By: Kristina Mata
It is widely known that The Interview, a comedic movie about assassinating North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-Un, was delayed because of hacker threats, causing the movie to become ripe with controversy. It was released on December 25, 2014, in select theaters, earning over one million dollars in the box offices on its first day. People demanded the release on the basis of freedom of speech. People want to use their freedoms again for this movie: by sending copies of it into North Korea.
The Human Rights Foundation is the one in charge of this movement. Essentially, they want the people of North Korea to see their leader in a different light: one that is more clownlike than godlike. While it is good to open up people’s eyes, it is risky for the citizens of North Korea to own such a thing. The movie may tell the people that their leader should not be worshipped, but what would North Korea’s government think of this project?
Since the movie is comedic, it may downplay the horrible living conditions in North Korea, the reason people escape in the first place. According to a Human Rights Watch Report, the people in North Korea face food shortages and famine. In 2012, it was estimated that a little over ten percent of North Korea’s citizens were victims of under-nutrition. North Korean people under arrest also face torture such as sleep deprivation and beatings with sticks. On top of this, the death penalty applies to non-violent offenses, such as smuggling.
Getting their hands on that DVD would be dangerous for sure. If the country were in in a better state, maybe it would have been more appropriate for a comedic movie. We need to focus on the safety and well-being of these people. Perhaps instead we should try airlifting in necessities like food or medicine.
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