Living Under the Empire: Complicity vs. Survival in Authoritarian Systems
In this members-only episode of Superhero Ethics, hosts Matthew and Riki explore the complex moral question faced by civilians living under authoritarian regimes: Where is the line between survival and complicity? Inspired by shows like Star Wars: Andor and books like Sunrise on the Reaping, this episode examines what responsibilities individuals have when living under oppressive systems.
When Does Compliance Become Collaboration?
What responsibilities do ordinary people have when living under fascist or authoritarian governments? The hosts discuss how even the most oppressive regimes ultimately derive their power from the compliance of citizens, whether that compliance is voluntary or coerced. The episode examines characters from Star Wars: Andor, like Chief Hyne and Syril Karn, who represent different positions on the spectrum of collaboration with imperial authority.
The Moral Calculus of Self-Preservation vs. Resistance
Is protecting yourself and your family at the expense of others morally justifiable under oppression? Matthew and Riki analyze characters like Lando Calrissian and Timm, who initially collaborate with the Empire to keep themselves and their communities safe, only to discover that compliance doesn’t guarantee protection. The show explores how authoritarian systems deliberately isolate people and communities, encouraging them to think only of their own survival rather than collective resistance.
Breaking Points and Moments of Resistance
What causes someone to finally resist an oppressive system? The hosts examine Kino Loy’s storyline from Andor‘s prison arc, where he transitions from collaborator to resistance leader despite knowing he may not personally benefit from the rebellion. The episode considers how people reach their breaking points and what responsibilities they have once they recognize the true nature of the system they’re living under.
Other topics discussed include:
- How Star Wars: Andor portrays the complex reality of living under imperial rule
- The parallels between fictional authoritarianism and real-world historical examples
- The morality of accelerationism and causing short-term suffering for long-term change
- Finn’s storyline from the Star Wars sequel trilogy as an example of refusing orders
- The ethical responsibilities of soldiers following orders in unjust conflicts
- The portrayal of post-war regret and complicity in Godzilla Minus One
- The different forms of resistance available to people under oppression
- How V for Vendetta illustrates the power of collective withdrawal of consent
This episode challenges listeners to consider their own potential actions under oppressive systems and explores the complex moral territory where there are no easy answers about what constitutes ethical behavior in the face of systemic evil.
