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Gender Stereotypes In The Film Philadelphia

Decent Essays

Question #3 In the movie Philadelphia, Andy’s dismissal from the law firm was primarily based on fear. The members of the firm held several assumptions, the first being that all homosexual men are attracted to every man they come into contact with. The members of the firm realized in retrospect that they spent a lot of personal time with Andy, including moments in the steam room, in which members even exchanged homophobic jokes. This issue was aggressively addressed during Andy’s trial. His lawyer, Joe Miller, confronted the jurors and defendants assumptions about gay men by asking about their sexual preference. Other stereotypes portrayed in the movie that attributed to Andy’s dismissal were in regards to HIV/AIDS. As discussed in class, the movie was indicative of the early years after AIDS was discovered. Inconsistencies with how the disease was spread, and who most susceptible, generated a distrustful and guarded population. After Andy’s fellow firm members recognized his lesions, he was promptly distanced physically (as seen in the board room firing). …show more content…

He was also very uncomfortable around gay men, and openly admitted to his homophobia. His discomfort was visible during the first several meetings with Andy. I believe that he chose to accept Andy’s case because, as a small time black lawyer, he must have felt compelled to rise up against injustice by this powerful firm comprised of all white men. His decision to support Andy’s case was initially based on principle of wrong doing, that is, dismissal due to discrimination, which he no doubt was subject to in his personal life and career. While it was difficult for him to embrace this case, knowing that it may be an unpopular decision, Joe eventually learned that Andy is a person, just like anyone else. Despite Andy’s ailments, and lifestyle, Joe got acquainted to his personality, jokes, good nature, humor, and his

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