Social Protest and Video

I thought Gordon's piece centering on the clip from Taxi Driver was very interesting for a couple of reasons.  Firstly, because Taxi Driver is probably my favorite film of all time, but more importantly because I feel that Taxi Driver is a prime example of the social protest that has been exhibited through video formats.  Rush does not really give a reading of Gordon's piece, and I think that does both Gordon's work and Taxi Driver a huge injustice.  When understanding how Travis Bickle sees the world, as being inhabited by the "scum of the earth," I believe it is not a stretch to suggest that Gordon is saying the same about his audience.  Travis is disgusted with the complicity of the masses and decides to take it upon himself to make the world a better place for Iris, a child prostitute.  When Gordon has Travis pointing his gun directly at the viewer he is directly implicating them as a necessary mechanism in the same system that Travis is so disgusted with.  While the film eventually punishes "the scum of the earth" (pimps, murderers, perverts, etc.) Gordon takes it a step further and suggests that the viewer should be punished for their complicity as well.  Taxi Driver is a fascinating film, especially when looking at the impact it had on American history.  (John Hinckly Jr. attempted to assassinate Ronald Reagan to get Jodie Foster's attention, which was inspired by Travis Bickle's assassination attempt to get Cybil Shepherd's character to notice him).  If you haven't seen Taxi Driver, I highly recommend it; I assure you, you will never be the same after watching it.  I've attached a few clips from Taxi Driver to show the film's social commentary, as well as show what has inspired my reading of Gordon's piece.