Ignorance In The Ugly American By George Englund

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“The Ugly American,” directed by George Englund, depicts the fictional nation of Sarkhan and how it is affected by the involvements of both a democratic and communist state. Throughout the movie, one key theme is depicted, ignorance, which is displayed through the revolutionary war, the intervention by the United States government, and the public support in the United States. As Deong tries to revolt against Prime Minister Kwen Sai, he believes that he is the only one that could be correct. When Kwen Sai offers to meet with Deong, Deong denies the request at first because he is unwilling to listen to the Prime Minister. Deong was unaware of the communist invasion and could have been better informed if he rid himself of this ignorance. Deong further goes on to ignore Ambassador MacWhite when MacWhite warns him of his imminent death. While Deong does eventually listen to MacWhite, his continual display of ignorance throughout the …show more content…

MacWhite states that “it is a clear cut situation and it must be dealt with in a clear cut fashion.” Even after the ambassador has been in the country for a while, he is still ignorant to the problem that is present. Obviously, the situation within Sarkhan is not clear cut and therefore cannot be fixed with an easy solution. Everything is more complicated than what MacWhite realizes, and he is unwilling to listen to the prime minister. Only after Sai shows MacWhite the photos of an invasion, does MacWhite begin to consider the serious state of the country. Ambassador MacWhite begins to realize his ignorance toward the end of the movie. However, he has already failed at saving the country. He reflects on his mistakes stating that one cannot sacrifice their own principles for expediency. He is reminding the American people that remaining ignorant and taking the easy way destroys any effort one may

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