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03/26/2004 Archived Entry: "The day I saw an inspiring movie and was manipulated into joining the (not so evil) empire NDP"

So last night I went down to the newly repaired Bloor Cinema to see The Corporation. It was less over-the-top and obviously manipulating than Micheal Moore, and much more flashy and exiciting than Manufacturing Consent (although I don't remember MC as being particularly boring my sister and another lady in line did).

The Corporation left me feeling sad and enraged and inspired to get off my butt and do something all at the same time. Pretty impressive. But I also felt slightly manipulated. It was sponsored by the NDP (New Democratic Party) and there was a little talk by the party's new (and most un-sexy in a bathing suit - sorry Jack!) leader, Jack Layton. It seemed a little too convienient that here was this inspiring, anti-corporate, anti-globalisation, pro-social-justice, pro-environment movie and outside you could sign up to work on all the NDP campaigns, and go to all the rallies for the causes and join the NDP. I'm sure it was just a happy confluence of ideas and inspiration and not a cynical manipulation of naive Toronto Annex lefties. I'm sure. Yah. It couldn't have been manipulation could it? Nah.....

I joined the NDP anyway. Dave won't give up on teasing me, I'm sure. The NDP is extremely geeky. And not always in a good way. See my critique of their site (coming up in a few mintues). But they are the very best party on virtually all of the issues I care about. I think they are really the only alternative and I'm desperately hoping that they do well in the next election. I think that Jack Layton is the best, most charismatic leader that the NDP has seen in years and I really really hope that translates into more members and more votes. We'll see what happens in the upcoming election.