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"Philadelphia: A Study of Discrimination"

The 1993 film 'Philadelphia,' starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, addresses discrimination and societal prejudices during the AIDS crisis, focusing on lawyer Andrew Beckett's legal battle against his former employer for wrongful termination due to his sexual orientation and illness. The film explores themes of bias, justice, and empathy, urging viewers to confront their own beliefs and the impact of discrimination on marginalized groups. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of understanding and compassion in the face of adversity.

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Erthel Cahinhinan
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42 views2 pages

"Philadelphia: A Study of Discrimination"

The 1993 film 'Philadelphia,' starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, addresses discrimination and societal prejudices during the AIDS crisis, focusing on lawyer Andrew Beckett's legal battle against his former employer for wrongful termination due to his sexual orientation and illness. The film explores themes of bias, justice, and empathy, urging viewers to confront their own beliefs and the impact of discrimination on marginalized groups. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of understanding and compassion in the face of adversity.

Uploaded by

Erthel Cahinhinan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Dorado Audrey D

BSN1-A

The 1993 Jonathan Demme film, starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, is the first

cinematic triumph in addressing the complex issues of law, human rights, discrimination, and

societal prejudices. Set against the AIDS crisis and the significant stigma against

homosexuality in late 20th-century life, the movie tells the story of Andrew Beckett (Tom

Hanks), a successful lawyer who has just been dismissed from a very prestigious law firm

based on the fact that employers learn he is gay and has AIDS. The story canters on Andrew's

legal battle against his former employer, assisted grudgingly by Joe Miller (Denzel

Washington), a lawyer who holds many of the era's common biases.

It is an emotionally powerful view of Philadelphia, urging audiences to confront the

complexities of discrimination and to reflect on their own beliefs, biases, and roles in society.

This analysis will explore the thematic richness of the film, its portrayal of societal attitudes,

the moral evolution of its characters, and its wider significance for empathy and human

rights.

Essentially, Philadelphia narrates a tale of discrimination. Through this film, it is evident that

the bias—fear, ignorance, or socialization sets it apart—can be both institutionalized as well

as individualized. In this movie, Andrew Beckett is presented as a profoundly competent and

dedicated professional who has helped his firm greatly in its prosperity. But the minute his

colleagues suspect him to have AIDS, they start distancing themselves and, in the end, even

craft a reason to terminate his contract.


The discrimination Andrew faces is dual, both in terms of diagnosis and sexual orientation.

AIDS in the early 1980s and 1990s was often referred to as a "gay disease," which

heightened existing prejudices against the LGBTQ+ community. Firmly, the behaviors were

reflective of a larger tendency on the part of society to dehumanize others, positioning fear

and bias over fairness and mercy. This theme extends beyond the legal realm and continues

an ongoing struggle in multiple aspects of life for marginalized groups.

The legal drama within the film serves as a backdrop to explore larger ideas about justice.

Can the law protect an individual from entrenched systemic biases? How can one show

discrimination when it hides in places not above the water line? Andrew's case offers an ugly

mirror to the preying that institutional power sometimes exercises through practices

internalized with prejudice. His suit is at least as much for rehabilitation of dignity as it is for

the setting up of a precedent for others who face similar injustice. Watching Philadelphia is a

very moving experience, not only because of its emotional depth but also because of the

questions it raises about morality, justice, and human connection. The movie made me think

about my own beliefs and biases and challenged me to consider how I might respond in

similar situations. Would I have the courage to stand by someone like Andrew, despite

societal pressures and personal fears? How can I make my life contribute to a more inclusive

and compassionate society?

The movie also emphasized the value of empathy. Andrew's story is a testament to the power

of understanding and the need to see beyond superficial differences. His courage in the face

of adversity serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit and

the enduring value of dignity and respect.

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