Zack Snyder’s 300 ‘promotes white supremacy’, says Greek mythology expert

Directed by Zack Snyder, 300 (2006) is considered a “racist” film that “promotes white supremacy” by Peter Meineckspecialist in Greek mythology and professor at New York University (NYU).

The production is carried out by the Spartan ruler King Leonidas (Gerard Butler), responsible for leading an army of 300 men in the battle against Xerxesalso known as the God-King. Leonidas invades the vast army of the king god of over 300,000 soldiers. Meanwhile, his wife the queen gorgo (Lena Headey), tries to rally other people to support her husband.

300 it was a box office success, and took in $456.1 million at the box office – and had a budget of $65 million. While the film tries its best to portray the Spartans in a great light, it disappoints the Persians, according to Meineck. The mythology expert thinks the film is good, but analyzed how it tells some problematic aspects.

“One of the things I really don’t like about this film is how the Persians are presented,” he said in a video to vanity fair. “They’re almost non-human. Twisted and kind of vile, and to me, it’s actually quite racist, actually… it kind of promotes white supremacy against this horrible kind of encroachment by brown people, and it’s completely inaccurate.”

Peter Meineck also pointed out the misrepresentation of characters with disabilities, and noted how, while there are reports of characters with disabilities, the film did the “deformed” character an injustice.

“He’s certainly not as deformed as this character. And again, that’s also kind of problematic. There’s a connection between physical perfection in beauty and loyalty and truth. Since this character doesn’t fit that ideal, he has to be deceiving.” explained in the interview.

Peter Meineck’s resume

In addition to teaching at NYU, Peter Meineck also founded the theater company Aquila Theater and serves as director of the humanities program. He also held positions in University of South Carolina and Princeton University.

Meineck He is also a member of the affiliated faculty of Tisch School of the Arts gives NYU. He produced and directed several theatrical productions, such as ajax, wasps, Romeo and Juliet, Catch-22, Murder on the Nile, An Enemy of the People, Prometheus Bound and The Invisible Man.

The specialist in Greek mythology has translated and published Greek dramas. His works include The Trials of Socrates: Six Classic Texts, oresteia, clouds, Theatrocracy and Combat Trauma and The Ancient Greeks.