Movie Heroes Agree With Your Politics

The film industry has a very polarized market to deal with. According to a 2018 study “64% of consumers around the world will buy or boycott a brand solely because of its position on a social or political issue”, so how do big budget movies still attract the wide swaths of people they require? Well, we believe it has something to do with a little thing we call “The Robin Hood Effect.”

The Robin Hood Effect: When a character is perceived as being secretly loyal to members on both sides of an ideological divide.

We will offer up some film examples in a moment, but let’s start with the prime example from literature, Tom Thumb. I’m kidding. It’s the “Robin Hood Effect”. Robin Hood is the prime example. Specifically…

Robin Hood and the American political divide.

To many on the political left, Robin Hood stole from the rich and gave to the needy. Taking back the money from the wealthy and “Spreading the wealth.” *WINK*

Meanwhile, to the political right, Robin Hood fought back against an oppressive government with outrageous tax policies. “Taking Down the Big Government to Help the Small Business Owner” *WINK* Or No Taxation without Representation *WINK*

You see? Both sides of the argument might very well think that if Robin Hood were to be brought into reality today, he would be on their side.

Make sense? Half of you said “yes”, half said “no”. I’ll make the half that I secretly agree with feel better and show some examples in movies.