Out of the Night is a film about the profound personal and collective tragedy that affects minorities who continue not to be recognized in society because of imposed stereotypes and prejudices. It is a film about women being the most victimized group, who receive even more unpleasant words to their faces if their identities intersect with other social groups (Dorosh-Walther). I think the film’s central message is about accepting your strength, courage, and all the qualities that define your identity. If society creates prejudice around these qualities, it is not the individual’s fault (Gender Inequality). The responsibility lies on the shoulders of people who cannot think critically, and accept and respect other people’s identities.
What struck me most was how insensitive the media were: their job is to convey information, but if they do not do it right, they create resonance. The non-state media should understand the importance of critical reporting; using stereotypical words and unconditional acceptance of the majority’s rightness is wrong. From a sociological point of view, this behavior is understandable. Still, it is interesting to see how the opinion of independent media might change depending on the influence of minorities on the structure of society (Andrade and Morehead). I think more research is needed into how the media can and should influence the image of minorities in society. I want to contribute to such work because I am excited that identity continues to be a vulnerable characteristic.
I learned from the film that legislation continues to exacerbate the perception of women in society if they use brute force in critical situations. Fighting does not solve problems, but it was self-defense, and women received years of suffering and censure (Dorosh-Walther). It is not right and should not be this way: I wish more people would think about self-defense laws because you never know what situation you might get into. If everyone understood the rules of self-defense and the state protected them, attitudes toward crime would change. Most likely, there would be fewer crimes involving sexual or physical violence.
Works Cited
Andrade, Jessica, and Morehead, Maddie. “Effects of Representation in Media on Race Perceptions.” Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression, vol. 859, 2020. Web.
Dorosh-Walther, Blair, director. Out of the Night. New Day Films, 2014.
“Gender Inequality.” Social Problems: Continuity and Change. University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing, 2016.