"The Gods Must Be Crazy" Afterthoughts

“How can a bottle of Coca-Cola disrupt the lives of a sequestered tribe?”, the thought materialized as I watched an African bushman, Xi, resolve to return a discarded Coca-Cola bottle to the Gods by throwing it off the edge of the world. “The Gods Must Be Crazy” successfully elucidates the concept of "Ubuntu"-to be human is to recognize the humanity of others.

It draws a contrast between the lives of those who survive solely on the bounties provided by nature and those who are contingent on artificial resources. The film craftily intertwines the paths of both parties as they use different means to attain the same coveted prize- a sliver of peace and fulfillment in their lives.

The glass bottle that triggered the events of the film was initially a blessing as it helped the bushmen with their chores. But like it ameliorated their lives, it also severed its innate camaraderie. Due to its limited availability, it brought unprecedented emotions, like resentment and indignation. This was just a small sample of what industrialization had done to the rest of the world, turning “wants” into “needs” and giving rise to sought-after products to satiate certain individuals with wealth while the rest us equate materialistic possessions with contentment.

The filmmaker dubbed the Coca-Cola bottle ‘a representative of our “plastic society”’ and he couldn’t be more right. The phrase accurately describes our deviation from natural goods and symbolizes our false niceties.

A little farther from Xi’s tribe, we see industrial civilization at its peak as government troops use modern artillery to battle Sam Boga and his band of guerrillas after their failed assassination attempt. This chuckle some scene is also a bitter reminder that our happiness quotient is inversely proportional to our desire for power.

On the way to the edge of the world, Xi- unknown to the concept of ownership-shoots a goat to feed himself. He faces the consequences in the court of law and is ultimately imprisoned. A language barrier could be blamed for this error in judgment although miscommunication is not foreign to individuals sharing a common language either.

Xi was the true embodiment of Ubuntu as he didn’t contemplate vengeance even after being thrown in confinement. His faith that we achieve ourselves by caring for those around us pays off when Andrew Steyn (a biologist) bails Xi out and the two later successfully free Kate Thompson (a village teacher) and her pupils from the captivity of the guerrillas.

Xi was never taught how to be civil or present himself in front of society, yet he seems to be the most gracious being in the film. Unscathed by industrialization, he is the best version of mankind. During the low points of my life, I watch this film not only to add a tinge of humor to my day with its slapstick plot but also to remind myself that everyone, even our bullies and worst critics, has a Xi inside them.

Prisha A.