"Aliens" is as seen as an allegory for the Vietnam War; the marines (like the United States) have superior weaponry and technology, which is ineffective against an unseen, local enemy. Like some Vietnam veterans, Ripley developed post-traumatic stress disorder after the events of "Alien". Writer Joe Abbott contrasted the depiction of the military in "Aliens" to the 1954 science-fiction film, "Them!". In both films, humans are beset by a monstrous invasion; in "Them!", the military is the hero despite its responsibility for the infestation. Abbott said its post-World War II America setting depicts a competent military and a state authority which demands (and receives) the compliance of its citizens. The image of the post-Vietnam military is tarnished and scrutinized; in "Aliens" it is ill-equipped, bumbling, and incapable of combating the threat posed by the alien creatures. Citizen cooperation can no longer be demanded (or expected) and it is Ripley, an independent contractor from outside the state and military infrastructures, who saves the day. Unlike "Them!", the military is not at fault for creating the problem in "Aliens"; it is the Weyland-Yutani corporation. The power of the state has been superseded by the corporation, which also demands conformity for rewards and advancement and reflects a growing mistrust of corporatism; the company is represented by Burke, a self-interested opportunist. Ripley is elevated throughout the film as she benefits the community, and Burke works to undermine it for the company. Male greed in "Alien" and "Aliens" is the catalyst for the alien infestations. In "Aliens", Newt's father disregards safety measures to investigate the alien derelict without interference (ensuring any profits will be his). Then attacked by a facehugger, he is the initial infection point.