Response papers - Movie Review Example

Rain Man Response Paper due: Introduction Valuing the differences among us is an important virtuethat should be emphasized as an everyday lesson. Appreciating the differences among us, ranging from personality to physical to opinion, is important. It helps us to avoid stereotypes that are mostly destructive and based on negative intentions. Examples of avenues utilized by the society to highlight the advantages of accepting these differences include films, social media, and books. In this essay, I will analyze the movie Rain Man and its influence on the society in terms of appreciating the dissimilarities among us.

SummaryRain Man is an American drama movie produced in 1988. It narrates the tale of two brothers, one a selfish, abrasive young man (Charlie Babbitt), and the other an autistic savant (Raymond Babbitt). As the tagline states, it is “a journey through understanding and fellowship” (Internet Movie Database, 2015). Charlie is in the middle of a financial crisis and finds out that his father has died and handed down the multimillion-dollar family estate to his other son. He is only left with his late father’s car and rose bushes.

He investigates where the money is directed and discovers it is sent to a mental institution where his brother (whom he never knew) lives. Charlie wants to get control of the money by attempting to become his brother’s legal guardian. They commence on a long trip back to Los Angeles by road and on the way they discover they actually enjoy each other’s company. By the end of the movie, it is evident that Charlie has changed his attitude towards life and love, in general.AnalysisThe main theme expressed by the movie is that people can change to accept the disabled in our society.

It also shows that the disabled possess rare abilities, apart from the shortcomings that other people impose on them. For instance, Charlie discovers that Raymond is an autistic savant; he has an excellent memory and amazing mathematical capabilities. The movie is about change. Unlike his elder brother, Raymond, who remains the same throughout the movie, Charlie transforms from the self-centered young man to one who loves those close to him and sees things from their perspective. The plot shows that the problem lies not in the disabled but the society.

The movie is very similar to the article Confronting Ableism by Thomas Hehir. He claims that changing our attitude and approach in dealing with the handicapped is the solution to end stigmatization. Potok (2002) is of the same idea. We need to change how we label people with disabilities and accept them as people who are gifted differently. The movie also relates well with the F.A.T City Workshop where teachers, parents, and therapists were shown the challenges of being a disabled child in school (Lavoie & Clark, 1990).

Reflection on the response of othersThe film has taught me a lot. First, it highlights the importance of appreciating the variations in our society, applicable to other areas such as race, gender, talent and socioeconomic status. It also shows that if we can spend some time with the disadvantaged in our society, we can learn so much about them that we cannot see physically. The message from the movie has added to my personal and professional knowledge of how to live with people with special needs.

The movie targets everyone in the society who needs to learn about appreciating the differences in the society. The movie received so much praise from the viewers, recorded huge sales and has been getting positive reviews through the years (Internet Movie Database, 2015).ConclusionAll in all, this movie provided a perfect example of how the society fails to appreciate disabled people and also, the results if we change our attitude towards the handicapped. However, a change of attitude alone is not enough.

We need to accommodate them in the society in all aspects including providing them with equal opportunities in employment, education, and sports. Architectural redesign of buildings is also necessary to make their lives less troublesome.ReferencesHehir, T. (2007). Confronting Ableism. Educational Leadership, 64(5), 8-14.Internet Movie Database (IMDb). (2015). Rain Man. Retrieved February 2, 2015, from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095953/Lavoie, R. D., Clark, D. A., Eagle Hill School Outreach.

, WETA-TV (Television station : Washington, D.C.), & PBS Video. (1990). How difficult can this be?: The F.A.T. city workshop. Washington, D.C: Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications Association.Potok, A. (2002). A matter of dignity: Changing the world of the disabled. Bantam.