The concept of democracy is presented in light of democratic societies being under attack in present day. Academics and historians discuss the ancient Greek origins of the concept, which in its broadest terms means, "for the people, by the people". A wide range of people, from politicians, academics to a diverse array of the general public, discuss the concept from their own perspective. Those in the former two groups generally see issues in present day democracy in the imbal... (Full plot summary below)
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The concept of democracy is presented in light of democratic societies being under attack in present day. Academics and historians discuss the ancient Greek origins of the concept, which in its broadest terms means, "for the people, by the people". A wide range of people, from politicians, academics to a diverse array of the general public, discuss the concept from their own perspective. Those in the former two groups generally see issues in present day democracy in the imbalances in society, where those in authority or who control the flow of money, such as banks, have more power, while those who don't may fall prey to demagogues who twist the concept for their own political self interests. They also state that anyone can use the concept for their own personal benefit as opposed to democracy being seen somewhat inherent to a greater good. While democracy more closely equates to either the notion of one person/one vote or majority rule, many, if asked, mistakenly equate it with other aspirational concepts, such as justice, equity, freedom or specifically for Americans what they have coined "the American dream". Some of those academics and politicians argue that majority rule is an outdated ideal in that if that be the case, things like slavery would still exist. They therefore argue whether people really want a truly democratic society in its purest form, and if a pure democracy really is workable in any society.
Leave your thoughts about What Is Democracy?.
| The CriterionCastJoshua BrunstingTaylor's film is an energetic one, styled as a typical issue picture, but willingness to open a dialogue that's refreshing and intellectually energizing. |
| Globe and MailJohn SemleyThe film indexes the manner in which democracy has become abstracted and polluted, especially by governmental capitulation to the meddling interests of free-market capitalism. |
| Film ThreatAyurella Horn-MullerTaylor's take on the topic is multi-layered, and one that if you don't pay close attention to, you might miss. But once defined, can democracy ever live up to its promise? That's something you'll need to watch What Is Democracy? in order to figure out. |
| GuardianCharlie PhillipsAn extended and good-looking essay, it serves as a sharp reminder to pay attention to politics and to remember that the personal and the local are political. |
| NOW TorontoNorman WilnerIt's a bit on the slack side, with Taylor offering up one talking head after another, breaking up the sections with thoughtful quotes from Plato's Republic... But I'm not sure a slicker, sharper version of this would serve any purpose. |
| Cinema ScopeMichael SicinskiOne gets the sense that What is Democracy? might have been edited in a different form, one that clarified its purposes a bit more deliberately. |
| The Tyee (British Columbia)Dorothy WoodendWhat is Democracy? is a call to arms, but it is also a powerful and piercing reminder that, as Plato said, "nothing beautiful without struggle." |
| Backseat MafiaRob AldamIt's a fascinating and enlightening treatise. |
