Many claim the latest Cowboys and Aliens movie had no anti-immigration sub-theme. I just think its interesting that the film was developed and released at the height of anti-immigration policies. Simply using the word “alien” during this time was a lack of respect to a large body of people, a lack of tact, and a lack of social/political awareness by the film’s creators. If the film didn't perpetuate right-wing sentiments, it sure as hell didn’t help in creating a more liberal environment where diversity and inclusion can flourish. The movie reveals aliens threatening a white population’s longevity, supply of capital, sense of security, and space. I can see the film’s larger American audience, which lacks a deep understanding for the importance of multiculturalism and immigration, easily associating the film’s intrusive aliens with America’s current “alien problem” and consequently manifesting rightwing anti-immigration ideologies into their everyday life. This is hegemonic control at its finest.
The movie compelled Conan O'Brian to say:
The movie compelled Conan O'Brian to say: