![Picture](/uploads/2/1/6/6/21669256/291630219.jpg)
The notion of challenging authority can be seen in the film Bend It like Beckham. Jesminder (Jess) is an 18 year old daughter of Punjabi Sikhs who is infatuated with football. Jesminder's parents do not want her to play soccer as she is female, Indian and a burn scar on her leg means she is not allowed to wear shorts much to her disappointment. Throughout the film, Jess challenges the authority of her mother and father and goes against their wishes to participate in her passion, soccer. Though Jess’ actions involved risk, she still decided to disobey the authority figures in her life and follow her dreams and passion. Such risk involved being banned from playing soccer and being shunned by her family because it was unacceptable for a woman to participate in sports. Jess’ family was very traditional and it was expected that Jess follow through with her schooling, go to university and then marry to another family, while keeping a successful job to increase the reputation of her family. There were also many catalysts that urged her to continue her strive to play soccer. These include her dream to become a professional, her friends, and the coach of the team she plays for. Though there were consequences for Jess’ actions, the experiences Jess went through were all the worth it. This movie is an excellent portrayal of the challenging of authority, as the result of this movie ends in the success of Jess in receiving her parents’ consent and approval in playing soccer.
![Picture](/uploads/2/1/6/6/21669256/750812951.jpg)
The notion of challenging authority was necessary for Jesminder to achieve her footballing dreams. Through defying her parents outdated and traditional beliefs and expectations she was able to follow her dreams. Instead of studying law and learning to cook Punjab dishes to attract a Punjabi husband, Jess stands on her own two feet and decides football is what she wants to do in life. Overcoming cultural prejudice and gender expectations made Jess a strong woman who set her own path in life. Challenging authority is sometimes needed in order to stand up for your beliefs and your idea for what is right.
If Jess did not challenge authority what could have happened?
If Jess did not challenge authority what could have happened?
- She may have been stuck in law school wasting her talents.
- An arranged marriage could have been set up to get her ready to make a family.
- Jess might have cut off all ties with her family out of anger.
- She may have continued to sneak out and lie about playing football.
Related Verbal Text- Nelson Mandela.
![Picture](/uploads/2/1/6/6/21669256/1384938814.jpg)
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was the first black South African President and fought to stop racism. Mandela was imprisoned in 1962, convicted of sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government. He served 27 years in prison, released in 1990 and went on to become president of South Africa. He brought the plight of the black people from South Africa to light by being imprisoned for fighting apartheid, which divided black and white people in South Africa and kept them separate. The black people where 2nd class citizens in their own country to that of the white people. Mandela, together with the African National Congress, (which Mandela was president of) eventually broke apartheid. He is still alive now at 95 years (born July 18, 1918).
Nelson Mandela was a crucial figure in changing the status of South Africa. Through hardships and many obstacles, Mandela was successful in uniting the peoples of South Africa under a banner of equality. Mandela challenged the authority of the idea that coloured people were second class citizens and didn’t deserve any rights. For his thinking, Mandela was sentenced to twenty seven years imprisonment. After he was released, Mandela did not stop seeking change and campaigning for equal rights. He was so selfless that he served these 27 years knowing that it would help his nation and would change South African views on coloured people. Mandela eventually gained the support of the people and became the first black president of South Africa in an election that was set to change South Africa forever. From there, Mandela abolished apartheid and created a society in which everybody was equal, and any authority segregation and racial intolerance had were vanquished. He is still remembered as one of the most influential and important people of all time. Mandela challenging authority changed the world forever.
Nelson Mandela was a crucial figure in changing the status of South Africa. Through hardships and many obstacles, Mandela was successful in uniting the peoples of South Africa under a banner of equality. Mandela challenged the authority of the idea that coloured people were second class citizens and didn’t deserve any rights. For his thinking, Mandela was sentenced to twenty seven years imprisonment. After he was released, Mandela did not stop seeking change and campaigning for equal rights. He was so selfless that he served these 27 years knowing that it would help his nation and would change South African views on coloured people. Mandela eventually gained the support of the people and became the first black president of South Africa in an election that was set to change South Africa forever. From there, Mandela abolished apartheid and created a society in which everybody was equal, and any authority segregation and racial intolerance had were vanquished. He is still remembered as one of the most influential and important people of all time. Mandela challenging authority changed the world forever.