The Professorship of Exemplarity organises a film forum on “The Ox-Bow Incident”

On Tuesday, 19 March, the Professorship of Exemplarity at CUNEF Universidad held a film forum on William A. Wellman’s “The Ox-Bow Incident” (1943), a classical western starring Henry Fonda. After viewing the film, expert speakers participated in a discussion in which they highlighted some key concepts and ideas:

• The film, released in 1943, remains extremely relevant, since it addresses issues such as individual responsibility, mob lynching, the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” and the right to a fair trial.
• Free will and intent may be lessened when an individual becomes part of a mob, but they never disappear completely.
• Democracy without Liberalism can end in tyranny. The characters of “The Ox-Bow Incident” resort to a democratic principle that is contrary to individual rights and freedoms, because they vote to hang three men without conclusive proof of their guilt, just vaguely plausible evidence.
• Hoaxes and fake news can mobilize vengeful masses. Incomplete but accurate information can turn into complete but false information that sparks a passion for revenge.
• Rule of law must ensure the sentimental education of democratic citizens and cool and analytical attitudes towards legal actions.
• Democracy requires proactive citizens that know their rights and obligations.
• Moral coarseness leads to a society that masks responsibility, with an inquisitorial tendency to prosecute others.

The discussion was moderated by the Chair of Exemplarity, Javier Gomá, and included the participation of Eduardo Torres-Dulce and Juan Claudio de Ramón.