What does Raven offer that is unique?
The Raven Ratings
Once you know what the Raven knows, you’ll begin to see that some stories justify violence by dividing the world up into us versus them, good guys and bad guys. Or they don’t get how interrelated we are. They miss completely that our Selves are formed in relationships and our desires are mimetic. The Raven calls these stories myths and gives them the lowest rating of 1 claw.
But the Raven knows that there are other stories that provide needed insights that move us towards more peaceful communities and more authentic Selves. The Raven gives these stories the top rating of 5 claws because they challenge the conventional wisdom about desire and conflict.
Some stories fall somewhere in between the splat and 5 claws, partially revealing something about myth but retelling other parts without critique. Read the Raven’s criteria for rating below and see if you can get the hang of it. Then, submit your own review of stories from TV, movies, music, books, plays, politics and life’s many scandals here!
5 Claws: A Rave!
Fully challenges the myth of violence and/or autonomous desire and offers non-violent alternatives to being and acting in the world.
Examples: The Simpsons; the 1947 movie The Bishop’s Wife
4 Claws: Pretty Darn Good
Fully challenges the myth of violence and/or autonomous desire, but without offering non-violent alternatives.
Examples: The Dark Knight; Seinfeld
3 Claws: Oooh, so close
Offers some good insights into some aspects of violence and desire, but doesn’t get the whole picture.
Examples: Avatar; Men Who Stare at Goats
2 Claws: Disappointing
Retells the myth of violence or desire but with a vague sense of irony or discomfort.
Examples: The HBO series Rome; Mad Men
1 Claw: SPLAT!
Mindlessly retells the myth of violence and/or autonomous desire.
Examples: Lethal Weapon movies; The Bachelor and The Bachelorette
Have you got the hang of the Raven Ratings? Submit your review of a movie, TV show, song, book or play here.
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The Thinking Person’s Guide to The Wildly Successful Broadway Musical Wicked.