Being a tiny voice among many, I have preferred shying away from the ever increasing national discussion of where the United States is heading because of everything being wrong at the same time. The buzz for marching for women’s rights or the climate dying away and everyone all at once being on trial for misconduct is all too much to handle and reflect on!
It only took fracturing my ankle to appreciate those who bring light and positivity to the silver screen, where men like Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert have blazed the pathway for both entertaining us the people, as well as bringing on more political satirists to represent us the people! Within the recent sex scandals, it has also made me think and reflect on the movies that I have enjoyed through the years–and what kinds of male role models that I respect:
Mr. Miyagi of the The Karate Kid movie series was committed to Danny and Julie as their Friend and Karate Teacher, and as a human being Mr. Miyagi was centered within himself in showing a greater sense of respect towards others. His meagerly appearance of being a plumber sharply contrasted to the power he actually held as a teacher and leader. He then had given a greater sense of confidence to Danny and Julie so that both could face their fears and be valued by others.
Atticus Finch of “To Kill A Mockingbird” stood by his principles in defending a black man during segregated times in the south, and come hell or high water he stood by his client and his good intentioned morals.
Chief Inspector Lee and Detective James Carter of the Rush Hour movie series shows how even when the mission is silly and pointless, that humor and teamwork makes a mission more relevant and better to handle. Between Jackie Chan’s superb Martial Arts Training and Chris Tucker’s humor, these series of movies show an effective team at work more than a flirty side that is also seen in some scenes.
George Bailey of “It’s A Wonderful Life” shows how one prevails even in hard times to do good for his family and community. A financial crash and a corrupt mayor shouldn’t have happened, where the real strength of persevering and showing courage then made things better.
Mufasa of “The Lion King”, though an animated character, still had a human behind the voice in James Earl Jones, where the character still shows a protective father over his family. He would never be forgotten to Simba as he would be one of those stars in the skies that would look down and always protect Simba wherever he was.
Through good journalism, and by asking the right questions, many prominent men are now being brought on charges of sexual harassment where in a recent episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” Billy Bush had been a guest since his departure from NBC for engaging in inappropriate behavior on an “Access Hollywood” bus with President Trump. Bush explores how recently President Trump has denied the existence of the bus incident and the seemingly unfair point for media professionals needing to get close to higher rated individuals for promotional purposes. Having three daughters himself, this bus incident furthermore made Bush stop and reflect on what happened.
I’m sure I wasn’t the only one dismayed with this leaked tape, and that we all would have good sense in recognizing the voices of President Trump and Billy Bush, as well as the White Houses’s statement via “The Independent” of there being criteria of the women having to be “attractive enough” for President Trump. There should be more done in promoting a good male image in media, from having chivalrous male characters in movies to hearing non-misogynist lyrics in music so that there wouldn’t be unhealthy behavior in the workplace. Billy Bush has also said it best in his piece:
“I have faith that when the hard work of exposing these injustices is over, the current media drama of who did what to whom will give way to a constructive dialogue between mature men and women in the workplace and beyond. The activist and gender-relations expert Jackson Katz has said that this is not a women’s issue — it’s a men’s issue. That’s a great place to start, and something I have real thoughts about.”
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