Embracing Persecution: A Reflection on Jessica Solce’s “Death Athletic”

Image produced with Venice.ai (because Chat GPT refused to make an image of a 3D printed gun).

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Jessica Solce, director of “Death Athletic”, a documentary about 3D gun printing, that in reality, is not about guns at all.

The documentary profiles Cody Wilson, founder of Defense Distributed, a company that distributes CAD files for 3D printed guns. Defense Distributed and Cody Wilson have engaged in legal battles with federal and state governments in the US over the right to distribute these CAD files for more than a decade.

Director Jessica Solce followed Cody and his team over a period of 7 years, documenting their work. Yes, you read that correctly. 7 years.

In an age where the digital landscape is rapidly evolving, existing power structures, threatened by a loss of control are becoming increasingly authoritarian. The battle for digital freedom and ideological expression is fierce. Within this climate, Cody Wilson’s concept of "Death Athletic" stands as a provocative framework through which to view the nature of persecution, purpose, and the performative aspect of our lives and deaths.

Wilson, throughout Solce’s documentary, takes us on a journey that challenges the conventional perceptions of victimhood, drawing parallels to historical and religious narratives all the way back to Christ’s crucifixion.

Who is the Dissident?

“Live free or die – death is not the worst of evils” – John Stark 1809

Death is inevitable. Should we live free, or wait until we die in order to gain our freedom?

A dissident is an individual who actively opposes or challenges the prevailing beliefs, practices, or ideologies of their society, often in the face of significant opposition or persecution.

Dissidents such as Socrates, Mandela and Rosa Parks, play a crucial role in society by challenging prevailing power structures and promoting change, often at great personal risk. Their actions can lead to significant social, political, or cultural transformations, and they serve as important examples of the power of individual driven by courage and conviction.

The Performative Death

Wilson’s philosophy, which draws on Peter Sloterdijk's "Anthropology of the Acrobat" and Nietzsche’s “Thus Spoke Zarathustra”, as detailed in his speech “Death Athletic” and throughout the film, hinges on the idea of a "beautiful and performative death." This concept is not necessarily about physical demise but rather about the symbolic death of one's old self, catalysed by persecution.

He draws a parallel with John 19:30, where Jesus, immediately before his death by crucifixion proclaims, "It is finished." This statement marks the culmination of Jesus's earthly mission, suggesting a deliberate and premeditated acceptance of his fate.

Wilson argues that Jesus's death was not a tragedy but a fulfilment of his divine purpose, transforming the perception of his crucifixion from a mere execution to a profound performance of divine will.

All the World’s a Stage

“All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,”

Shakespeare’s famous lines, delivered by Jaques in ‘As You Like It’ encourage us to see our struggles and challenges as part of a larger narrative. In this light, persecution is not just an attack but a scene in the play of life where the protagonist must confront and overcome obstacles to achieve their ultimate purpose.

Persecution as a Tool

Wilson’s perspective flips the script on persecution. Instead of viewing persecution as an obstacle, he suggests embracing it as an integral part of one's mission.

This radical approach posits that seeking persecution can highlight the persecutor’s flaws and strengthen the resolve of the persecuted. It's a form of ideological judo, where the force of the opponent is used against them, turning an apparent weakness into a strength.

In the documentary "Death Athletic," Jessica Solce captures this essence beautifully. Her seven-year journey documenting Wilson and Defense Distributed sheds light on how persecution has been a driving force for innovation and resistance in the world of decentralised technologies. The film, while ostensibly about guns, transcends its subject to explore broader themes of freedom, control, and the power of ideas.

Impact of "Death Athletic" and Interviewing Jessica Solce

Our interview with Jessica Solce provided profound insights into the making of "Death Athletic." Her dedication to capturing Wilson's journey and the underlying philosophies has illuminated the complex interplay between innovation, ideology, and persecution. The documentary, a film about guns that is not about guns, presents the existential and philosophical battles that define our era.

What Is Worth Fighting For?

Cody Wilson’s ideas challenge us to reconsider the purpose of our lives. Are we merely victims of circumstance, or can we transcend persecution to achieve a higher mission? By viewing life as a stage and embracing the performative aspect of our struggles, we can find meaning and purpose in even the harshest of adversities.

As Wilson’s narrative suggests, perhaps the true victory lies not in avoiding persecution but in leveraging it to fulfil our destined roles.

🎬 Rent the movie here.

Watch the Death Athletic Trailer: