Wall-E as Sociological Storytelling

[@deseretgear9425]

I love how you show the importance of not portraying individuals as stupid, lazy idiots when it's a larger social system issue. That elitism tends to sour most attempts to criticise modern culture for me; yes there are issues but when you pretend it's due to individual failings you miss out on what we can do as a society to correct these issues.

[@aliixx4305]

L

[@rickkroll]

​@@aliixx4305Hold this L, bot 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@rickkroll]

Exactly!

[@ashm2338]

Wall-E holds a special place in my heart. This movie would calm my younger brother who has Autism, OCD, oppositional defiance disorder, tourettes and ADHD when he was little. This movie taught me and my sister to take care of the planet, and taught my little brother his first words at 4.

[@johndwolynetz6495]

omg i also have adhd and was born premature, even though my first word was "no" i could not speak properly until 5; but now i have a large vocabulary and.

[@luminescentlion]

First words: "A is for Axiom"

[@tme98]

@@johndwolynetz6495and what??

[@FireCalvinMaster]

The true hero of WallE is the cockroach. It just wants to live a quiet life.

[@buwayayay1502]

IS THAT A JOJO RE-

[@JamEngulfer]

I'd just like to point out how amazing the music for Wall-E is.

[@ariannasilva4462]

The great part about the robots in this film is they don't act like robots. What I mean is they aren't these hyper intelligent beings who don't understand emotions or human actions. Yes Eve is all about her prime directive. But, it's in a way that is relatable to workaholic people. Wall-e acts like a curious child or teen leaving his small hometown to explore the world he always wondered about. All the robots feel emotions and act upon it. Except auto he's the odd one out.

[@DaJodad]

3:25 to 3:30, why did I never realize that Auto got closer as time went on. It shows the control Auto had over the lives of all those aboard the ship.

[@LaggyMcStab]

Great observation. I notice now they used real portraits for the earlier pilots ha

[@classydays43]

Or perhaps, if we want to follow with Pop Culture Detective's line of thinking, that the insidious path of least resistance became more and more omnipotent in the lives of the people on that ship.

[@joncross8483]

@@classydays43 yes, the longer you remain complacent, the more power your complacency holds

[@Salem-Arrak]

Holy shit, explaining this aspect by going through the basics of sociology really hammered in the point. I felt a shift in my mind and thinking. Media analysis should really start their analysis with the academic basics so they build a better foundation in our head when receiving the intended messege. Keep up the good work, amazing video.

[@lostuser1094]

Salem Al-Arrak most youtubers wouldn't do that though as they don't have an academic background...

[@mariazeitouni6216]

Wall-E is a masterpiece and I'm glad kids will grow up with this kind of message. In real life, we don't fight against villains, aliens or robots, we fight against our own comfortable and unquestioned position. We don't win by beating up the bad guys, but by identifying and regaining control over this giant entity that is bigger than us.

[@RainAngel111]

That last bit about how misogyny and patriarchy are about describing the effects of our sociological systems, rather than demonizing men, was so good.

[@Prins_Igor]

Agreed, it was really well formulated, informative and insightful. I'm going to recommend this to alot of people.

[@timothymclean]

It's a critical message. If people think criticisms of the system are personal attacks, nothing will ever change.

[@geneparmesan8748]

I hate to say that I think a lot of people who complain about "privilege" in societies don't entirely understand it in that lens, and so tend to frame it in a very individualistic, blaming way. I think if more people described it in this pattern, they'd get a more sympathetic response. I'm a man, and I live a pretty masculine life (not that I lift weights or am particularly manly, but I identify with the male role in society far more than the female one), and reading up on this topic has taught me a lot about the unfair tightrope men have to walk: In the modern world, we are increasingly expected to be mindful of aggressive behaviour, inclusion, and consent, but the entire body of pop culture we consume still teaches men to take what they want, and fight for what they're entitled to. Pop Culture Detective comes very close to this concept in his coverage of Harrison Ford movies.

[@milotherescuecat7924]

Yes!! Whole video on this please

[@doodlcakes]

To be fair, men are typically socialized (im a man) in a very, VERY toxic way.

[@yafes_han]

Your channel is a rare gem of youtube

[@P3arlJang]

Your editing is impeccable!!

[@PopCultureDetective]

Thank you :)

[@tatehildyard5332]

And you sound like an NPR person (I mean that as a compliment).

[@badatrey]

I think you're glad to not be watching anymore Big Bang Theory.

[@PopCultureDetective]

If I never see another episode of that show, it will be a thousand years too soon.

[@hiredsword]

Let's hope they don't give you a reason to criticize Young Sheldon or whatever it's called.

[@DanielBMS]

The Big Bang Theory should have quit along time ago.

[@3ghostsinatrenchcoat]

I’ve been binge watching these video essays, and I can’t get enough! All of your points are succinct and easy to follow, and your analyses are very in-depth and provocative! Thanks for doing what you do!

[@JiveTAB]

Your point towards the end (in the portion about Weinstein) reminds me of a CS Lewis quote, paraphrased: "Too often we laugh when we should be silent and we're silent when we should speak."

[@GageTakesTheCake]

Can you please do a video on your critique of Idiocracy?

[@zmail8566]

He sorta seemed to suggest that idiocracy is indvidualist, that doesn't seem to be the case to me as the only reason humanity becamw "decedent" is because of the "big corporation", rather than indvidual choice. Although the humor is elitist and so on, the film makes some good points in relation to the "culture industry"

[@gingram2]

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[@olleicua]

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[@hiredsword]

I respect his opinion of the movie but still personally enjoyed it and I would agree with the above comment that it wasn't quite as black and white as he put it. I haven't seen it in a while but I also don't know if I'd call that humor elitist, nothing also Mike Judge has created comes off as elitist from what I can tell. That being said I'd definitely watch a video on him critiquing the movie as I'm open to new ideas and possibly changing my mind or at least seeing where he's coming from more clearly.

[@SnackMuay]

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[@aidan6480]

"... stay silent" *quentin tarantino on screen* YESSS HONEY DRAG HIM

[@Moscato_Moscato]

Aidan Carroll I just read your comment when he read the line and YES! Drag him!

[@cuppycakesrawrable]

This was one of the best video essays I've seen on this website so far. The consistent message with an actual solid base to work from and interesting/relevant details. It was refreshing.

[@Brickomotion]

This is again such a great video, putting into words what I always kinda sorta knew, but didn't know how to express. I am so happy to have stumbled onto this channel when I have. Back then, I was even thinking about a Big Bang Theory video because it was requested, but now I just don't wanna do it. I have a kids channel and I feel it would be disgusting to do it. And if you keep this level of quality I will be forced to double your support on Patreon :D

[@thomashenry4798]

You literally changed my mind, your video was well balanced I felt, and I didn't feel it was accusatory in the slightest. Also I love WALL-E, so that helped a bunch. It was engaging, and it drew me in as a viewer. I wish more people were like this.

[@kimberkingdon5170]

I'm blown away at how succinctly and persuasively you convey these ideas. You should be very proud of yourself.

[@mattjohnson2985]

wooo, my first funded video!

[@PopCultureDetective]

Thanks so very much for the support Matt!

[@captainclipy6236]

I M J U S T B U I L D I N G T H E E C O N O M Y

[@solutanbrun]

I love how you so smoothly is able to discuss hard topics without casting blame. Keep up the good work!

[@alejandrosalamanca5649]

I really love your videos! They are so inspiring because you don't back down from tackling big complex issues in a really coloquial and relatable way. Thanks for that.

[@nasritahir6430]

Ikr im so fucking sick of this 'people are bad because they are bad' narrative and character characteristic, not only is it unrepresentative of society, its so shallow.

[@likira111]

"too much trash in your face? there plenty of space up in space" Brilliant. as a non native english speaker I only now hear this amezing line.

[@lessercheese2944]

Everyone ignores how that cockroach stayed on that same landmass for about 2-3 days.

[@Peter]

Oh, I like this.

[@PopCultureDetective]

Thanks :)

[@Weird_but_neat]

Wall-e was legit a masterpiece and I loved it

[@davisbell5879]

I love how you are so calm and you explain everything with so much detail.

[@GageTakesTheCake]

Also, this video was perfect. Was not expecting a video with that title to become a succinct and powerful defense of social justice theory.

[@GageTakesTheCake]

JohnnyTheWolf that's been the topic of conversation lately with my older brother. He's been listening to Jordan Peterson, and it's been a little challenging talking about it just cuz Jordan Peterson uses vastly different definitions in his vocabulary so as it oppose a straw man of social justice.

[@patriciofernandez2711]

A lot of alt right vocabulary is used to reduce social causes and phenomena to individual endeavours to make them seem frivolous and invalid. The pejorative term "virtue signaling" comes to mind.

[@wweltz]

Excellent analysis! I loved this movie and you've now given me an even deeper reason to love it. Systemic problems vs. individual problems is a concept I hope we are all slowly waking up to. I credit the movie "Dear White People" with helping me to understand racism in that way; as an overarching systemic problem we are all implicit in unless actively fighting against it. It's a proactive viewpoint. Saying "I'm not racist" does nothing to stop racism, it just gives an individual absolution from guilt. Now I say, "I was born into a society with institutionalized racism and have been a passive participant in it my whole life, how can I fix it?" Same thing with sexism, poverty, and any other societal ills. Worrying only about your own personal guilt or shame is meaningless and useless. Only when you recognize that we are all participants in a greater societal problem can change take place. Thanks for the video!!

[@anniestoutpalmer4611]

wow717 Yeah! It's interesting how helping others can bring us much more joy than just trying to help yourself. Of course, if people weren't built that way we wouldn't get too far as a society.

[@missingnoghost]

I wish I could like your comment multiple times

[@crwmy]

True and thanks. You gave me a neat formulation to describe it to those unaware of it. Finding the "right words" to come through is hard. And sadly that's the bigger problem of our social system(s): The status quo is unjust and changing needs to put energy in it. Many don't want to "fix it" cause it takes effort and for many the system(s) not broke at all.

[@MasterKnightDH]

Good points, actually, but what I'm wondering is how to fix the damn problems to begin with. Especially when it's inevitably going to require breaking through to other people.

[@elinobenjamin]

Good thing I stayed home instead of trick-or-treating!

[@tyrant-den884]

I am still impressed how close it follows the 1928 novella: The Machine Stops.

[@anniestoutpalmer4611]

Tyrant-Den Are you saying Wall-e is like that story? I've never heard of it before.

[@unapatton1978]

Thank you! I now understand the frustration I so often feel when discussing things with Americans, and discussing sexism with alot of men.I now have the framework to communicate my thoughts better.

[@FreekaPista]

This was fantastic. Some of the edits to show an example from a separate Pixar movie (particularly the Andy one) were graceful and made full use of the video essay as a format. If I had one critique, it would be to introduce the concept of terms like toxic masculinity as descriptors of social systems rather than of strictly individuals more explicitly in the opening of the video. It was the single most compelling and succinctly put argument of this concept I've ever come across, and is overshadowed somewhat by the other more dominant themes in WALL-E for most of the video.

[@anniestoutpalmer4611]

Cullen Cowap That is fair. I would say that this video could help people who are turned off by the term toxic masculinity, but enjoyed Wall-e. By not showing that he was going to make this point, it can soften the blow, I guess.

[@meaganrogers6293]

Years too late at this point but I wanted to say, I loved this video so much- this was a fantastic point and something I hadn't considered before. My one nitpick- it would have been great if you had mentioned the inventor of Monopoly, Lizzie Magie, designed Monopoly to illustrate that exact point- that the structure of our economy results in the inevitable hoarding of wealth and forces people to screw over others to 'get ahead', or else they can't compete. It was very intentional on her part, and she often doesn't get credit for it. But, again, your content is exceptional and you're doing amazing work. Very glad that you're here doing what you're doing.

[@m.a.hinkle8028]

Great analysis. I love this movie so much specifically because it's predicated around the idea that people can change. I also liked your greater point about how it's the system that's the problem, not necessarily individuals within it.

[@fromtherivertothesea1]

this is the best thing ever. i did not expect my two favorite things (disney and critique on social norms) could ever be combined but it is so so on spot. and this structure of blaming individuals instead of the overarching institutions is exactly how many people misleadingly choose to look at race

[@Faleen3]

Hey PCD I'm absolutely loving these videos - it's so fantastic to have these visual essays on masculinities, social systems, and media - especially as a sociology student. It would be fascinating to see your take on Australian/New Zealand masculinities, especially their relationship to geography, and other men through mateship, it's not often covered! Keep up the good work!

[@kp3575]

Spot on with the analysis and I really appreciate your attention to detail for clearly explaining the issues in a way that is inclusive for a wide audience - while also matching them with such well known film pieces and present social incidents! Thanks for sharing (from a sociology graduate)!

[@sadeasinadu1335]

Thank you for this, my essay will now be sheer fire

[@adamdavis1648]

Could you do an essay of some kind on "Bojack Horseman"? I feel like there's a LOT of interesting and thought-provoking stuff to be said about that show.

[@ashleyvanhammer3448]

WOW... That was awesome. Wall-E has always been one of my favourite DIsney movies, favourite movies period, really, for it's warning against giving in to the inherit laziness and apathy inherit to our culture. It's truly an under-apprecited gem of story-telling. I really liked your use of the Monopoly game as an allegory for explaining the nuanced difference between a despicable system and a despicable person. FAR too often I'm sure we've all seen, reactionary people, quick to defend themselves whenever a construct they identify with is criticized. From the christian institution to the patriarchal system, people often seem to find too much of their self-worth in the ideas of others. Another GREAT work from you, sir. *applauds* BRAVO!

[@lkentonon]

Hey Jon, I found your channel about a week ago and since then I have been watching through your videos and been amazed at your incredible content. Your fantastic content continues to make me think and really helps me to understand a lot of social issues, you put a lot of things in ways I find amazing, in such an engaging way. I have watched KZbin for a long time, and always considered myself too poor to contribute on Patreon, but I have decided that I will sign up to help to fund your incredible content. Keep up the incredible content, you are genuinely the most insightful channel I have yet found on youtube.

[@allanrpg]

I think that essay is so necessary to the whole discussion you've been doing about masculinity. It gives a good introduction to the audiance about what's at stake when we're studing and discussing about collective categories such as masculinity... I'm trying to get some free time to translate (even with my questionable translation skills :P) the captions of your videos to make them reach more audiences. Thanx for the video!

[@LifesNeverHumDrum]

The essays are very good at putting words to things that alot of us can't. Like the Born Sexy Yesterday trope, its something that fell into the "this bothers me but I can't place why" category, and you summed it up incredibly well. And as well, you tie in typical subjects without it feeling forced. Keep up the good work, I love seeing these I my notifications :)

[@garretttipton6163]

Lately I often hear people liken the post-election world around us as Idiocracy come to life. I could never quite put my finger on why I didn't quite accept that, but what you said in the video certainly rings true for me. If individuals were the primary driving force behind the election, it would not have ended the way it did. Rather, these institutions and systems were the primary reason things happened the way they did. Those who liken the world to Idiocracy and Idiocracy itself completely miss the point you so eloquently made here. Once again, you have outdone yourself with an amazing video. Fantastic job. I look forward to even more great work from you.

[@blondbraid7986]

As someone not from USA, i find the election system there baffling. There is all these hoops for voters to jump through, and a candidate can win despite their opponent getting more votes. It all seems so confusing. Anyway, great video and agree about Idiocracy, the whole movie was just a mess of wasted potential and cheap shots at poor people.

[@jessip8654]

I've always saw the election less as "idiots vote in Trump" and more "the people are forced to pick between two people they don't like."

[@sudd3660]

the wall-e plot is literally the world right now, i hope people step of the path and make the change as soon as possible.

[@somewhatannoyed7114]

great to see creators put so much thought and effort into their videos. this made me see a lot of things in a completely new way. keep up the good work!

[@QuetzalAndrea]

Please never stop doing these videos, this is quality content!

[@luxum11]

Of course Wall-e apparently takes social class out of the equation, which makes it a lot easier to develop a coherent social critique. I would argue that the most Pixar and Disney films, while emotionally and tonally quite sophisticated, are nonetheless a bit too simplistic to serve as useful touchstones for discussions like this. That being said, I really enjoyed your video. The parts showing the actual paths of least resistance in Wall-e and the obnoxious players in the Monopoly ads are where the video essay format really shines. Thank you for your continued thoughtfulness. It's only slightly related but I'd love to see you do something on the new Bladerunner, as a film that is not explicitly trying to make a point.

[@tomd9819]

Most video essays on this platform are incredibly self-indulgent and obnoxious. Yours are so well researched, written, and paced. This is the best content of its kind on the site and you are fantastic dude.

[@cowboyshoegaze2621]

I just saw Wall E yesterday, and now this is in my recommended, coincidence I think not

[@anemo01]

Your visual+academic essay/article is great! Keep it up. Definitely the type of video that should be shared in all storytelling classes.

[@SithLordTom]

Huh. I just noticed while watching this video that the Axiom kinda looks like a cruise ship with some engines pasted onto the bottom. Interesting.

[@brianajordan3520]

This is easily my favorite channel right now. Your work is impeccably presented, well researched and just a general oasis in the overall KZbin climate.

[@elodiethefirst]

This is a great analysis!! It reminds me of the concept of hegemony, especially cultural hegemony, where one group in power contains and moderates the dissent of more subjugated groups. It usually functions the same way, where it ends up with lots of people participating in a system that doesn't necessarily benefit them, they just don't yet know how to step outside of those norms. Watching your videos on pop culture really helps me understand and reflect on life in the real world! Thank you!

[@godofawesomeness1]

these videos are incredibly well-made. i feel like i've learned something or gained a better understanding from each one, even though they discuss topics i already know a lot about.

[@Wolfram_Aerospace]

What is most concerning about wall-e is that only the axiom is seen coming back to earth. Leading me to believe there are many other star liners containing thousands of people still flying around in space or even some become derelict and were slowly killed off. On the other hand that would sound like a great story for a wall-e 2.

[@saraheerie]

My boyfriend was literally just teaching me how to play monopoly the other day lol. I wasn't getting it and he was like "you're suppose to try and get the most money" and I was like "but I just want to avoid jail and these houses make the board look cluttered" LOL. Now I know I suck at monopoly, but I enjoy playing, just to see how excited other people get when they win lol.

[@alexarobinson2850]

The impact these videos have on the world cannot be understated. You're the Wall-e of this world, helping us see the paths of least resistance. Bless you and what you do. It gives me hope.

[@pinkajou656]

Meanwhile, me and my little brother playing Monopoly and being ridiculously nice to each other (e.g. we won’t buy any properties in a group if the other player has any, we’ll remind each other to pick up 200, feel good or bad for each other if we’re winning or losing, etc)

[@mimimar_]

You're awesome, thank you for this video. This has been one of my favorite movies for a long time and you made me realize even more of the reasons why I love it so much. Keep doing what you're doing, your channel is fantastic and I think it's helping a lot of people to understand things they weren't able to see before.

[@cameronmiller3995]

This really helped me with an essay I'm working on, thank you.

[@thebaraking174]

Excellent video! You have an outstanding speaking voice and you explain everything so well! Keep up the great work!

[@Dalton_Boardman2000]

I like how Wall-E didn't villify the BnL CEO. He genuinely wanted the best for everyone and actually tried to clean up the mess his corporation made. He just fell into the pattern of taking the easy path. In any other story (like the inferior Lorax movie) he'd just be evil because "money".

[@saricubra2867]

But the CEO was in control of the whole planet, he was the global government as well.

[@CarlosRMatto]

Your videos are just AMAZING bro, thanks for all of this!

[@frostfang83]

This is an amazing analysis and a brilliant piece of work. Thank you

[@williamkennedy7846]

Finally, someone giving this movie the analysis it deserves. Keep it up man

[@harmonia7841]

Oh wall-e, the only animation movie that left me actually felt something back then when I was a kid watching it. I also love this analysis video, thank you so much for all your quality contents.

[@JenniieeFurrRobles]

You must do a video about Idiocracy. My political science professor loves it and it grinds my gears lmfao

[@TheClosetedFreak]

Thank you for this beautifully written and edited video which is not only informative and respectful, but also very optimistic about the change that people are capable of.

[@DKrandomNY]

This was fantastic; no matter how many videos of yours I watch each one seems to blow my mind. Keep up the great work!!

[@dasanoneia4730]

excellent breakdown i love this movie so much and often use it as a teaching tool

[@missraaae]

This made a sociology graduate very happy. All too often sociology is dismissed as 'wishy-washy pseudo-science' instead of a useful (and, in my view, essential) tool to analyse our world. Wall.e was always my favourite Disney movie for many of the reasons you describe in this essay (the cleaner robot jumping off line being my favourite moment). So, yes, thank you thank you thank you!

Amazing content as expected. I love your long essays.

[@somedude6161]

I just came across your channel and find it very interesting. This thesis reminds me of another youtube video from a channel called Thunk, where he discusses and compares corporations as "rogue AIs". Concerning "bad people doing bad things", that's one reason why I love the character of Londo Mollari from Babylon 5: what happens when basically good people gets put into bad situations.

[@Windavee]

You are so amazing, every video essay made by you nails it completely. Thanks for this

[@Dachusblot]

Wall-E is one of my favorite movies ever, and you managed to give me a whole new perspective on it. Another fantastic video!

[@tuka8422]

I love your videos and the way you analyze media based on sociology, it is both entertaining and educating. I will support you as much as I can to get more great content on yt!

[@riahmatic]

I've been binging these videos and you really do not miss.

[@GypsyxDarling]

I wasn't expecting it to get so real at the end - which is silly in hindsight, since your videos are always insightful and interesting. Great job, as usual!

[@Old_meg]

i watch a lot of video essay channels on youtube and I've just found you recently but you have quickly become my favourite

[@KathrynBea]

yet another fantastic video!!! love everything you put out here. so well articulated!

[@infamousXsniper055]

Amazing video. This makes me feel even better about taking sociology 101 last semester. Sociology applies almost everywhere.

[@MsRinda]

Dammit, I hate that you're right about Idiocracy. I love the dumb humour in it, but yes, now that you mention it... ew.

[@_Garlic_Queen]

Each of your video's are mind blowing. I love how it is extremely captivating while incorporating scientific theories. THANK YOU

[@abraham3673]

Wow... This is actually really inspiring. This is one of my favorite KZbin channels, thank you so much for your work

[@crossch3720]

The Monopoly analogy is such a useful way to explain this topic, I loved it. And it was interesting to hear your descriptions of the path of least resistances, saying that they are unclear IRL came as a surprise to me, but that must be because as a queer neurodivergent person these paths are something I must think about constantly so they aren't as nebulous as they would be for someone closer to the "default", I suppose.

[@FrolickingWithChelsea]

Another excellent video! I'm loving these video essays!

[@nyle1935]

Loved this - your analysis and editing are impeccable as always!

[@naveedhossain6605]

I love how well constructed and presented your videos are. Bravo, your work is nothing less than excellent!

[@rosenvitae]

Didn't expect this lovely video with my morning coffee. Thank you. Dabbling as a GM for tabletop rpgs, inspiration is always welcome.

[@carolinedavis8339]

I've been thoroughly enjoying your work on this channel and keeps me reminded of why I love learning about sociology, media, and their intersections. I hope someday to be a content creator myself and taking the principles you bring to light in these videos to heart in my future endeavors. I look forward to seeing more of your work!

[@Aquadancergreen]

Absolutely BRILLIANT! I love how you tied it into your overall message and moved forward with it. As an aspiring author, I definitely think that this piece will make me think about sociological storytelling and how best to do it effectively. This kind of storytelling is definitely most effective for the kinds of messages I'd like to send in my future stories. Thank you so much for this brilliant analysis and video.

[@teaprofit]

I almost screamed when I saw the new video in my feed. Such a brilliant work! Gives so much to think about.

[@ashknoecklein]

Love these videos! Keep up the good work!

[@doraaaa0613]

great analysis! i really love watching your video essays. the way you narrate and edit is quite engaging as well.

[@neovenators]

I would just like to say that I've been watching your videos for a short while now and they're absolutely fantastic. Keep up the great work!