Social Justice Journal Social Justice Journal

  • Home
  • Social Justice 12 Introduction
  • Action Plan Overview and Essay
  • Dumb Things People Have Said In This Class
  • Human Rights Issues
  • Trip Reflections
  • Movie Responses
  • Power
  • Privilege
  • Perscpective
  • The Social Justice Lens
  • Social Justice Movements
  • Fake News
  • Human Rights
  • Home
  • Social Justice 12 Introduction
  • Action Plan Overview and Essay
  • Dumb Things People Have Said In This Class
  • Human Rights Issues
  • Trip Reflections
  • Movie Responses
  • Power
  • Privilege
  • Perscpective
  • The Social Justice Lens
  • Social Justice Movements
  • Fake News
  • Human Rights

Movie Responses

The Cove
The idea of ignorance and greed is presented in "The Cove". The fact that a community is able to take pride in slaughtering whales poses as a logical conflict as there has been clear evidence of this social injustice. That being said, I understand that some people want to follow tradition and defy Western influences. However, I believe that change is the only way to progress towards a just society. Although I will not stop eating seafood and other meat, I don't agree with the mass slaughtering of the dolphins in Japan simply because the people killing the whales are not honest with what they are doing and trying to censor the truth behind it.
Rabbit Proof Fence
The negative side of assimilation is presented in "Rabbit Proof Fence" to express the hardships indigenous people of Australia faced during the 1930's. This cultural genocide is similar to that of Canadian history as Aboriginal children were taken from their homes and forced to practice European ways. Children were physically, emotionally, and sexually abused. Those who survived returned home feeling a disconnect from their communities, and were often depressed or suicidal due to the government-enforced assimilation. It is unfortunate to accept that our government has committed acts which have affected a massive, historically significant group. However, the Canadian government acknowledges their fault and since people continue to advocate for Indigenous Rights.
Where To Invade Next
Michael Moore emphasizes different ideas in dealing with rights, justice, and social improvement. Where To Invade Next document's Moore's travels to foreign countries in which he investigates their successes. The main point that Moore presents is that American's have the right idea's but the government does not implement these ideas in fear of failure. Personally, I believe that Canadian's are too similar to the States due to the pressure to unify North America and therefore, hold back from change that could be to society's benefit. 
American History X
Although I didn't finish watching this movie due to class absence, the beginning brought about an interesting perspective on white supremacy and racial conflict. The idea that a group of people who have the upper hand, continue to oppress those who have suffered discrimination, and abuse is sad. Even though I agree that racism is wrong, this movie gave me a deeper understanding as to why white supremacists believe they are superior to others. However, I believe that the main purpose of American History X is critique the idea of Neo-Nazism.
Iron Jawed Angels
When I hear "Iron Jawed," I associate this term with boxing, in which a person is said to be "Iron Jawed", if they continue to get up regardless of getting knocked down in a fight. This ties in to Hilary Swank's performance as radical leader Alice Paul, as her character lead many women to fight for the right to vote. The idea that these women continue to fight for equality regardless of being critiqued, fought against, and even thrown in jail, truly shows how strong a voice can be. I think that the extent at which women in the 1920's were willing to go for a simple democratic right has greatly impacted the lives of women today, as well as inspired young girls to go after what they want in life.
Crash
Crash follows the lives of different ethnic people in the United States as they fight against day-to-day racism in their communities. This movie demonstrates how racism continues in North American culture, as well as highlights the issues in regards to an ignorant society. Overall, this movie has enabled me to get an idea of other issues surrounding racism that I have not personally faced. Although I am an Asain-Canadian, the forms of racism I have experienced is not as extreme as that depicted in Crash. I believe that racism is an issue, yet the only way end it is to educate youth and orientate them with people of different backgrounds, races, genders, and sexual orientation.
E-Team
This movie interested me in regards to how it touches on a current event and allows one to have a deeper understanding of the war in Syria. Although I was still left with the question as to why Russia is backing up Asaad, it still surprised me that the Syrian regime has been able to uphold power despite the protests of Syrian citizens as well as that of third party countries who have witnessed the terror in which the Syrian government has inflicted on it's own country. I think that the journalists in this story are brave to have entered Syria in a time of crisis in attempt to document what has happened. Although I don't believe I ever would do it as I emotionally would not be able to handle seeing that, it opened my eyes as to what extents people are willing to go to expose the realities of trauma.
A Time To Kill
The irony within this movie is that justice is supposedly blind. The idea that an African American cannot be fairly tried-even in modern day society is disappointing. What if it were you? If you could never clear your name, and instead are stamped with a criminal record and must face time  in incarnation? What if it was your son, daughter, mother, father, or best friend?One would think that a person must be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, yet juries in the Southern United States are able to manipulate the justice system in order to imprison people based on their own prejudices. Although one cannot truly determine a person's intent on the jury, society should attempt to remove the negative stigmas of minorities (especially in a court of law), in order for social and taxonomical equity between all citizens.

 

Blood Diamond
Blood Diamond presents the issues in regards to child soldiers and  poverty. It demonstrates how organizations take advantage of people in need and use physical force to threaten others to behave a certain way. I greatly sympathized with the protagonist as he was desperately trying to find his son and family. The most heart-wrenching scene was when he found his son, yet his own flesh and blood yelled at him and told him to leave, claiming he didn't know who he was. This movie also brings light to the idea of consumerism and how many people aren't aware of how the materials they value are created. This movie has made me more aware of the diamond industry and I believe that country's banning importation of these wrongfully obtained gems is proper action to prevent people from violence and abuse. 
The Blind Side
I really enjoyed watching The Blind Side in class as it is one of my favourite sports movies as it is based on a true story. I first watched this in elementary school and continued to do a project on Michael Oher in the seventh grade. I discussed how he beat the odds, and how he was given opportunities that set him apart from the average person-ultimately allowing him to succeed in his field. The topics of racism, poverty, and the class-system are presented in this movie. I believe that these issues still limit talents from poor area's by prioritizing and giving opportunities to more privileged children.  Overall, society should try to provide those in need with more chances to escape their circumstances and over come odds as oppose to focusing on those who are "ahead in the game". Michael Oher is a lucky man who met a generous family who was willing to accept him into their home. Without people like Leigh-Anne and Shawn, Michael would have never been able to pursue a successful career as a NFL player.
 
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