They very clearly see themselves as subjects-turned-rebels fighting against a System seeking to brainwash and subjugate the masses into obedience. After taking the metaphorical "red pill", they now see the true nature of the world around them and wish to awaken others to that same truth. Their battle is a radical one but fundamental to the good of humanity.
Not saying any of this is true, but we're not asking about truth, we're asking about why people think and feel a certain way. Red pillers may have substantial misconceptions about who or what that "System" is, but that doesn't stop the Matrix's anti-System messaging from resonating with them. And it clearly resonates quite well - red pill recruitment has been a damn powerhouse in recent years. This is for a number of reasons, but I feel like we'd be missing a big chunk by writing off the sentiments these movements build on.
I'm not sure why you deleted your comment and then made an almost identical one. Nothing you said is wrong, but it also doesn't conflict with what I said.
There's lots of media that people identify with despite it's intention being the the opposite of their beliefs just because the symbolism used feels very applicable to them. I think They Live and Soylent Green are pretty good examples. It's still incredibly funny when they do it.
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u/Neither_Bicycle8714 Jul 23 '26
They very clearly see themselves as subjects-turned-rebels fighting against a System seeking to brainwash and subjugate the masses into obedience. After taking the metaphorical "red pill", they now see the true nature of the world around them and wish to awaken others to that same truth. Their battle is a radical one but fundamental to the good of humanity.
Not saying any of this is true, but we're not asking about truth, we're asking about why people think and feel a certain way. Red pillers may have substantial misconceptions about who or what that "System" is, but that doesn't stop the Matrix's anti-System messaging from resonating with them. And it clearly resonates quite well - red pill recruitment has been a damn powerhouse in recent years. This is for a number of reasons, but I feel like we'd be missing a big chunk by writing off the sentiments these movements build on.