My husband found the movie to be inspiring in a “he lived his life on his own terms” kind of way, but I had the opposite reaction. Starvation is a horrible way to die.
The Real World goes far, far beyond work. Always has, always will.
The Life of David Gale. I think I was supposed to take away the idea that the death penalty is flawed and courageous David Gale gave his life to shock the world that an innocent man was executed.
Instead, I took away the idea that a jackass with an agenda can get himself executed if he conceals evidence. If you want to show that capital punishment is flawed, you have to show that an innocent person can put on a solid, strenuous defense, argue all available facts, and still be executed. Getting yourself executed on purpose by concealing evidence proves nothing.
Yup, he weighed about 67 lbs. That’s not a “living life on your own terms” fate; that’s a “I really screwed up” fate. Plus with just a tiny bit of preparation, like bringing a compass or map, he could have made it out easily. Among other things, he was a quarter-mile from a hand-powered tram that would get him across the river he’d been unable to cross. McCandless killed himself as a result of hubris.
But you need the $ you make from working to enjoy/function in the Real World. 
Not to mention his transformation at the end. The Beast’s true self is handsome; good thing, because we couldn’t have a Beauty like Belle end up with a man who wasn’t in her league, looks-wise. But wait, isn’t the point supposed to be that looks don’t matter?
And I’ll add *Snow White *to the mix: Girls, it’s OK if you do nothing proactively to take charge of your own life and get yourself out of trouble. Just wait for a man to come along and make it all better!
I’ve always thought the weakness of the transition was semi-intentional to show how stupid racism is – even a little bit of exposure can overcome the obstacle of race.
But it definitely comes across as a bit on the oversimplified.
And whiners suck.
What part of that implies you should spend all of your school years preparing for a job? People who really enjoy their professions are obviously going to focus on them quite a lot, but, even in that case, being a good person that people actually want to spend time with more-or-less requires you round yourself out with interests that go beyond what you do for a living.
On a more practical note, most people in the First World don’t need to work all the time simply to survive. In fact, if you aren’t a complete dumbass, you can likely find a job that leaves you with plenty of time where you simply don’t need to work to maintain a good lifestyle. What do you intend to do with that time?
UMM-Work MORE so I can get MORE stuff? Really Derleth, I don’t get why you don’t understand how our system works. I’m not arguing that this is a GOOD development, I’m just telling you how Western society works, and continues to do so.
I don’t think Derleth is the one who doesn’t understand the world works…
How’s that? I understand PERFECTLY that life is about making money so you can, you know, SURVIVE! Surviving necessitates: food,clothing, shelter. And how do most people acquire these things? They use money. And how do they acquire this money? They get a JOB! :rolleyes:
Yeah, but making enough money to survive does not involve making your job into your life. I work 35 hours a week and that is it.
Justin-You don’t hunger for more “stuff”? If not, you’re unusual by Western standards IMO. Awesome for you if you’re happy. It just seems “more, more” is indoctrinated in us at an early age.
Um. I only work 35 hours, too. And no, I don’t hunger for more stuff. Sure, sometimes I think “Wouldn’t it be nice if…” but most of the time I am quite content with everything I have. Why not? I have enough to put food on my table, have a nice place, have clothes, a car, and a little extra for luxuries and vacations. I don’t really ask for much more.
You can overcome indoctrination. Trust me on this one - I had East and West both indoctrinating me!
Of course I want more stuff. I’d like a 42" TV, I’d like a redone bathroom, I’d like a Blu-ray player. But I also like my job and I have no desire to get a different one and work like a dog just to buy those things right now.
I am perfectly content not having as much stuff as I’d like, but that was to be expected, I chose to be a librarian and we don’t get paid much.
Justin and Ana-Do you live in Europe by any chance (I ask because you both mention working 35hrs/wk) I absolutely agree about appreciating what you have, and accepting the financial limitations of your chosen vocation.
No, I live in NY State. I work 35 hours. I don’t get paid a lot, but I get uber amounts of vacation and days off - almost every national holiday, 21 vacation days, 4 personal days, more sick days than I could ever use, etc. It’s a trade-off.
The Pursuit of Happyness, a father has a responsibility to give up selfish pipe dreams and work at McDonalds if he has too in order to feed and shelter his family.
Ditto, except I think I get 23 vacation days. But otherwise, the same.