Blog Response- The American Anti-Hero

In the years prior to World War II, the concept of a hero was an essential part of the generic media. A hero that would go out of their way to protect all those in need, and demonstrate the very unrealistic possibility that an individual could be and is perfect. This idea captivated many Americans, and they found themselves trapped in a cage of comfort and hope weaved out of false fabrications. However this idea changed when the concept of an anti-hero was introduced to the Americans after World War II.

World War II was an essential element in the progress of American film, as it defined America as a reborn country with it’s own given personality and standards to achieve. In this small time frame, an idea was pushed through that would guide a revolution in American film concept : the idea of an anti-hero. The anti-hero is defined as ""a protagonist of a drama or narrative who is notably lacking in heroic qualities." In other words, they can become as important as a hero, but use dirty and shady methods of reaching this status quo. During this breakthrough, most anti-heroes were portrayed as men, as women played another crucial part as the anti-hero’s plight or the sinful desire kept within. (so let’s not focus on the woman’s role in this response.) The anti-hero isn’t necessary a villain, but demonstrates qualities that lead to him being an antagonist or a corrupt character. Many character creators found this sort of character to be appealing to the audiences of WWII, because the anti-hero was the very definition of being bada** American.
 

the idea of an anti-hero was no strange matter to Americans. The concept of this character had been displayed long before the years 1940-1985; dates tracing back o when greek mythology, roman tales, Egyptian cryptic imagery, and religious story telling were all popular. However the Americans truly idolized the anti-hero because of World War II. The country had changed after the bombings on Hiroshima, Japan. The once united states of America, which proudly isolated themselves so not to instigate trouble amongst other nations, could not wash away the bloody atrocities they committed against other nations. The nation that once fueled itself on national pride and solidarity, was now left with it’s pride damaged and many countries saw that America was now tainted and no longer the innocent country it once was.

After the war and the mentally scarring effects it had on people, the anti-hero had become the very essence of any character in the film era. Almost all the films that were created during this time period, involved the portrayal of anti-hero. Now why was it necessary? For four reasons; First, America wanted to reinvent itself. After the horrors of war, Americans felt that they were no longer the innocent and tame country they once were. Being forced to break their treaty of isolation and throwing themselves into the path of war, made many civilians frustrated with the rapid changes in identity. They were fed up with the perfect hero, a compassionate man who provided for everyone in need. After WWII, that connection could no longer be made, and Americans sough after characters who desired individuality: An anti-hero that had desires like humans, that would lead them to their goal by any means necessary.

Secondly, American citizens were becoming more rebellious. America had fought and fought in this bloody war only to achieve nothing, and lose everything. The moral was low and felt lost. Many advocators of rights and freedoms came in to power during this era, and Americans felt that they could relate to the struggled of these fellows. If they felt compatible with these real folks, then they felt an even stronger connection to the anti hero who stressed individuality. The anti-hero promoted standing out among the crowd and not following the preset rules set by the hero or others. Destiny could be taken into their own hands.

 Third, Americans wanted human heroes, that represented everyday life and who were able to make flaws. The idea of a perfect being became tasteless to American audiences, instead they wanted to look up to someone who was like them and was able to accomplish great feats through their own human strength. Ideally, this characterization is the definition of an underdog, since Americans felt that they too could achieve greatness just like their ideal anti-heroes. "The anti-hero is rarely happy in situations that please other men. He prefers conflict and struggle rather than comfort and certainty.” This made it okay to not be perfect, and to live lives accordingly to how you set them. Everyone rooted for the underdog, and the idea they could fight their own battles through their own injustices.

Lastly, Americans wanted to reflect the true spirit of America. They felt that a rebellious anti-hero would best define what made them united, a country that was not afraid of anyone. "John Garfield made a name for himself in the 1940s and was type cast as the tough, shady character that everyone loved to hate... or hated to love." Anti-heroes were only concerned with they could gain, a realist perspective to many people. The audiences were enthralled by this dark side of humanity, and thus exploded the inevitable character list of anti-heroes. These characters were suddenly embodying the forms of masculine character that still had a vulnerable weakness to them. Americans across the country identified with these ideas, and the American sprit was found once more this time through “individuality and freedom.”

In conclusion, this contradicts the preset Classical Ideology of whom the audience should admire. The general audience used to admire the flawless hero that boasted with brilliance and strength. However due to the impacts of World War II, Americans had grown more cold and desired a more realistic outlook on life; thus, falling in love with the idea of an anti-hero. America had once again redeemed themselves, and regained pride. Whether they believed in the hero, or the anti-hero, it really didn’t matter. The film industry thrived because of rapid increase in audiences desiring a character to look up to.