essay 3

You can choose another genre of buddy movies (nerd/cool kid, rich/poor, gay/straight, male/female, different religions, or some other significant difference).

 Body switching might be an interesting variant here.  Becoming The Other can be educational…. 

In either case, you will explain DeMott’s argument and apply it (agreeing or disagreeing, finding exceptions, as you see fit).

Analyze the films you’ve chosen, both in DeMott’s terms and using your own insights, finding your own comparisons, contrasts, subtexts, tensions….  Pay close attention to the resolutions of the stories and the plots: does anything change?  Is prejudice or contempt eradicated?  Is some larger injustice eradicated?  Is the plot resolution purely personal?  What message or impression or influence or belief do you think these kinds of films convey?  How do they shape our understanding of difference, inequality, prejudice, segregation, bullying, or the way we treat The Other?