Pussies with Guns

Bonnie and Clyde was pretty decent film, but I have stipulations when it comes to those who are considered outlaws. I want to see people who know what they’re doing, and who do it well on screen verses those who just decide out of the blue to start robbing banks. On the other hand it is nice to see how an outlaw got into the business of robbing, and how they manipulate the press to their advantage, or disadvantage. It was hard for me to believe these characters were capable of murder, they seemed more inclined to fire warning shots in the general direction of the cops than actually attempt a murder. Which brings something else to mind, the dehumanizing of cops in outlaw films. They are portrayed as ruthless, bloodthirsty, and ready to kill. I remember a line from Reservoir Dogs when they ask each other if they shot anyone during the heist. One says, “A few cops…”, and the other retorts “no real people?” If this isn’t the ideology of a criminal, I don’t know what is. I know Clyde didn’t want to hurt everyone, but when you are waving a gun around it is nearly impossible to not fear for your own life, and try to defend it, and your livelihood. This is something being brought into modern consciousness with the reason media frenzy around Colton Harris-Moore. And although I am a fan, I get the same Bonnie and Clyde feeling. It may be starting out innocent enough, trying to get by, but new evidence is showing Colton is ready to escalate the robberies and stolen cars, boats, and planes, into full scale war; according to a letter he sent to his mother and then given to the media. I believe outlaws are more American than apple pie, but it is all fun and games until someone dies.