What Is The Forrest Gump Civil Rights Movement

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Forrest Gump is an overwhelming and an incredible film directed by Robert Zemmeckis in 1994. The movie follows the life of an unintelligent, but the good hearted man from Alabama named Forrest Gump. While waiting for the bus, Forrest begins to share the story of his life to strangers while sitting on a bench. He takes the viewers on a journey through important moments in American history. Born in the early 1950s, Forrest had a difficult childhood. He was bullied in school because of his disability that affected his legs and low IQ. Mrs. Gump, a proud single mother, always did her best, so that Forrest could live a normal life. On his way to school, Forrest met a beautiful little girl named Jenny who offers him a seat next to her on the school …show more content…

Even though race relations are a sensitive topic to talk about, the director took a different approach and turned it into a humorous scene. For example, while Forrest was attending the University of Alabama, the university became desegregated and it allowed two African American students to enroll. As Forrest got closer to the university, he saw a group of people protesting and asked one of the protestors what was happening. The young man responded to Forrest saying “coons,” this is an offensive name for people of color who were trying to get into the University. Forrest innocently replied by asking if he meant raccoons, and in a humorous way told him about the time when a raccoon also tried to get onto his back porch and Mrs. Gump chased it with the broom. Many of the historical scenes have truth and depth to it, but Forrest's innocence adds a light hearted humor for the …show more content…

Throughout the film, Forrest’s loyalty to Jenny remains consistent. The audience is able to connect with his character because everyone longs for someone to love and fears rejection. For example, when Forrest asked Jenny to marry him, Jenny rejects him not because he's not worthy, but she does not feel that she is good enough for him. The viewers see Forrest venture off to the porch feeling hurt and the audience can connect with him because everyone fears of being rejected by someone they love. Another scene that connects with the viewers is when Jenny introduces Forrest to their son. The first thought Forrest had after meeting his son was whether if their son had inherited his disability. After Jenny confirms that their son is a smart and healthy boy, Forrest’s eyes filled up with tears. This is a very powerful scene for the viewers, whether or not they have a disability, as it reminds them of the things Forrest suffered throughout his life as a result of his disability. To most viewers, it does not matter to them if they have the same disabilities as Forrest, the scene allows them to see Forrest in all sincerity. Moreover, all the difficulties Forrest has faced because of the way others have treated him. Those moments in the film is what makes its powerful to the

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