Psci 130: Intro to Politics - V for Vendetta

Indiana State University

PSCI 130: Intro to Politics

Dr. Bob Van Sickel

Justin Clapp

3/23/15

Define and discuss how at least three of the following political concepts are portrayed in V for Vendetta: Fascism, Anarchism, Collective Action, Political Violence, and Peer Policing. Use specific scene and character examples where possible. Your answer should be about three to four good paragraphs long, and include specific details from the film and your textbook.

Fascism is a way of organizing a society in which a government ruled by a dictator controls the lives of the people and in which people are not allowed to disagree with the government. In the move, “V for Vendetta”, fascism is evidenced in multiple scenes. In the very beginning of the movie, it is clear that people aren’t free to be outside after dark. If they are caught outside, they are harassed and/or “black-bagged” or killed by government officials. In another scene, the detective is talking to the high chancellor. The detective is threatened to also be “black-bagged” if he is not able to catch the terrorist known as “V”.

Collective action is any action taken together by a group of people whose goal is to enhance their status and achieve a common objective. It is enacted by a representative of the group. Collective action was shown in this movie through V’s determination to take on the political regime that was dominating London. V distributed masks and capes to every citizen in London and inspired them to take action against the oppressive government by meeting in the town square to watch the demolition of the parliament building. V was the representative of the people who collectively took action against their government.

Peer policing is the governmental training of its citizens