The Story Behind the Porcupine Logo in ‘Silver Circle’
August 29th, 2013
Notice the porcupine head on the wall to the right?
It’s Thursday, and that means it’s Easter egg day on the Silver Circle Silver Underground blog. Each week, we discuss one of the hidden allusions that can be found in the film. Keep an eye out for them as you watch Silver Circle online.
This week’s installment covers the symbolism behind the porcupine logo that can be seen in the film on the wall in the rebels’ communication room. Lots of real-life pro-liberty groups and events, such as the Free State Project, the Libertarian Party, and PorcFest, represent themselves with a porcupine logo. Check out another screenshot below that shows the icon as it appears in Silver Circle, and let’s reconvene after the jump to discuss the symbolism.
Porcupines: Not Aggressive But Heavily Armed
Porcupines are gentle creatures that simply want to be left alone. Their vicious quills camouflage them from predators while also serving as a last resort for self-defense. They are nocturnal herbivores and thus are not aggressive towards other animals.
Libertarians believe in the non-aggression principle — an axiom meaning that no human has the right to initiate force or aggression against another. Under the non-aggression principle, the use of force can only be justified in cases of self-defense. Additionally, many freedom advocates are strong supporters of the right to bear arms. Some, in fact, consider it a responsibility and, as such, own guns and practice properly using them, just in case. This aspect of libertarian culture is represented by the porcupine’s quills.
Porcupines Everywhere
Most libertarians are peaceful, yet unwilling to be victimized by aggressors. In keeping with this tradition, many libertarian groups represent themselves with a porcupine mascot. A few years ago, the Libertarian Party began displaying one on campaign materials to counter the donkey and elephant logos used by the Democratic and Republican parties. The Free State Project also identifies with the heavily-armed mammal. PorcFest, also known as the Porcupine Freedom Festival, is one of the most popular pro-liberty gatherings in the country, drawing activists from around the US to discuss the principles of liberty.
As such, it makes perfect sense that the rebels in Silver Circle would identify with the “Don’t Tread on Me” vibe of the porcupine. The metaphorical quills come in handy as the rebels work to defend themselves from an out-of-control police state run by a wicked Federal Reserve. The porcupine logo was included in the film as a hat tip to the great liberty groups that exemplify its symbolic meaning.
Porcupines just want to live in peace. They won’t fight except in self-defense. However, when stepped on, their brutal quills exact justice upon aggressors. Libertarians, too, just want the freedom to live in peace, but will defend their lives and rights from those who seek to inflict harm on others. As you’re watching Silver Circle, keep an eye out for this Easter egg, which appears in the rebels’ communication room in the film.
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