Congirl vs Cavegirl

There has been some talk lately that big franchise “superhero” movies are doing damage to Hollywood.  Older, more traditional directors have been blaming them for a reduced interest in what they call “true cinema.” Many actors defend the blockbuster genre saying that storytelling is a form of art, and there is no right or wrong in telling a story. (Of course the actors involved are probably being well-compensated for their enthusiasm.) As with most debates, there are two sides from which to choose. If I had to pick in this situation, I’d go with the folks who think superhero movies are not bad for Hollywood -- yet my choosing one side vs the other demonstrates a response humans have been practicing since well before we could mimic famous cinematic one-liners. To illustrate, I give you the final chapter in the life and times of Cavegirl Claire. It's been about 10 years since Amir had to end Claire's life, but the influence she has on her tribe lives on in her offspring. Ami...

Warning: This next chapter in the story of "Cavegirl Claire" is pretty intense. If you wish to skip it, go to the third paragraph with the words "Now if..." below. Amir has just made the decision to follow the herd when one of Claire’s younger sons attracts his attention. The boy’s eyes are wide and he has been running hard. Amir knew his former partner was close to labor, but the immediacy of the event has slipped his mind; replacing Jerome as the tribe’s leader has kept Amir very busy. He quickly follows the boy back to Claire’s campsite. When he enters the cave, he understands why the boy’s face looks so worried. The baby is coming out feet first. Amir first looks at Greta (who is assisting with the birth) and then at Claire. He had not laid eyes on the mother of his two older sons in the last few weeks, but he knows what she was thinking. He asks Liko, Claire’s current partner, to take their two young boys outside and stay with them. The man hesitates but d...