The aliens in Close Encounters of the Third Kind took Barry Guiler primarily for observation and study, akin to how humans might conduct scientific research on other species.
The Purpose Behind Barry's Abduction
In the iconic film Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the extraterrestrials' actions, including the temporary abduction of young Barry, were not driven by malice or an intent to cause harm. Instead, their motives were profoundly scientific and exploratory. They treated humanity much like a biologist might observe a complex ecosystem, such as a nest or hive of small, intelligent creatures.
The taking of individuals like Barry was a methodical approach to gather data and understand various aspects of human life. The extraterrestrials had no inherent understanding of the intricate human social structures or individual interpersonal relationships. Their objective was to collect specific information for their research and then, as evidenced by the return of other abductees, presumably release the subjects once their investigative goals were met. This perspective suggests a non-hostile and purely inquisitive approach to understanding a new intelligent species.
Characteristics of Alien Observation
The alien's approach to Barry's abduction and human interaction can be characterized by several key aspects:
- Scientific Inquiry: The primary goal was to meticulously study humanity, much like researchers conduct field studies on unknown species.
- Lack of Malice: There was no indication of hostility, a desire to cause harm, or any malevolent intent; the act was solely for data collection and understanding.
- Temporary Custody: The underlying intention was to return the individuals once their specific investigative objectives were fulfilled, mirroring the practice of releasing studied subjects back into their natural environment.
Comparing Research Methods: Humans Studying Animals vs. Aliens Studying Humans
| Aspect of Study | Human Study of Animal Species | Alien Study of Human Species (as seen in CE3K) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Understanding life, behavior, ecology | Understanding human life, behavior, society |
| Subject Selection | Taking a few for detailed analysis | Taking individuals (e.g., Barry) for study |
| Understanding Social | Limited grasp of individual animal relationships | Limited grasp of human interpersonal relationships |
| Intent | Generally non-malicious (for science) | Probably no malice intended |
| Outcome for Subject | Eventual release back into the wild | Eventual release once data is acquired |
This methodology highlights the aliens' objective perspective, treating humans as subjects of a grand scientific endeavor rather than targets for conquest or destruction.
