The Porter’s Netflix Recommendation List:

1. The Office

This sitcom attempts to embody the dynamics of office relationships in the 21^st century in a humorous manner. The main character, Michael Scott, is arrogant in that he beholds himself to a higher value than society typically would. Just like Michael, the Porter does not acknowledge the social order of the society in which he lives. Although he is very limited in authority, he speaks to those above him as though they were equals. Such a persona is demonstrated in Michael Scott during his interactions with the corporate executives who control the regional branch of the paper company that employs him. For these reasons, the Porter might see a funny, lighthearted representation of himself in The Office.

2. Master of None

Master of None follows the life of a young man, Dev Shah, who struggles to make decisions.  Dev lives his life in the present and never plans too far ahead. In many ways, Dev is an opportunist: he takes advantage of the opportunities that life throws at him and hopes for the best. Dev’s behavior in Master of None may represent the Porter’s disposition and view on life. Rather than concerning himself with material gain and the assumption of power, the Porter lives his life pretty laid back. He is not at all concerned with what is expected of him nor about what the future may hold. In the eyes of both Dev and the Porter, every day is a new day.

3. Flight­

This film is different from others on this list in that it tackles a significantly more dramatic topic: alcoholism. Although the Porter (from the brief appearances he makes in Macbeth) is generally nonchalant, he is symbolic of the life of an alcoholic. While it is never expanded on, there is likely a reason for which he drinks and why he has become so unconcerned. Flight details the life of an alcoholic pilot who is in hot water regarding a flight in which a plane malfunction resulted in a crash, killing several passengers on board. The movie does a good job of showing the struggles of overcoming alcoholism and the effect that it can have on the victim and his or her loves ones. As is the case with many alcoholics, the Porter may not wish to discuss his problem externally; but there is no doubt he would relate to this film’s premise internally.

4. Trailer Park Boys

This TV sitcom completes the list on a brighter note. Trailer Park Boys follows the life of three Canadian men living in a poverty-stricken trailer park. The “boys”, as they are referred to in the show, enjoy leisure activities like smoking and drinking, as well as coming up with elaborate schemes to make money. As demonstrated in Macbeth by his drunk state of mind at the feast for Duncan, the Porter is to some extent a party guy: he likes to kick back and have fun like the “boys” do. Trailer Park Boys was created with an attempt to relate to people with similar interests, such as the Porter. The drug references, potty humor, and crude behavior of the “boys” would likely resonate well with the Porter. 

Shakespeare, Power, and Corruption

"Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." - Lord Action 

In Macbeth, Shakespeare demonstrates the effect of power on man. In the beginning of the play, Macbeth is a noble warrior who fights with honor and creed. Shakespeare describes Macbeth's virtuous character early on through a conversation between King Duncan and one of his captains. The captain describes how "brave Macbeth" defeated the rebel Macdonwald to which King Duncan, delighted, responds "O valiant cousin! Worthy gentleman!" 

Despite this initial characterization, Macbeth's value of loyalty is suddenly changed by the prophecy of the witches promising him power. In murdering King Duncan, Macbeth shows complete disregard for the allegiance to his country that he was once so willing to die for. The struggle for power, then, fundamentally corrupted Macbeth; he completely lost sight of his moral compass. For this reason, Shakespeare would agree, to a great extent, that absolute power (like being King) absolutely corrupts what one stands for (such as the irony of a soldier killing the King that he once fought for). 

In my own experience, I have also demonstrated the ability of power to change one's personal values. For all my life, I have been very dedicated to spending money wisely. Over the summer, my parents gave me a credit card to use for emergencies and, occasionally, for food. In contrast to spending my own money, the credit card gave me full access to my parent's bank account. Because of this, I did not feel the usual guilt associated with spending money when I used the card. As the summer went on, I began to use the card more and more frequently. The consequences of overusing the card were, at the time, indifferent to me. 

At the end of the summer, however, after my parents read through their bank statement, I was stripped of my credit card privilege and forced to pay my parents the $300 bill out of my own pocket. In retrospect, I consider the credit card to have been a form of absolute power to me. With the card I could buy virtually anything without having to worry about losing my own money. Ultimately, I turned into a person with no regard for spending nor rational purchases. Just like the power of being King led Macbeth to betray his values, the power of the credit card led me to do the same.