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"I'm just one of those faces, you know. People just hate my face." This was said by one of the greatest musicians and political activists of all time, John Lennon, who inspired a new generation of musicians like Green Day, KRS-ONE, the Dixie Chicks and many others with his political messages.
Students, fans and peace organizations were in attendance at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center last Thursday to watch, "The U.S. vs. John Lennon." Written and directed by David Leaf and John Scheinfeld, it is an inspiring documentary that explores the transformation of Lennon from musician to peace activist during the tumultuous 1960s era of university reform, civil rights movements and social and political upheaval. It includes his deportation proceedings, governmental paranoia and his premature death in 1980 by an assassin.
After the 99-minute film, the audience was treated to a Q-and-A session with the directors and writers, as well as Ron Kovic. Kovic is a wounded Vietnam War marine who was left paraplegic, and wrote "Born on the Fourth of July.
The audience complimented all three guests for their wonderful contributions to the film. Viewers also appreciated questions and reactions on the current state of the War on Terror. In addition to signing autographs, a limited number of buttons with the slogan, "War is Over" were given out at the end of the session.
With his leftist politics, anti-establishment attitude and a dangerous nature to the status quo, President Richard Nixon and his cronies (primarily J. Edgar Hoover) labeled Lennon as a threat that ultimately led to his surveillance and deportation proceedings.
The fact that one man "… would pose any threat to the interest to the most powerful nation on Earth is … ridiculous," Tariq Ali, a political activist said.
After years of court proceedings, Lennon was finally granted citizenship.
"Mr. Lennon, do you feel any antagonism toward the people who have attempted to have you deported?" a reporter asked.
"Absolutely not. I believe time wounds all heals," Lennon replied. The audience laughed and cheered at this response.
The film intentionally draws parallels between the Vietnam War and the current War on Terror. At the end, it does not sway nor suggest that Lennon's assassination is a product of conspiracy theorists.
One of his many catchy chants, "Give peace a chance," still resonates today. His quintessential song, "Imagine" is about peace, love and unity and is used in many films to evoke powerful emotions for inspiration and awareness. This documentary is very emotional, engaging and is one of the best documentaries about Lennon.
Among the many guests featured in the film were Geraldo Rivera, Bob Seale, Gore Vidal, Ron Kovic, Yoko Ono and legendary journalist Walter Cronkite.
Imagine if John Lennon was still alive. Imagine if Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was still alive. Imagine if Mahatma Gandhi was still alive.
Let's not just imagine, but honor their lives and legacies by continuing on their universal peace message.
Gore Vidal said it correctly, "Lennon…represents life, while Mr. Nixon and Mr. Bush represent death."
