MacGyver: Political Analysis [Part 2: Conservatism and Conclusion]

And while the show may associate itself with the liberal ideals of gun control and increased animal rights, it has a firm pro-national security message, which is aligned with modern conservatism. It's good to keep in mind that this show was created during Reagan's big push to build up our nation's security to unseen heights. MacGyver works for a government think tank known as the Phoenix Foundation. Unlike think tanks like the CATO Institute, this operation works pretty closely with the Pentagon. Mac is called upon quite often to go on covert operations both in America and internationally. He has been involved in more than one operation to stop communist South American revolutionaries (as seen in "The Gauntlet") and has fought the Soviets a number of times (as seen in "GX-1"), including an episode that takes place in Soviet Afghanistan ("To Be a Man"). MacGyver understood the necessity for covert operations and spying, and since no one ever knew his first name, he was able to be a little more anonymous (unlike that Valerie Plame.) He knew the value of acting in order to stop an enemy, rather than trying to have an open dialogue or talk him/her out of it. Often times, MacGyver tried to do both: he would talk to his enemy, trying to talk them out of whatever it was they were going to do, while he secretly created some device to knock them out.

In terms of secularism, MacGyver comes across as pro-church and pro-faith based outreach programs. While it isn't blatantly clear what religion Mac belongs to, one could conclude that he is a member of the Catholic church. I don't say this because I want this fictional character to be in the same religion as myself; I have evidence to support this claim. The biggest clue can be found in the Christmas episode, "Madonna," where Mac helps a Roman Catholic church locate its stolen statue of Mary. One of MacGyver's friends is the pastor of the church, and Mac talks about attending various events at the church. Throughout the episode, Mac is also helping with a church-oriented youth program (which adds to my faith based initiative claim) in their annual Christmas production. Eventually, Mac discovers that an old bag lady that he had helped was really Mary, the Mother of God, reincarnated on Earth. Yes, it's a very religious episode--and it's very telling about the kind of character that Mac (and show in general) was. There are also a number of episodes where Mac and Pete (his boss) come to the aid of nuns and missionaries throughout the world (as can be seen in "On a Wing and a Prayer," "The Escape," and "The Road Not Taken.")

MacGyver has sprinklings of other conservative stances throughout. In episode 401, "The Secret of the Parker House," the main villain that causes Penny Parker's aunt to go mad is a doctor who is secretly performing abortions. Throughout the episode he is referred to as "the monster." Of course, MacGyver also tends to stress personal responsibility above societal responsibility. The conservative belief that Man is responsible for his own actions (instead of society's influence) is often found within the character of MacGyver himself. MacGyver is often haunted by his past mistakes, which he takes full responsibility for. Not once does he blame others for the problems he has created for himself. It could also be said that his friend Jack Dalton embodies the liberal idea of No-Fault Freedom (a term that I got from Rick Santorum's book It Takes a Family.) No-Fault Freedom is an idea embodied by modern liberals that stresses a sort of "whatever you do you don't have to be concerned with the consequences." Dalton is constantly doing whatever he can to make money and move ahead in life. Finally, MacGyver produces an air of self-reliance that stresses hard work and responsibility. While Mac never comes out and says "get a job and stop living on welfare," the idea of entrepreneurialism and sacrifice are apparent in all that he does. He rarely relies on others to get him out of a bind, but instead works with what's around him to solve problems. He doesn't address government dependency directly, but rather personifies the ideals behind the conservative message that everyone is given the opportunity for greatness.

The show is fiercely anti-drug. And while some may argue this point, as both the left and the right tend to be anti-drug, the issue tends to be more of a Republican topic. The only party that anti-drug doesn't really apply to would be the Libertarians. But while liberals tend to stress rehabilitation with their anti-drug legislation, conservatives are usually more concerned about jail time and punishment. This can be seen in episodes such as "The Golden Triangle," where MacGyver is thought to be a narcotics agent while battling a drug lord.

To draw a conclusion on where the classic show MacGyver falls is quite difficult. It's along the lines of a Joe Liebermann or a John McCain, a moderate in terms of an overall belief structure. Some of the show's stances lie firmly in the realm of liberalism (its anti-gun, pro-environmental protection ideals especially); however, the show is quite conservative on issues of national security, religion, and personal responsibility. While you may feel cheated if I simply conclude that the show, overall, is centrist, I think that the show leans either way depending on the type of person you are. Some people will notice how the show goes out of its way to stress pollution and environmental destruction, while others will notice the strong role Mac plays in defending our country from terrorists and criminals. If you broke it down by episode, some would be completely conservative and others would be entirely liberal.

Just remember, there's nothing partisan about using duct tape, a paper clip, and a wad of gum to blow a hole through a wall.

[Read Part 1]