Final answer:
In Casablanca, Rick, an American who refuses to take sides, symbolizes pre-WWII America's isolationism, but his eventual choice to help reflects the U.S.'s shift to involvement in the war. The film critiques isolationism, underlining the necessity of country loyalty and involvement in global affairs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character Rick in Casablanca, who claims "I stick my neck out for nobody," serves as an allegory for America's isolationist stance before its entry into World War II. Like Rick's initial neutrality and eventual decision to help others, the U.S. maintained a position of non-intervention until the attack on Pearl Harbor catalyzed its involvement in the war. The political message delivered in the film suggests a critique of isolationism and emphasizes the importance of country loyalty and collective international involvement.
Drawing a parallel between Rick's transformation and America's wartime trajectory underlines the tension between America's isolationist tendencies and Roosevelt's wishes to support allies against aggressors. The film captures the inherent conflict between a desire to remain detached from international conflicts and the moral imperative to take a stand against tyranny.
Casablanca's narrative and Rick's personal journey suggest that while isolation might seem prudent, engagement in the global fight for freedom and democracy is ultimately a more noble course. The film reflects historical aspects of America's foreign policy, from isolationism in the 1930s to sending out cultural ambassadors post-war to showcase improved race relations in America despite its domestic challenges.