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The film “The Help” moved me deeply because it shows a harsh but necessary reality to remember: the lives of African-American women in the southern United States during the 1960s. At that time, although slavery had long been abolished, discrimination was still prevalent in the derogatory actions that were committed. Through the eyes of Aibileen, Minny, and Skeeter, the story reveals a world divided by skin color, but also by fear. Fear of losing their jobs, of being judged, or simply of speaking the truth. And yet, these women found the strength to do so.

The plot takes place in Mississippi, a place where racial segregation marked every aspect of daily life. Jim Crow laws separated Black and white people in bathrooms, buses, schools, and restaurants. The saddest part is that, although they were indispensable in the homes of white families, domestic workers were treated as if they were not human. They cared for children who learned to love them, but grew up to become those who oppressed them, thus repeating the cycle of hatred. In the midst of all this, Skeeter appears, a different young white woman who begins to question the injustices she sees around her. Based on a personal experience, she decides to write a book featuring the testimonies of Black maids. It's a dangerous but brave act that symbolizes how sometimes you need to use your privilege to give a voice to those who can't speak without being punished.

To understand the story of these women, we must also look further back, to the era of slavery. For more than two centuries, millions of Africans were brought to America and forced to work in inhumane conditions. Although slavery legally ended in 1865, inequality remained, changing only in form, not in essence. Black people continued to be the pillars and labor force that sustained white production. This is clearly evident in The Help; servitude is a direct legacy of that painful past. We even see how one of them tells us that in her story, from the moment she was born, her destiny was to be a domestic worker, a job she inherited from her mother, who inherited it from her grandmother.

One of the scenes that left the biggest impression on me was when Celia's husband comes home and finds Minny. For a few seconds, everything seems to stop: Minny, terrified, fears being fired or humiliated, but Johnny thanks her for taking care of his wife. That simple gratitude breaks centuries of contempt. It's a short scene, but loaded with meaning, because it shows that respect and empathy can emerge even where it seems impossible. Celia and Minny represent two distinct forms of exclusion: one based on race, the other on social class. However, a sincere friendship develops between them, and this symbolizes something powerful: that change begins when we stop seeing differences as barriers.

I am also struck by the figure of Aibileen, who embodies dignity in the midst of pain. She raised white children, teaching them to love, even though the world denied her that same love. When she finally decided to tell her story, she not only freed herself, but paved the way for other women to do so. His voice, which was always ignored, becomes the symbol of a truth that can no longer be hidden.

The Help isn't just a film about racism; it's a reflection on the power of words and the courage of women. It reminds us that societies tend to repeat the same patterns of slavery, just under different names. Today, the chains are invisible: poverty, discrimination, and lack of opportunities continue to mark the lives of many people. Times change, but hierarchies remain.

What leaves me thinking most is how, throughout history, only those with power or privilege can speak out without fear. Skeeter was able to write the book because she was white, because she was listened to. Aibileen and Minny, on the other hand, needed to hide to speak out. This inequality of voices still exists in many places.

However, the film also teaches us that change is possible, that every gesture of empathy counts, and that the truth always finds its way. The Help teaches us a lesson about freedom and how fear can dominate us, but if just one person with power can give visibility to minorities, significant change can be made.

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The movie Forrest Gump, directed by Robert Zemeckis and released in 1994, is a

powerful representation of American culture, history, and values. The story follows the

life of Forrest, a man with an intellectual disability who experiences some of the most

significant moments in U.S. history while maintaining his innocence and kindness.

Through his simple way of seeing the world, the film shows that the essence of

humanity lies not in intelligence or social status but in honesty, perseverance, and love.

This narrative offers a deep reflection on the American identity and how individuals can

shape history through their actions, even without intending to do so.

The film covers several decades, from the 1950s to the 1980s, a time when the United

States experienced intense social and cultural transformation. Through Forrest’s

journey, the audience witnesses events such as the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights

Movement, and the rise of modern pop culture. These historical elements are not just

background; they serve to illustrate how ordinary people lived through the country’s

evolution. Forrest, with his childlike heart and sense of loyalty, becomes a silent witness

to the complexities of American society—its achievements, contradictions, and ongoing

search for meaning. While others are guided by ambition, ideology, or fear, Forrest

moves through life with sincerity and determination, representing the moral simplicity

that many people lose in a changing world. One of the most significant aspects of

Forrest Gump is its portrayal of the so-called American Dream. The film shows that

success is not limited to intelligence, wealth, or social connections. Despite being

underestimated, Forrest becomes a war hero, an athlete, and a successful businessman

simply by following his instincts and doing his best. His journey embodies the idea that

effort and perseverance can overcome adversity. However, the movie also questions

whether success always brings happiness. While Forrest achieves many things, what he

truly longs for is love and companionship, especially from Jenny, the girl he has loved

since childhood. This contrast between material success and emotional fulfillment

reflects a broader question in American society: what does it really mean to live well?

The relationship between Forrest and Jenny also represents the cultural and moral

tensions of their generation. While Forrest embodies traditional values like loyalty, hard

work, and respect, Jenny seeks freedom and independence, becoming involved in the

countercultural movements of the 1960s and 70s. Her life, marked by rebellion, pain,

and social instability, mirrors the struggles of a country questioning its own moral

foundation. In the end, their paths converge, suggesting that love and forgiveness are

stronger than any social difference. Through these two characters, the film presents a

dialogue between tradition and change, showing that both are part of the American

identity.

Another central idea in Forrest Gump is social inclusion. The film challenges

stereotypes by showing that a person with a disability can achieve great things when

given affection and opportunity. Forrest never seeks to be exceptional, yet his sincerity

allows him to touch the lives of many. His mother’s phrase, “You have to do the best

with what God gave you,” becomes a message of equality and hope. This vision

contrasts with the competitiveness and superficiality often associated with modern life.

By emphasizing humility and emotional strength, the movie reminds the audience that

true worth lies in actions rather than appearances.Culturally, Forrest Gump became a phenomenon because it captures the essence of

American optimism—the belief that anyone can move forward despite difficulties. The

film blends humor and tragedy, innocence and violence, creating a portrait of a nation

that is constantly rebuilding itself. Its famous line, “Life is like a box of chocolates; you

never know what you’re gonna get,” summarizes the unpredictability of life and the

importance of accepting it with grace. In this sense, the movie not only tells Forrest’s

story but also represents the collective story of a country that keeps learning from its

past while hoping for a better future.

Ultimately, Forrest Gump reflects the cultural identity of the United States through its

historical references, moral lessons, and emotional depth. It portrays an America full of

contrasts—progress and loss, ambition and compassion—but also one that values

persistence and faith in oneself. Through a simple man who never stopped believing in

goodness, the film reminds us that every person, regardless of their background, can

leave a mark on the world. That message continues to resonate because it speaks to the

universal human desire to find meaning, love, and purpose in the midst of life’s chaos.

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Collaborative Essay.  By Esteffany Castiblanco — Jeny López 

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Collaborative Essay.  By Esteffany Castiblanco — Jeny López 

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Film is a powerful tool that serves as a form of expression to show the world a society's stories, identities, and values. Films such as Forrest Gump (1994), directed by Robert Zemeckis, and The Help (2011), directed by Tate Taylor, offer complementary perspectives on American culture in times of profound social change. Although they address different contexts, both works reflect how ordinary people confront injustice, inequality, and the search for meaning within a constantly changing country. Through their protagonists, each story reveals different dimensions of the so-called "American Dream" and questions what it truly means to live with dignity and humanity.

From a cultural perspective, Forrest Gump portrays several decades of American history, from the 1950s to the 1980s, marked by the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the rise of popular culture. Forrest, with his innocence and kindness, symbolizes the purest values of the American people: perseverance, honesty, and self-belief. Her story represents the hope and optimism characteristic of a society that believes in personal improvement and equal opportunity.

On the other hand, The Help reveals the hidden face of that same culture. Set in the 1960s, it depicts the racial segregation and structural racism of the American South. Through the experiences of Aibileen, Minny, and Skeeter, it exposes how differences of race, gender, and class shaped human relationships. However, it also reflects the power of change when women come together to speak out and challenge social norms.

Both films, although different, share their central message: the true cultural strength of a nation lies in empathy, courage, and the ability to learn from the past. Forrest Gump and The Help show that history and culture are built through acts of love, resilience, and hope, reminding us that even the simplest gestures can transform a society.

Moreover, these two narratives reflect how language and storytelling become powerful tools for cultural awareness. In The Help, the voices of Black women, long silenced by oppression, finally emerge through words. By telling their stories, they reclaim their dignity and rewrite history from their perspective. This use of language highlights how communication can empower marginalized communities and promote social transformation. In contrast, in Forrest Gump, language takes a simpler but equally meaningful form. Forrest’s way of speaking—direct and innocent—transmits deep truths about life and morality, reminding audiences that wisdom does not depend on intelligence but on sincerity and kindness.

Both movies also explore the idea of progress and equality from different angles. While Forrest Gump shows how perseverance can lead to personal growth and success, The Help demonstrates that true progress requires collective action and the courage to confront injustice. Through their contrasting settings, both films illustrate that American identity is shaped by both triumphs and struggles. The desire for justice, freedom, and respect unites all their characters, regardless of their social position or limitations.

Finally, these films inspire reflection on the meaning of humanity. They teach that compassion and solidarity are stronger than prejudice, and that every individual, regardless of their background, can contribute to change. Both Forrest Gump and The Help remind us that cultural identity is not fixed—it evolves through empathy, shared experiences, and the courage to challenge what is wrong. Together, they create a dialogue between the past and present of the United States, inviting viewers to imagine a more inclusive and understanding future.

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Collaborative Essay (Corrección)

As a group, we explored how film can serve as a powerful cultural medium through which societies express their histories, identities, and values. For this collaborative essay, we analyzed two influential American films: Forrest Gump (1994), directed by Robert Zemeckis, and The Help (2011), directed by Tate Taylor. Although they portray different historical moments, both films offer meaningful insights into American culture, particularly in relation to social change, inequality, and the pursuit of dignity. By examining these narratives together, we aimed to understand how ordinary individuals respond to the challenges of their time and how their experiences reflect broader cultural patterns. From an analytical perspective, Forrest Gump presents a journey through several decades of U.S. history, from the 1950s to the 1980s. As a group, we identified that Forrest embodies cultural values traditionally associated with the American identity, such as perseverance, innocence, and moral integrity. His personal achievements, often accidental but meaningful, represent a symbolic version of the “American Dream,” where hard work and good intentions supposedly lead to success. However, while discussing this film collaboratively, we also recognized that Forrest’s story tends to simplify complex social issues, presenting them through an idealized lens. In contrast, The Help allowed us to analyze a much more critical and painful dimension of American culture. Set in the 1960s, the film exposes racial segregation and structural discrimination in the American South. As a team, we observed how the voices of Aibileen, Minny, and Skeeter challenge the systems that silenced Black women for generations. Their stories highlight the intersections of race, class, and gender, showing how these categories shaped opportunities and relationships. During our group discussions, we agreed that The Help presents a more realistic and confrontational perspective on social injustice, complementing the more optimistic narrative seen in Forrest Gump. Despite their differences, both films converge in showing how empathy, courage, and resilience can influence social change. Through analysis, we concluded that each film presents a different pathway to transformation: while Forrest Gump emphasizes individual morality and perseverance, The Help illustrates the power of collective action and solidarity. This contrast helped us understand that American culture is shaped not only by success stories but also by struggles against inequality. As a group, we saw how both films use personal stories to reflect larger cultural tensions and aspirations. Language also plays a significant role in shaping identity within these narratives. In The Help, the act of telling stories becomes a form of resistance, allowing marginalized characters to reclaim dignity and challenge dominant narratives. In Forrest Gump, language functions differently: Forrest’s simple and direct way of speaking conveys emotional truth and invites audiences to reflect on kindness, innocence, and humanity. Through our collaborative analysis, we agreed that both films demonstrate how communication can empower individuals and influence cultural change. In conclusion, our group determined that Forrest Gump and The Help offer two complementary perspectives on American society. Together, they reveal that cultural identity is dynamic and constantly shaped by historical events, personal stories, and collective struggles. By analyzing these films collaboratively, we deepened our understanding of how culture evolves and how storytelling helps communities make sense of their past and imagine a more inclusive future.