Marker: Harold and Kumar

While the pro-marijuana theme throughout the movie may attract an audience of my age group, I think the real goal of the movie is to make a strong political statement about many issues in America. The movie tackles terrorism, governmental ineptitude, drugs, as well as racial and other stereotypes. The entire premise of the movie comes from a stereotype. The security guard at the airport thought that Kumar was Muslim and therefore a terrorist so he stops Kumar in security. Then, again, when Kumar is on the plane a woman mistakes his ethnicity and therefore believes him to be a terrorist. This addresses a prevalent stereotype that emerged in America after the terrorist attacks occurred on September 11.

The movie also addresses the issues concerning the way that the government is handling the terrorist situation. After Harold and Kumar both get arrested under a wrongful accusation, the government is too blinded by its desire to catch real terrorists that they do not realize when they have made a mistake. The character of Ron Fox, the Homeland Security Agent in charge of finding Harold and Kumar, is portrayed as inept and ignorant. He has obviously made a mistake but when someone does try to stand up to him, he simply accuses that person of being anti-American. This is making a strong statement about government policy toward terrorism and homeland security.

Harold and Kumar addresses many of the political issues that consume America today. I think that the film, while being extremely funny, is also devoted to making a political statement or at least to commenting on political issues. Although the political messages in the film are partially hidden by the comedy, their presence is obvious.