Why Care About the Titanic

One hundred years ago (and a couple days), the mightiest ocean vessel of the time set sail from Southampton, England on its way to America. It carried with it over 2,200 people, most of whom would never see the shore alive again. But, I want to know: so what?

For the centennial of the Titanic’s loss, every newspaper, website and TV station is doing something to commemorate the event. Dozens of new books are being released about the topic and dozens of others are being re-released.

I understand all the hubbub. People can say all they want that it’s to remember the folks who lost their lives that day, as well as the ones who survived. But it’s all bull. This day is about making money. And lots of it.

James Cameron’s film Titanic was the largest grossing film with no real competitors until he came up with Avatar. Now, Avatar really wasn’t that brilliant, so I can’t blame Cameron for wanting to re-release his most epic film in 3D. After all, it’s what all the cool kids are doing. As if that weren’t enough, he chose now to do so. Now, why we he do that? Oh yeah, money.

I think it’s great to care about the Titanic. Remembering tragedies from our collective past is what makes us human and allows us to make better decisions for the future. For instance, requiring all ships to have enough lifeboats for everyone whether it looks tacky or not.

There are great lessons to learn from the Titanic fiasco. Unfortunately, mention the ship and everyone instantly goes, “I love that movie!” You can’t learn anything good from a film about a fictitious romance between people who never existed, even if it’s set during a huge calamity.

I admit, I plan to see Titanic 3D if I get the chance. However, I also understand that watching a Cameron film isn’t going to make me more intelligent or cultured than I am. However, here’s a great documentary about the disaster. As Pleakley of Lilo and Stitch would say, “Here. Educate yourself.”