Conservative hostility towards Chris McCandless ...

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The book and movie Into the Wild received a particularly hostile reaction from North American conservatives, particularly hicks, because they felt it glorified Chris McCandless....A person they hold in contempt for his actions. They often label him "selfish" and quite frequently accuse him of being "stupid". To me this example speaks volumes about conservatives and what they truly believe in: They are social collectivists who revile personal freedom. Particularly the freedom to voluntarily remove oneself from society. McCandless' filial wealth gave him a great deal of freedom that many folks don't have(or at least they "think" they don't). I've always admired risk takers like McCandless who are bold enough to make their dangerous dreams a reality. The biggest mistake that Chris made was not communicating with his family and leaving them to worry and grieve for him even before his death.

Discuss....

There are a few things that come to mind, his lack of preparation for the life in Alaska, his possible mental illness, the fact that his widely glorified and publicized demise may cause others to take similarly silly risks.

It has nothing to do with a lack of respect for individualism, and more to do about what can be said to be responsible behavior. Supertramp showed either a blatant disregard for his own safety or underestimated the difficulty of his endeavor.

I admire his lust for adventure though.

There's plenty of hostility towards him from liberals I know as well. I was required to read it myself, and was unimpressed by his "adventures," even laughing in spite of myself when it explained how he finally lost his life (didn't keep food sanitary? Sick from tainted berries? Honestly?) He wasn't doing anything new or exciting, he was just going on a camping trip. If you liked Into The Wild, you might also enjoy the Darwin Awards series.

I think some rural types resent anyone who threatens their ownership of a domain they regard as their own. People get their self-image wrapped up in a role and don't want it challenged. There are similar reactions to that bear guy who went off and lived with the grizzlies and was eventually eaten. That was his choice. My only concern was his habituating the bears to people and maybe getting them in trouble down the road. Several had to be put down on the scene.

People who genuinely go off the grid arent going to get many accolades. Cliques support their members, not individuals being individuals.

I read the book and saw the movie. I don't really get why any group would be 'hostile' or overly praiseworthy of Chris McCandless. It's a pretty tragic story. I think I remember in the book it mentioning that native Alaskans weren't to fond of him and transient types from the lower 48 in general since they come up to Alaska and are completely unprepared for the harshness of the environment. I guess I could see how some may think that his story actually promotes this lifestyle but I don't understand that knowing the consequences.

People do this kind of stuff all the time. The cases where people die become a cautionary tale for do-nothings (or documentaries and books). Risk taking still happens. Unless he intended to die he just miscalculated. People do that crossing the street.

Ive done a lot of risk taking. I could have died many times. If I died people would say meaningless things about it. Good for them.

Here are some Chris McCandless quotes, which will incite intense anger and hatred among true Conservatives, and send some on a murderous rampage.

http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/ ... McCandless