Popular Culture Review Vol. 8, No. 2, August 1997 | Page 75

Born on the Fourth of July

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Platoon) to vent full-blast the self-doubt and self-pity
and justifiable rage so many veterans have felt.^^
Born on the Fourth of July leads the way for films which depict
society's struggle over controversial issues which force a reevaluation of existing value systems.
Conclusion
Popular films serve an important function in American
culture, influencing society by shaping the way we view historical
events, particularly significant political events. In a reciprocal
manner, society influences studio choices of what is deemed
acceptable subject matter. This relationship was part icularly
important in Vietnam War films, because it was the perception of
public opposition toward Vietnam which originally discouraged
Hollywood studios from producing war films. The success of Platoon
and Born on the Fourth of July illustrates the need for Americans to
resolve the complex set of the events found in the Vietnam War.
Many film critics argue that these films break new ground in facing
the collective guilt that Americans felt following Vietnam.
Born on the Fourth of July illustrates some of the conflicting
values held by Americans. Kovic first appears as the stereotypic
All-American boy, ready and willing to serve his country. He reflects
both the moralistic and materialistic myths of the American Dream.
When he recognizes that the materialistic code has not only failed
him, but even exploited him, Kovic's transformation begins. He
becomes an outspoken opponent of the war, criticizing the corrupt and
deceitful actions of political and military leaders. He fights for the
dignity and worth of disabled Vietnam veterans, finally bringing
their story to the American people at both Republican and
DemoCTatic National Conventions.
The transformation which led many Vietnam veterans to
embrace moralistic values also guided the social movements of the
1960s: the New Left, the Civil Rights movement and the Women's
Liberation movement. Each of these movements rejected the primary
elements of materialism, instead emphasizing the values of human
dignity, equality and freedom.
Analyzing Born on the Fourth of July is only one step in
moving beyond the lost crusade known as Vietnam. The myths of the