Will the film help heal identity wars? Paddington in Peru sees the cartoon bear acquire a passport and explore the diversity of his background. Some think we should all take note.
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Paddington gets official UK passport
Will the film help heal identity wars? Paddington in Peru sees the cartoon bear acquire a passport and explore the diversity of his background. Some think we should all take note.
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Crack out the marmalade sandwiches. Paddington is back.
On Friday, the kindhearted bear from "darkest PeruA country in South America. It is home to Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city. " returned to the big screen. Paddington in Peru is the third cinematic outing for the friendly bear, following two hugely successful films.1
And this time, he has ID. Earlier this year, Britain's Home OfficeThe government department responsible for immigration, security, law and order. awarded Paddington a British passportAn official document that allows someone to travel between countries. . He is the first animated character - and first bear - to receive such an honour.
Paddington first appeared in Michael Bond's 1958 children's book A Bear Called Paddington. In it, he is discovered at Paddington Station with a suitcase and a note around his neck. He is adopted by the Brown family.
Bond was inspired by seeing Jewish refugeesAnyone fleeing conflict or persecution is defined as a refugee by the UN as a refugee, regardless of where they are from. and British evacueesA person who is taken from a place of danger to one of safety. Used most often to refer to British children who were moved from cities to the countryside to escape bombing during World War Two. during World War TwoA global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945 and included all of the great powers. . Bond said: "I do think that there's no sadder sight than refugees."
Paddington was a hit and reached new levels of fame with the first animated film in 2014. Paddington 2 (2017) was even bigger. Critics loved it.2 Paddington became a global sensation.
Like Bond's books, the films have a simple but powerful message: we should love our neighbours, regardless of where they come from.
Today, politics and the media are full of debates around identity. PopulistThe term comes from the People's Party, which operated in the USA in the 1890s. Now, it is often used to refer to any movement that makes a distinction between the "people" and the corrupt "establishment". politicians stoke anger against minority groups, such as immigrants and transgenderSomeone whose gender identity (what they feel inside) does not match the gender identity they were assigned at birth (based on their biology). people.
Paddington teaches us that we should treat others with kindness. And it also suggests that people cannot be reduced to their identities. Indeed, everyone has several overlapping ones. Paddington is Peruvian and British, bear and Brown family member.
Yet not everyone thinks Paddington can change minds. The first two films were huge. But there is no sign they had any effect. A film about a cartoon bear is not going to change that.
Worse, perhaps Paddington's good-natured world makes us turn a blind eye to real injustice.
Will the film help heal identity wars?
Yes: Paddington in Peru will not change things overnight. But it should help to instil values of kindness and fairness in those who watch it.
No: Paddington in Peru is just a film. People might leave with a sense that they should be kinder. But soon after their normal views and activities will come streaming back.
Or... It is too big a task for any one film alone. But Paddington in Peru could help fuel a larger movement to celebrate kindness and tolerance.
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Keywords
Peru - A country in South America. It is home to Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city.
Home Office - The government department responsible for immigration, security, law and order.
Passport - An official document that allows someone to travel between countries.
Refugees - Anyone fleeing conflict or persecution is defined as a refugee by the UN as a refugee, regardless of where they are from.
Evacuees - A person who is taken from a place of danger to one of safety. Used most often to refer to British children who were moved from cities to the countryside to escape bombing during World War Two.
World War Two - A global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945 and included all of the great powers.
Populist - The term comes from the People's Party, which operated in the USA in the 1890s. Now, it is often used to refer to any movement that makes a distinction between the "people" and the corrupt "establishment".
Transgender - Someone whose gender identity (what they feel inside) does not match the gender identity they were assigned at birth (based on their biology).
Paddington gets official UK passport
International traveller: Film-makers requested a replica passport to use in the latest film, but were surprised to be issued with an official one — even though the UK Home Office clarifies it cannot actually be used. Glossary
Peru - A country in South America. It is home to Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city.
Home Office - The government department responsible for immigration, security, law and order.
Passport - An official document that allows someone to travel between countries.
Refugees - Anyone fleeing conflict or persecution is defined as a refugee by the UN as a refugee, regardless of where they are from.
Evacuees - A person who is taken from a place of danger to one of safety. Used most often to refer to British children who were moved from cities to the countryside to escape bombing during World War Two.
World War Two - A global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945 and included all of the great powers.
Populist - The term comes from the People's Party, which operated in the USA in the 1890s. Now, it is often used to refer to any movement that makes a distinction between the "people" and the corrupt "establishment".
Transgender - Someone whose gender identity (what they feel inside) does not match the gender identity they were assigned at birth (based on their biology).