Shrewdness w. the power of art and culture

It’s hard to watch Alien and not pick up on the horrification of children, birth, and motherhood. As well as the general motif, there is also specific imagery that is very similar to the aftermath of an abortion.

The movie seems to have gotten this from the artwork of H.R. Giger.

Giger denied there was any connection, but consider the motivation behind Giger’s “Babies” painting. He explains:

What led me to paint these repulsive children’s heads which frighten all women? What scares me most is overpopulation, with all its horrifying side effects such as epidemics, mass hysteria, famine, and total environment destruction. For me, the greatest criminals against mankind are those who, with the help of religion, or false ethics, forbid the pill, prevent abortions, and hinder old people from dying.

There is a fear and hatred of fruitfulness deeply embedded in our cultural consciousness. Alien, one of the most significant movies of the 20th century, reflects this sickness. It reflects our horror…