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“The Matrix”- Spitting Out the Hook

Rene Garcia

Arizona State University

OGL 340 The Aikido Way to Conflict Transformation

November 1, 2022
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Let's quickly contrast the difference between being "hooked" and "spitting out the hook." When

you're hooked, it means you're baited by conflict, conversation, or a personal attack. You respond

accordingly by giving the other person the intended reaction. For example, when your boss confronts

you about not completing a task on time, you immediately get defensive and react defensively. "Spitting

out the hook" means that you take time to realize that you're being baited and choose not to give the

intended reaction. Using the same example of your boss confronting you about a task not completed

correctly, instead of reacting defensively, you open a dialogue to lead the conversation the way you

want it to go.

The scene in The Matrix serves as a physical representation of rejecting the bait. Initially, Neo is

lured in by the machines' attack, which serves as a provocation. They anticipate Neo's aggressive and

impulsive response, expecting him to lose the fight. However, after being shot and standing up, Neo

doesn't react with aggression. Instead, he centers himself, assesses the situation, and responds with a

firm "No." This moment depicts Neo rejecting the bait, metaphorically spitting out the hook.

In a later scene, when a mass quantity of bullets comes flying at Neo, it serves as another

physical representation of Aikido. Initially, Neo centers himself, refusing to move out of the way, and

stares straight ahead as the bullets approach. He welcomes the bullets, putting up his hand as if to stop

them all. As the bullets come to a stop in front of him, Neo blends their energy with his own. Finally, as

the bullets fall, he metaphorically leads them to the ground. These same four steps are repeated when

Mr. Smith initiates combat with Neo. Neo once again centers himself, welcomes the blows from Mr.

Smith, blends their energies, and ultimately leads the fight by kicking Mr. Smith away.

I'm confident that there are better examples out there compared to the Matrix clip, but this clip

effectively demonstrates the process of executing the hook and completing the four steps of aikido. I

appreciate this example because it demands some investigation to truly grasp the dynamics, rather than
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being a straightforward illustration of both processes. Not every conversation or interaction in the world

will be as straightforward as those taught in school. Therefore, it's advantageous to practice dissecting

clips like this one, just as you would dissect the layers in your own interactions.