I am sam

I am Sam
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I am Sam
In 2001, Jessie Nelson directed an American movie entitled, “I am Sam.” The protagonist, Sam John Dawson, portrays anomalies in his development as a result of cognitive complications. After fighting to acquire his daughter from custody, Sam ironically raises an intellectual child, Lucy Dawson, who understands his father’s condition. The incorporation of other characters with both physical and mental disabilities enlightens the audience on Nelson’s message. The film utilizes a blend of different characters to accentuate the prevalence of diversity in various societies.
To understand various diversity issues in “I am Sam,” there is an exploration of disenfranchised groups. Sam and other characters exhibit developmental challenges which affect both their mental and physical well-being. Amidst other diversities, the primary one in the film revolves around psychologically abled and disabled folk (Nelson, 2001). “I am Sam” depicts a case of dysfunctional growth from childhood. Through Nelson’s film, the audience may integrate Sigmund Freud’s notions apropos of developmental hindrances. His psychoanalytic theory delves deep into the defects and abnormalities noted during one’s growth. While there are three specific stages to be followed into adulthood, when individuals skip a given one, they succumb to these disabilities. These complications, therefore, lead to diversity within members of a community.
Sam’s inability to reason like an adult delineates an outright malfunction in one of his developmental stages.

On Viewing “I am Sam,” the audience understands the spectrum of diversity. Most people may dismiss Sam’s disability because he is a mature adult. The film, therefore, enlightens individuals on the inevitable nature of diversity. These complications affect all parties regardless of gender, age, race and socio-economic status, among others. The existence of diversities as portrayed in Nelson’s film allows individuals to socialize and interact within their scope. According to them, it is easier to relate with people undergoing similar experiences. The film also integrates Lucy’s mother and showcases her as a homeless human being (Nelson, 2001). Through this, the audience may understand the attraction between her and Sam. They may have acquired solace from one another due to their troubles. Understanding the relationship between Lucy’s parents is also a clear representation of the intensity of diversity in societies.
The events in “I am Sam” are a clear representation of happenings in today’s society. Just like in the film, people often employ mockery toward individuals that are considered different or abnormal. They fail to delve into the root causes of these disabilities before delineating judgmental and condescending attitudes. It is important to understand the effects of such treatment on disabled individuals and groups, as a whole. The former may develop self-esteem issues due to their inability to cope with other members of the society. They consider themselves inferior and unworthy as a result of exposure to negativity from abled human beings. Similarly, external parties are affected by the existence of disabled individuals. The audience observes a frustrated Lucy because she is unable to validate her father’s cognitive condition. Despite growing up as a normal child, the weight from Sam’s disorder interferes with her ability to lead a functional life. It is important to understand the impact of such conditions on familial, intimate and even platonic relationships. Future generations may, therefore, be affected by these disabilities due to the inability of other people to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression. These feelings of unworthiness often affect individuals differently. While some strive to improve on a daily basis, others may develop nihilistic feelings; unable to comprehend the meaning of their lives. As Lucy grows up in an environment projecting hate toward her father, instead of appreciating diversity, she will also portray similar behavior toward disenfranchised groups in future.
I am angered by the treatment Sam receives merely because of his disability. It is quite uncouth to deny a father his paternal rights because of an uncontrollable physical condition. I believe that all parents, regardless of their disabilities, should not be deprived the opportunity of bonding with their children. In fact, as the film continues, Nelson’s audience understands the importance of Lucy in Sam’s life. He loves her and strives through each day to ensure that his daughter is happy and smiling. Despite my disgust regarding poor treatment of disabled folk, I am strongly affected by the separation of Lucy and Sam. I watched my cousin growing up without a father and understood the dire consequences of a dysfunctional family. Even if Lucy’s mother is unavailable, the bond between Lucy and Sam is strong enough to counteract any possible familial challenges. After watching the movie, I was happy that the director incorporated diversity issues into the storyline. The film may be utilized in different platforms to create awareness about the disabled and disenfranchised groups, as a whole.
The movie upholds both love and family in counteracting disabilities. It depicts the essentiality of Lucy in improving Sam’s mental health. Nelson’s film reiterates that love assists these individuals in leading positive lives. Apart from these solutions in the film, it is my belief that education is important for the purpose of awareness. People should acquire information and enlightenment about diversities in various societies. In such a manner, they will develop a tolerance which assists them in appreciating other people, despite their differences. My personal initiative would be to encourage interaction among all human beings.
References
Nelson, J. (2001). I Am Sam. Putlocker. Retrieved from: http://putlockers.ch/watch-i-am-sam-online-free-putlocker.html