Essay Sample on Fired for Illness: Andy Beckett's Plight in 'Philadelphia'

Introduction

Philadelphia is a film that talks about Andy Beckett, a Philadelphia lawyer who is sacked from "Wyrant &Wheeler" law firm after he falls ill. His bosses at the law firm state that they sacked Beckett because he was no longer a good attorney, however, he is convinced that the prime motive of his sacking was because of his health status (Weschler, 1999). This happened after "Charles Wheeler" a senior partner in the law firm assigned him a case that involved one of the company's crucial customers. However, the appearance of Kaposi's sarcoma lesions on Beckett's face which shows he has developed AIDS. Further, Mr. Kenton, another senior partner notices a telltale spot on Andy's forehead, and he connects it with sarcoma which is normally accompanied by an outbreak of AIDS. The crucial file regarding the case disappears mysteriously while Andy's is at the hospital, and that becomes a setback to his high point of young career. Andy Beckett decides to take a position and sues the law firm on the basis that it is unlawful to sack someone just because they have a disease (Weschler, 1999). However, it proves to be a hard task since no one is willing to take on the powerful and influential former employers. The other scene happens in court. Wyrant, Wheeler's layer involves three parts; overcome, intimidate, and a good litigator. Joe Miller tries to apply unconventional means to clinch the victory (Weschler, 1999). However, as the case progresses, Andrew's health deteriorates even further, and shortly prior to his death the jury decides in his favor.

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Is there are Relationship between the Movie and Health Care?

Philadelphia movie attempts to reform the understanding of HIV virus. The movie is set in a city of its title and during this time, the AIDS illness had fueled ignorance and fear to the people something that brought bias and hate. The disease saw its first diagnosis in the 1980s where it was understood in New York and Los Angeles (Wahl & Yonatan Lefkowits, 1989). HIV virus had started infecting people in the city and it is the cause of homophobia and discrimination. At the same time, through the storytelling of the film, there is an understanding of the disease. It embodies medical ideals through healthcare experience. The story draws a concern where the sick are being looked after in the community and there is no discrimination as all people are treated similarly. However, there is a devastating example in the movie when Andy Beckett wins an argument about environmental toxicity, but he is dismissed by his colleagues upon realizing that he is contracting from AIDS. Andy gains sympathy from an African American lawyer who gets to identify that symptoms of illness are the probable cause of discrimination and harassment at the workplace and it should be a health concern in the public health sector. The film teaches people how to empathize with people affected by the disease other than shunning. It changes people's conversation about the disease hence transforming health care.

Which Advocacy Issues can be Identified from the Movie?

Issues such as stigmatization and discrimination are endured by homosexual people who suffer from HIV/AIDS (Sewapa, n.d). The film advocates that no one should suffer injustice and discrimination based on their health status or sexual preference (Sewapa, n.d). Andrew Beckett takes a stand against the issue of sacking someone simply because they have AIDS and decides to initiate the actions against his former employers through a litigation process. The film also takes a stand against homophobic practices in the community. It is seen when one African-American lawyer, "Joe Miller," asked Andrew's doctor "whether he could contract AIDS through shaking Beckett's hand. He was told that this disease is only spread through body fluids such as semen or blood" (Sewapa, n.d). The other evident issue is the social class where the higher-ranking employer discriminates the lower-ranking employee, and it is a community crisis that should be solved.

Will Watching Philadelphia Movie help in Appreciating the Differences in People

There is appreciation of people with AIDS gays, family and friends who are infected with HIV in the film. Through storytelling, it teaches people to appreciate and accommodate people despite their malady. Basil (2001), avows that the film bears the truthful resemblance of what is happening in the city by particularly explicating the experiences of the people affected by AIDS. Moreover, it explicitly highlights how gay heroes experience prejudice. On the other hand, it shows how homophobia and discrimination roots between black and white people. As the story is told, the conversation enlightens people to understand that discrimination and prejudice are illegal. There should be equality and appreciation of all people since the constitution demands prohibit such discrimination. Anti-LGBT preconception had also developed in the 1970s where the black community was considered as dangerous and those who contracted from HIV (Basil, 2001). The film evoked a conversation of discrimination in the community by allowing the audience to participate in fighting discrimination. There has been a transformation about LGBT attitudes in the United States and also respect for other people's decisions including being gay. Although it becomes out as a preposterous fantasy, people have come to understand the truth about the vocal incredulity of gay people.

References

Basil, M. D. (2001). The film audience: theater versus video consumers. ACR North American Advances. Retrieved from: http://www.acrwebsite.org/volumes/8509/volumes/v28/NA-28

Sewapa, Tebogo. (n.d). The Film 'Philadelphia', 1993: Portrayal of the Issues Related to HIV/AIDS, Homosexuality and Homophobia. Academia. Retrieved from: https://www.academia.edu/34607050/The_Film_Philadelphia_1993_Portrayal_of_the_Issues_Related_to_HIV_AIDS_Homosexuality_and_Homophobia

Wahl, O. F., & Yonatan Lefkowits, J. (1989). Impact of a television film on attitudes toward mental illness. American journal of community psychology, 17(4), 521-528. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Otto_Wahl/publication/20546422_Impact_of_a_Television_Film_on_Attitudes_Toward_Mental_Illness/links/545286530cf26d5090a375dd.pdf

Weschler, Raymond. (1999). Philadelphia Drama, 1993. ESL Notes. Retrieved from: http://www.eslnotes.com/movies/pdf/philidelphia.pdf