On November 21, 2024, Katy Perry sparked a political debate with a viral social media post comparing President-elect Donald Trump's victory to the 2006 film 'Idiocracy.' Directed by Mike Judge, the film portrays a future where society has become incredibly dumbed down, with Luke Wilson starring as Joe Bauers, who wakes up 500 years in the future to find he is the smartest person alive [530d0bca]. Perry's comment was widely interpreted as a critique of Trump's presidency, drawing parallels between the film's satirical portrayal of a dystopian world and current political trends [029dc8c9]. The backlash was swift, particularly from Trump supporters who argued that the comparison could be more aptly applied to the left, with some referencing Perry's previous support for Vice President Kamala Harris [029dc8c9].
In a related note, Luke Wilson, who portrayed Joe Bauers in 'Idiocracy,' has expressed interest in a potential sequel to the film. He regularly discusses this idea with director Mike Judge, suggesting that a sequel could explore modern societal issues that have become increasingly relevant over the years [bf28c981]. The original film gained cult status for its sharp satire on ignorance and consumer culture, and Wilson believes that revisiting this theme could resonate with audiences today [bf28c981].
The ongoing discourse surrounding 'Idiocracy' has been further fueled by analysis of the Democratic loss in the 2024 elections. Markos, a former Air Force officer and author for Daily Kos, discusses various theories surrounding this outcome, emphasizing that no single explanation suffices. He expresses disbelief at the continued support for Trump among diverse demographics, including veterans and the LGBTQIA+ community, attributing this to systemic issues like misogyny, racism, and anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiments ingrained in the MAGA party [369a9e01]. Markos highlights that many 2020 Biden voters stayed home, suggesting deeper societal issues at play. He argues that 43 million Americans are 'dumb' and that education is being undermined, particularly with the potential eradication of the Department of Education [369a9e01].
As the 2024 election approaches, the intersection of entertainment and political commentary continues to provoke strong reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. Markos advocates for allowing MAGA supporters to face the consequences of their choices, predicting increased suffering due to policies that may strip rights and exacerbate economic issues. He concludes by recommending watching 'Idiocracy' as a reflection of current societal trends, reinforcing the film's relevance in today's political climate [369a9e01].