Oh God, a terrorist in E.T.?

America is defined by symbols such as apple pie, baseball and certain ideas like freedom of choice and religion. Even some movies are considered all-American. If an American hasn't seen the Indiana Jones movies, the Star Wars trilogy or E.T., then he or she is not an official American. Although these movies don\'t really define American culture, they were breakthrough movies in special effects and storylines. Every American should have watched these movies at some point in their lives. \nE.T., for example, was a hit and is considered a classic today. There was a new digitally-altered version created to mark its anniversary two decades later. This new version of the movie made sure to improve some aspects of the film. For example, E.T.'s facial expressions originally came about through use of mechanical levers and cables. While those were special effects in the 1980's, the audience could often tell how the facial expressions were caused. E.T.'s new computer-generated expressions are more modern, and audiences will be able to see more expression in the alien's face. \nAlthough all improvements meant well, there was one controversial change made to the movie. In the original, Elliott's older brother Mike dresses up as a terrorist for Halloween. But Spielberg changed this in the new version of the movie so that Mike dresses up as a hippie. \nObviously, the word \"terrorist" sparks a sensitive topic. The release date of the movie "Big Trouble," starring Tim Allen, was delayed from starting in September because it contained a scene with a bomb on a plane. Because of recent events, the choice to postpone its release was a good one. But to alter the classic movie E.T. is a little extreme. After all, there are other movies that include terrorists. Take "The Rock." Actual terrorists were in that one, not just kids dressing up as terrorists. They take over Alcatraz and demand that the government pay them millions of dollars, or they'll shoot chemical warheads at San Francisco. Or what about "Air Force One?" Terrorists take the president hostage in order to free one of their leaders. That's got to hit close to home. \nI know the new version of E.T. wasn't redone digitally for the sole purpose of altering the Halloween scene. But by altering that scene, it implies that other films shouldn't include terrorists, just because it could remind Americans of the tragedy terrorists inflicted on us. But that's a part of history. It's being written in the books. And since Sept. 11 is history, America should move on. We shouldn't have to avoid the subject of terrorists just because of a tragedy. \nAfter JFK's assassination, there was no objection to the usage of hitmen in movies. Even though those movies hit close to home immediately after the assassination, there have been plenty of movies made afterward with hit men. No one seems to offended by this. It's part of America's history, and we'll never forget it, but we've moved on. Can we please try to move on from Sept. 11? Can we not worry about offending people if films are made that have terrorists in them in some way, shape or form? After all, E.T. was a classic American movie…which has now been altered to keep from offending anyone. People shouldn't be upset from seeing terrorists in movies. They should be upset that we haven't captured Osama bin Laden. Something like that seems more important.