Buffy
The now-syndicated television show "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" is one of my favorites. I've watched every episode from its seven seasons several times, I've read books, I've read on-line essays, I've even met a few cast members. People ask me, and I sometimes ask myself, why does an older man enjoy a science-fiction show set in a fictional high school? The show has wonderful writing and a great cast and the producer, Joss Whedon, is, in my opinion, a genius. But I'm looking for another reason. I've concluded that it's the clear definition of good and evil.
We live in an era of moral ambiguity. Moral relativism leaves us confused about right and wrong. Our efforts at tolerance disable us from making judgments. Everything is viewed in shades of gray. I grew up in a time of easily identified right and wrong so I like Buffy's struggle against clear evil.
Some of my reading suggests ambiguities. Students of the show argue that things
aren't as clear as I see them, that because evil beings sometimes become good in the show,
the definition of good and evil is hazy.
They say that because
Buffy and her colleagues sometimes befriend monsters, the show must be
advocating shades of gray. I see it differently. Buffy to me epitomizes the
good, the lonely struggle to defeat evil in a world where most people don't even
notice the evil around them. The fact that she sees the good even in some of the
monsters just confirms my view. She is idealistic enough to believe that things
can be better and it's her responsibility to make things better.
Recognize that there is evil in the world and resist it with all your strength. Look for the good, even in the monsters, and try to foster it, but don't excuse the bad.
10-16-06
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