When Things Fall Apart
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The Dark Knight: The Joker's View on Human Nature and the Thin Veneer Theory
In the film The Dark Knight, the Joker challenges Batman's belief in the goodness of humanity, arguing that people are selfish and willing to turn on each other. The Joker's character represents a stereotypical depiction of evil, contrasting with Batman's goodness. This contrast between good and evil is a common theme in storytelling and relates to the concept of the Thin Veneer Theory, which suggests that civilization is only a thin layer of order hiding our darker instincts.
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