Positive vs. Negative Responses

Christopher McCandless, at first, was presented to me as a crazy, half-witted lunatic. Who in their right mind would freaking drop all that they have in the world, especially a college education from Emory University, and vanish into the unknown lifestyle that Mother Earth has to offer us. I’m sure this thought has passed through most if not all of the students in our class. After watching several YouTube videos concerning McCandless and looking at all of the different outlooks of many people, my harsh criticism of him was softened but not fully changed. 

Stumbling around YouTube, it is clear to all that his unique story impacted many people who didn’t have a personal interaction or connection to McCandless. From slideshow montages to documentaries, McCandless personal journey to find his true self through nature touched conscious people even from a generation later. In the eyes of many admirers, Chris McCandless was a man who wasn’t afraid to do whatever it takes to conquer his dreams. He didn’t push his dreams and aspirations aside because he was frightened of the consequences. He embraced the challenge of separating himself from the rest of society and its laws and becoming one with nature. The American society was imprisoned by materialistic things such as money and possessions. Chris sensed that materialistic goods are what controlled the both the hearts and minds of the American people and would not let his desires succumb to the Green Devil (money). Maybe this is what readers felt about Chris’s decision to forego all of his past lifestyle. Maybe not. But it is obvious that his journey created a positive impact on the lives of many. 

On the other side of the spectrum, I have encountered many negative videos pertaining to Chris’ life. On more than two videos, hate comments were posted. “Who the f*** would leave everything behind and basically kill themselves smh” and “F***Chris why does anyone care about a lunatic who fell off the face of the earth” were some of many terrible comments.