Decode of the ''The Lie We Live'' using Stuart Hall's method

 Oppositional Reading 

In Stuart Hall’s media theory, an oppositional reading happens when a person completely disagrees with the message a video or film is trying to send. That’s exactly what happens with some viewers who watch Spencer Cathcart’s video, “The Lie We Live.” While the video paints modern life, capitalism, and technology as harmful and fake, an oppositional viewer pushes back and says: “Nope, I don’t agree with this at all.”

From the very beginning, this viewer disagrees with how the video shows today’s world as corrupt, depressing, and meaningless. They think the message is too negative and ignores the good side of things. For example, the video says capitalism is a big lie but this viewer believes capitalism, even with its flaws, has helped billions of people escape poverty, encouraged inventions, and given people the freedom to choose their paths in life. They feel the video exaggerates the problems and forgets that the system can be improved rather than thrown away.

The video also attacks schools, saying they only train people to become obedient workers. The oppositional viewer disagrees with this. They believe school can be inspiring and life-changing. In their own experience, education helped them think critically, discover new interests, and grow. So, to them, it’s unfair to say that the entire education system is just about control.

When the video talks about governments being controlled by big companies, this viewer agrees that money influences politics but they believe in fixing that through democracy, not by claiming all governments are useless or evil. They think government institutions have done a lot of good in history like promoting human rights, protecting nature, and improving public health. Saying all governments are corrupt feels too extreme and unhelpful to them.

They also don’t like the tone of the video it feels too dark, emotional, and even a bit manipulative. To them, it sounds more like a conspiracy theory than a thoughtful opinion. Instead of inspiring hope, the video feels like it just wants people to give up on society.

The video also presents technology like smartphones and the internet as tools used to control us. But the oppositional viewer sees it differently. They believe technology has empowered people, helped us learn faster, connect with others, and even fight for social change. Platforms like YouTube or online schools, in their view, are examples of how tech can make life better, not worse.

When it comes to shopping and material things, the video says we’re all just mindless consumers. But the oppositional viewer finds that insulting. They believe buying things isn’t necessarily bad it can be fun, empowering, or part of someone’s culture. Being able to work, earn money, and choose how to spend it is, to them, a kind of freedom.

Even the environmental part of the video, which warns about destruction and climate disaster, is seen as too alarmist. This viewer agrees we need to protect the environment but instead of rejecting progress, they believe in using science and technology to create solutions, like solar power and clean energy. To them, the video is more about spreading fear than offering real answers.

At the end, when the video says “wake up” and “change the system,” the oppositional viewer asks: “What system are we changing to? Who’s deciding that? What’s the plan?” They think the message is vague and unrealistic. They’d rather focus on fixing what we already have than chasing some dream of a perfect society.

They also dislike the way the video talks like it speaks for everyone with phrases like “we are all asleep” or “we all live a lie.” That’s not true for everyone. People have different experiences. Many people live happy, meaningful lives in the world as it is. The viewer feels the video ignores this and treats everyone like helpless victims.

On top of that, the oppositional reader notices that the video doesn’t mention any of the progress the world has made like better healthcare, women’s rights, education, and technology. By only focusing on the negative, the video feels one-sided and biased.

Finally, they question the person who made the video. Who is Spencer Cathcart, and why should we trust his opinions? They point out that he used the very technology and internet he criticizes to spread his message. That seems contradictory.

In conclusion, the oppositional viewer completely disagrees with “The Lie We Live.” They see the world as imperfect, but not hopeless. Instead of calling for a total reset, they believe in improving things from within. They value balance, personal freedom, and real-world solutions not negativity and fear.