Kino and Hermes’ next visit is to a most unique country – a moving one. They spend several days (maybe I missed it or maybe it’s not clear why they were in difficult shape before this journey and needed to stay extra time here) in a gigantic, tank-like, steam powered structure filled by a happy populace. The massive unit rolls through lands and borders, leaving destruction in its wake and, as seen in the second half of the episode, sometimes rolling through country’s sovereign borders with little regard.
I admit I waited for a twist in this episode, but the twist was that there wasn’t one – from the very beginning, we see the destructive nature of the city, while the people themselves are genuinely nice. The interest in the conflict that develops and the arguments both for and against what this nation is doing. Their arguments for the wake they leave behind are flimsy, but the episodes tries to balance them out through Kino’s philosophical questioning at the end and statements about the opposing country’s blame in the conflict, and by showing that the country’s citizens, from child to president, are decent, non-violent people.
Perhaps of most interest is how a people like that can be okay with destroying nature and hurting others (if only their finances and pride). The negotiator/tour guide/immigration officer explains that the country has come to terms with the devastation they create, stating, “Every country, just like every man, causes some bother to others just by existing.”
This week, the negotiator’s quote provides my question for you:
To what extent should we be satisfied with the harm we cause others by simply existing?
Please comment your thoughts below – I’d love to hear what you think about this topic!
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