I so surprised to discover that nobody cares?

My cynicism also stems from observing how too many members of this society treat facts like waves pounding against rocks — it’s real, it hurts, but it’s just water that goes away.

With this mentality, I don’t trust we will get better. For the time being, I am just going to enjoy the human experience. Nothing less. Nothing more.

Humanity can screw itself.

Enough of this sh*t.

All quotes are from the movie “The Old Guard” directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and based on a graphic novel by Greg Rucka.