Since its release in 1997, Final Fantasy VII has remained one of the most influential RPGs of all time, not only for its compelling storytelling and innovative gameplay but also for its deep political and social commentary. At the heart of the game’s narrative is the struggle between the oppressive Shinra Electric Power Company and a small group of eco-activists, Avalanche. The game explores themes of environmental destruction, corporate dominance, government propaganda, and social manipulation—many of which resonate strongly with the current political climate in the United States.
This article will examine how Final Fantasy VII portrays propaganda through Shinra and compare it to contemporary examples of political propaganda in the U.S. We will explore corporate influence over government policies, media manipulation, and the suppression of dissent, all of which draw striking parallels between fiction and reality.
Shinra as a Symbol of Corporate-Government Collusion
One of the most defining elements of Final Fantasy VII is the Shinra Electric Power Company, a megacorporation that functions as both a business and a de facto government. Shinra controls Midgar, the game’s primary setting, by monopolizing Mako energy, an allegory for the real-world dependence on fossil fuels. The corporation manipulates public perception to maintain control, branding itself as a necessary force for stability and progress while simultaneously destroying the planet.
This closely mirrors the current political and corporate landscape in the U.S., where multinational corporations wield significant influence over government policies. Companies in sectors such as oil, pharmaceuticals, and technology often fund political campaigns, influencing legislation in ways that prioritize profit over public welfare. Just as Shinra convinces the people of Midgar that Mako energy is essential despite its environmental consequences, fossil fuel industries in the U.S. use similar rhetoric to downplay climate change and maintain reliance on nonrenewable resources.
Media Manipulation and the Control of Information
Shinra does not rely solely on its economic power to maintain control—it also uses media propaganda to shape public opinion. The game demonstrates this when Shinra blames Avalanche for acts of terrorism, such as the bombing of Mako reactors, even though Shinra itself commits atrocities that are far more destructive. The company’s control over information allows it to frame the resistance as dangerous radicals, ensuring that the public remains fearful and compliant.
This tactic is eerily reminiscent of modern media practices in the U.S. Various news networks, many owned by massive conglomerates, often push specific narratives that align with corporate or political interests. The labeling of protest groups—whether environmental activists, labor unions, or civil rights movements—as dangerous or extremist mirrors Shinra’s vilification of Avalanche. Events like the protests against oil pipelines, Black Lives Matter demonstrations, and labor strikes have often been framed in ways that distort their true intentions and exaggerate threats to public safety.
Furthermore, social media algorithms are increasingly being used to control narratives and spread disinformation. Just as Shinra manipulates Midgar’s citizens through controlled messaging, modern-day political forces utilize media outlets, online platforms, and psychological tactics to influence public perception, often leading to misinformation and fear-mongering.
The Use of Fear to Maintain Control
A crucial aspect of Shinra’s propaganda machine is its ability to instill fear in its citizens. By exaggerating threats, such as the supposed danger posed by Avalanche, Shinra ensures that the people of Midgar remain dependent on its leadership. This fear-driven strategy justifies increased surveillance, militarization, and crackdowns on dissent.
This fear-based governance is not unlike tactics seen in contemporary American politics. The War on Terror, for example, has been used to justify mass surveillance, aggressive military interventions, and restrictions on civil liberties. Similarly, rhetoric surrounding immigration often paints migrants as existential threats, leading to policies that prioritize security over humanitarian concerns. Fear is a powerful tool used to keep the public compliant, just as it is in Final Fantasy VII.
Environmental Destruction and the Suppression of Activism
Another major theme in Final Fantasy VII is the destruction of the planet in pursuit of profit. Shinra’s reckless use of Mako energy serves as a direct parallel to real-world industries that deplete natural resources with little regard for environmental consequences. In both cases, corporate interests clash with environmental advocacy.
The United States has seen similar battles play out in real life, particularly concerning climate change. Environmental activists who call for sustainable policies and oppose corporate-driven pollution are often met with resistance, much like Avalanche in the game. Laws that restrict protests against pipelines, corporate lobbying that undermines climate action, and even the branding of activists as extremists all echo the struggles depicted in Final Fantasy VII.
The Role of Elitism and Social Stratification
Midgar is a city literally divided between the rich and the poor—the privileged elite live on the upper plate, while the lower classes are forced to survive in the slums beneath. Shinra ensures that the poor remain powerless by keeping them isolated, uneducated, and dependent on the scraps provided by the corporation.
This depiction mirrors the growing economic disparity in the United States, where wealth inequality continues to widen. Corporate lobbying, tax policies favoring the rich, and the suppression of workers’ rights have all contributed to an entrenched class divide. Additionally, access to education, healthcare, and housing remains a struggle for many Americans, much like the plight of those living in Midgar’s slums. The game’s critique of social stratification serves as a warning against the unchecked power of the elite.
False Promises of Progress
Shinra often claims to be working toward progress and a better future, even as it actively harms the planet and its people. The company’s supposed investment in space exploration and scientific advancements are nothing more than PR moves designed to maintain public trust.
Similar tactics can be observed in modern American politics. Politicians and corporations frequently make grand promises about economic growth, innovation, and sustainability while continuing to engage in practices that undermine those very goals. Greenwashing, where companies falsely claim to be environmentally friendly, is a real-world parallel to Shinra’s deceptive public relations strategies.
Conclusion: A Timeless Warning
Final Fantasy VII serves as more than just an engaging RPG—it is a profound critique of corporate greed, government manipulation, and propaganda. The tactics employed by Shinra in the game bear an uncanny resemblance to the strategies used by modern political and corporate entities in the U.S. Whether through media control, fear-mongering, or the suppression of dissent, the game’s themes remain as relevant today as they were in 1997.
By drawing these parallels, Final Fantasy VII offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked corporate and governmental power. As we navigate contemporary political challenges, the lessons from Midgar remind us to question authority, seek truth beyond propaganda, and fight for a more just and equitable world.