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Tarek's Moment Of Powerlessness In The Movie Film Analysis

Decent Essays

It is fascinating to see how Walter’s character grows over the course of the film. When Tarek is first arrested, Walter is determined to get him out and has confidence in his ability to do so because his naïve understanding of the severity of the situation. The clearest example of Walter feeling powerless, occurs when Walter wants to know where Tarek was sent. In this scene Walter is visibly powerless and has no control over the outcome. Tarek’s moment of powerlessness occurs when he is taken into custody in the train station without the ability to defend his right to be there, or explain that he has done nothing wrong. As a viewer, this scene was impactful as it showed how he was marginalized and oppressed simply based on his race. …show more content…

In American society, it is often viewed that Caucasian individuals experience more privilege than people of color. This scene is indicative of the cyclical nature of oppressed to oppressors. Instead of taking the time to explain the situation to Walter, the police officer demands that Walter step away from the window. It is clear that Walter is upset and frustrated but instead of supporting him, the officer dehumanises Walter by separating himself as someone in power with control, while defining Walter as someone who is powerless in this difficult situation. There were many examples of strength, perseverance, empowerment, resilience, pride and determination present throughout the course of the movie. Empowerment existed through Tarek’s support of Walter’s desire to learn the drums. Tarek ensured that Walter was inspired and the mutual love for the African drums caused the barrier or culture, race and age to dissipate in the face of this commonality between them. The audience was also aware of Walter’s perseverance in practicing the drums as well as in his insistence to visit and support Tarek, Zainab and Mouna, regardless of only knowing them for a few days. He quit his job and shared this with Mouna at dinner, demonstrating his tremendous amount of pride. This also exhibited his ability to be honest and open in this new relationship, when he came to the realization that he had been pretending to be busy with work and his book.

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