Why Evil Often Wins in Real Life: A Duality of Fiction and Reality

Fiction and real life present different landscapes when it comes to themes of right and wrong. In movies and literature, we see a world where heroes triumph and evil is punished, a narrative that allows us to escape reality and fulfill our hopes and dreams. However, in reality, the story unfolds in a far more nuanced and often darker manner. This juxtaposition raises questions about the nature of escapism and the wish fulfillment it provides. Let's explore why evil often appears to win in real life.

Fiction: Results That Can't Happen IRL

In the world of fiction, we have the luxury of seeing happy endings for our protagonists and the villains getting their comeuppance. Characters like Darth Vader, the Joker, and even Lex Luthor often meet their just deserts, fulfilling our desire for retribution and closure. In movies, the narrative arc often resolves with the good guys winning, despite the complexities and harsh realities of human nature that don't always allow for such straightforward outcomes.

Consider films like No Country for Old Men, where the villain by any measure wins. The same goes for Jeepers Creepers and slashers like A Nightmare on Elm Street, where good guys often meet untimely fates. Even in science fiction, where endings might seem more open-ended, the protagonists are sometimes not immune to death or defeat, as in Species or Heat.

Real Life: A Constant Struggle

Real life is far less forgiving. In the real world, there are no clear-cut good guys and bad guys. People make decisions that impact their lives and the lives of others, and these decisions are judged based on cultural and religious backgrounds. The story of Stauffenberg and his attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler is a perfect example. Today, he is a hero in Germany, while in the context of the NSDAP, he is a villain.

Reality often presents a harsher truth, where the actions of individuals can have profound and often negative consequences. Good and evil are not as easily defined, and the outcomes of our actions can be far from ideal. The media sometimes overlooks the good, focusing instead on the negative, which can make it seem like evil is more prevalent than it truly is.

Escapism and Wish Fulfillment

Why do we see movies and read stories where good triumphs, while in reality, this is not always the case? It's because these narratives serve as a form of escapism. They allow us to imagine a world where justice is served, where heroes are rewarded, and villains are punished. This wish fulfillment is a crucial part of why we consume fiction. Without this escape, our reality might feel too bleak to bear.

However, the reality is that evil can and does win in real life. Wars, atrocities, and injustices occur regularly, and the powerful often get away with their actions. This is a bitter truth that fiction cannot always capture. The problem lies in the fact that our societies are often structurally flawed, making it difficult for justice to be served.

Evil, by its very nature, is often manipulated through power and influence. The villain, with their attachment to the idea of self, is at a severe disadvantage. They are blinded by their own desires and need for control, which prevents them from seeing the bigger picture. In contrast, the good can often be overlooked, taken for granted, and thus remain invisible in the face of evil's dominance.

Conclusion

While we may find it disheartening that evil seems to win more often than good in real life, it is important to recognize that reality is complex and multifaceted. Fiction provides an escape from the harsh realities, but it also reminds us that we have a choice in how we respond to the world around us. By continuing to advocate for justice, compassion, and understanding, we can make a difference and help create a world where good can triumph over evil, even if it's not always immediately apparent.

Ultimately, we must strive to recognize the nuances in both fiction and reality. While good often emerges victorious in the stories we tell, it is our real-life actions that must lead to a more just and compassionate world.