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A Piece of Media That Influenced My Life

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A Piece of Media That Influenced My Life
In the society that we live in today, media is the fastest way to attract, persuade and to impact a person’s decision. Throughout the media, usage of art is manipulated to appeal to consumers. Movies, photographs, drawings, paintings, books, musical compositions, etc. are used for specific purposes. Whether those purposes are entertainment, information, or persuasion, artists have evolved the way that they use art to affect our daily lives. Personally, a piece of art that has had a lasting impact on my life would be the film I am Sam. This movie came out in 2001, after viewing the film; it influenced my career path, my relationship with my own father and my overall view of persons with disabilities. I am Sam, is a tremendous film that I would highly recommend to anyone who is interested in learning about disabilities. It would also be an inspiring film for those who are disabled. In fact, I would recommend it just for the entertainment provided by some of Sam’s silliness. The movie is based on a man who is classified as mentally retarded named Sam Dawson, played by Sean Penn. He is in a custody battle of his pride and joy, Lucy, played by Dakota Fanning. The courts find him unfit as a parent since his mental capacity is that of a seven year old. Lucy will soon be turning eight, and the courts assume that Sam will no longer be able to take care of her. Throughout the movie, other disabilities portrayed, such as Down’s syndrome, by the characters that play Sam’s friends. Sam’s lawyer, Rita Harrison Williams, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, is a workaholic who is so wrapped up in her job that she has neglected forming a relationship with her own child. Throughout, reluctantly working on Mr. Dawson’s case, she sees in him what it truly to takes to be a parent, love. The impact Mr. Dawson had on his lawyer had me in awe of him and all persons with disabilities and ultimately changed my life forever. Seeing the capabilities of Sam being restricted by almost everyone
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