Philadelphia Essay, Research Paper

Philadelphia

Tom Hanks plays a homosexual male in the movie Philadelphia. He is a strong character whom is suffering from the Aid?s virus. The story goes on to show his trial and triumphs over the company that fired him for the wrong reasons. Tom Hanks plays a man who has to struggle with the conscience of having risky behavior where in which, he was infected. He must now face death and the struggle of finding a lawyer who will fight a major corporation, in his defense.

His character is strong and stubborn at times. Very sensitive to his family needs even at the risk of not going through with his case. He has to struggle as any Aid?s patient would, with the discrimination of his bosses, the people around him and the public. Also the discrimination of being gay in a homophobic world. Tom Hanks character sheds light on these bias by winning his trial case. He also enlightens Densil Washington his lawyer about the struggles in his life.

Densil Washingtion plays a heterosexual married male, who has bias toward the gay community. He feels repulsed at the idea of two men being together. At the end he realizes his mistakes and opens his heart to Tom Hanks character. He also very misinformed about the aid?s virus and rejects Tom Hanks character case because of it. He later realizes that he was wrong and misjudged him.

Densil Washingtion is a loving father and provider in his family. He worries at times about his image but risks it all to do what is fair. He very good at convincing and persuading the jury to judge in his behaves. He loses all his bias by the end of the film when he realizes that everyone is just human, and is created equal. Densil is a great role model for society because he learned something valuable about the world when he won the court case.

2.) Some examples of discrimination relating to the problems of Aid?s are that people are misinformed or not educated on how to contract the virus. In the beginning of the movie Densil Washington, character did not want to repress Tom Hanks character because of the simple fact of discrimination. Then he ran out to get a blood test in fear that he contracted it from a handshake. The library scene where the librarian discriminated because he knew that Tom Hanks had aid?s and tried to push him into a private room. Many people will try to isolate people with aids as long as society is ignorant to the needs of all people.

3.) There is justification for the reactions of the people in the movie. Plain ignorance and lack of education in the area of aid?s and homosexuals. The peoples bias has no justification, it their own personal opinions that make them look stupid. It may make some people uncomfortable to be in contact with someone with aids but it is no reason to loath them or treat them with anything but respect.

4.) The major problems for people with aids are the judgmental and ignorant people subject to on a daily bias. There is no reason for this type of prejudges because of all the information available today. Another major problem is that work places may treat people with aids as if they are disabled or cannot do there job as well anymore. Medicine is an issue for the aid?s patients. They are very expensive and can take lots of time and effort to require what is needed. Many patients have to choose between their drugs or their foods. This can be a major issue.

5.) I would treat them with the same respect I would anyone. I do not think it would be a problem for me unless I was prostitute and in fear of catching the disease from the same customers. It should not have to play such a major role in how you would treat someone, just because of a disease. It should be treated with respect and awareness. Awareness of the facts and how to prevent it.

6.) The conclusion of the movie was that the case was won but he died after the verdict. At the funeral, they show a video of him as a child playing carefree. It helps show that he was a child at once too and that we are all fundamental the same as children. When he was older he was stamped with fear and discrimination but as a child, he had no labels. The video is very symbolic.

My conclusion would to have Tom Hank?s character live and fight the virus and live happily ever after with his lover and family. With the millions, that he has to travel to where ever we wanted and to give the rest to aids charities so that they can find a cure. That would be a great ending for me because naturally we all want happy conclusions. I thought the ending was good by it self but could have been stronger when he said goodbye to his family.

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