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Susie Richardson's avatar

Thanks for the recommendation! I found Rings of Power to be a mirror to our current times.

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Jemar Tisby, PhD's avatar

Yes. Worlds apart, but similar themes and even tone, I’d say.

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Laura Damschroder's avatar

I agree! There are so many layers and themes in Andor that resonate with our present situation. I too, am seeking shows that entertain and allow an escape from our miserable situation. Though it is all too resonate with today, it provides inspiration…hope … and valuable insights.

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Jemar Tisby, PhD's avatar

Yes. Like paraphrasing all that we’re going through and making it understandable in a different way.

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Bing Huo's avatar

YES! amen so much! Since it came out I’ve been trying to tell everyone about how Andor is the anthem for the movement. And no one ever knew what I was talking about haha. I feel so seen right now ✊🏻

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Jemar Tisby, PhD's avatar

Yes! I was reluctant to commit at first, but so glad I did!

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NORMAN P FRANKLIN's avatar

Thank you. Political art! I like that. We are slowly, methodically being transformed into mindless creatures manipulated by political art and loaded adjectives that elicit emotional responses without any thought processes. Thank you Jemar.

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Jemar Tisby, PhD's avatar

Thanks for reading, Norman!

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Janice Berkley's avatar

You asked what other stories have been impactful.

George Orwell’s ANIMAL FARM.

“ All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”

It is a common slogan among some of us who read the book in the 1970’s. We could see it being played out in front of us.

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Jemar Tisby, PhD's avatar

Absolutely. I’d like to re-read “Animal Farm” soon.

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Laurie's avatar

My husband and I are watching Andor, and it does stir feelings of unease when we recognize today's events in its scenes. It portrays violence, as some have noted here, and the violence can seem senseless and unredemptive, just like in real life. I have found myself cheering when a bad guy get killed suddenly- I know it's just fiction, but it does remind me that Satan wants both sides to hate each other. Some "good guys" in Andor have desensitized themselves in order to win, which raises questions each viewer would answer differently.

I would recommend watching Rogue One first, followed by Andor Season 1. As with all Star Wars sequels and prequels, characters get introduced whose fates you already know, and it adds to the enjoyment, not to mention lessening confusion.

Also, Confessions of a Nazi Spy with Edward G. Robinson is a worthwhile movie. From 1939, it is a prescient look at Naziism in prewar America. My husband credits it with opening his eyes more than any other film to our current moment.

Thank you Jemar, for starting these conversations.

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Jemar Tisby, PhD's avatar

Thank you for the movie recommendation!

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Laurie's avatar

No problem! I hope you'll check it out, and also the making of this movie. It was on Hitler's radar, and thus was shrouded in secrecy from start to finish. It was the first major Hollywood movie with "Nazi" in the title. Not one of the German actors would use their real names, and lines were only given out same day. Even in America, fear of Nazi reprisal was palpable.

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Jane Whitaker's avatar

I would never have thought of watching Andor. I will now.

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Jemar Tisby, PhD's avatar

I’m not even a huge Star Wars fan, don’t dislike, but not avid. It starts slow, but the parallels to real life keep you watching.

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JoEllyn Fountain's avatar

I agree 💯. I had similar thoughts while watching.

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Cynthia B Astle's avatar

I tried watching Andor at the beginning, and it was so violent it turned my stomach. I don't need to watch fiction to get this message. I've lived it through my 72 years, from the stories my "greatest generation" parents told me about WWII, through the Civil Rights and Vietnam War protests of my youth, and through the 40-year rise of authoritarianism in the United States since the Reagan era. If "Andor" is what it takes to sensitize younger generations to the reality of fascism, then so be it, but it's not necessary for me. I'm sorry it's necessary for so many others because we've failed to educate people as to its ever-luring reality.

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