Boxing, Opportunities, and the American Dream
Rocky is considered an American classic by many, and for obvious reasons. Rocky is not only a story about boxing, but a story about a man who doesn’t have much in his life, but manages to rise up to the top. It’s a rags-to-riches story; an example of how anyone can achieve the American Dream. Sylvester Stallone, who not only acted and directed this feature film, but wrote the screenplay for this film, stated that this film in it of itself is the American Dream. The term “land of opportunity” was even used several times in this film to further illustrate this idea.
Daniel Leab’s essay essentially speaks to American blue-collared workers for historically specific reasons, but it also brings forth a sort of white resentment towards Black Americans. Blue-collared workers may find the film endearing, due to the film’s ability to highlight and illustrate the cultural beliefs and values that are instilled in Americans, which is the idea that everyone has the opportunity to succeed in this country. Leab calls this the “working class perspective” (270). As for race, Leab suggests that Rocky plays off of “old prejudices and fears” (270), but how can a film that stars an Italian immigrant …show more content…
That’s why Apollo Creed supposedly won the match, not due to practicing his craft, but because he’s innately better at boxing than Rocky. This causes animosity towards Black Americans by having individuals believe that Black Americans receive more success in their life without actually working for it, whereas white workers have to put in twice the effort, but it still ends up being futile in the end. This downplays the effort that Black athletes actually put forth in order to be successful, because all skilled and successful athletes put in time and effort to enhance their abilities and to improve in their
Rocky is considered an American classic by many, and for obvious reasons. Rocky is not only a story about boxing, but a story about a man who doesn’t have much in his life, but manages to rise up to the top. It’s a rags-to-riches story; an example of how anyone can achieve the American Dream. Sylvester Stallone, who not only acted and directed this feature film, but wrote the screenplay for this film, stated that this film in it of itself is the American Dream. The term “land of opportunity” was even used several times in this film to further illustrate this idea.
Daniel Leab’s essay essentially speaks to American blue-collared workers for historically specific reasons, but it also brings forth a sort of white resentment towards Black Americans. Blue-collared workers may find the film endearing, due to the film’s ability to highlight and illustrate the cultural beliefs and values that are instilled in Americans, which is the idea that everyone has the opportunity to succeed in this country. Leab calls this the “working class perspective” (270). As for race, Leab suggests that Rocky plays off of “old prejudices and fears” (270), but how can a film that stars an Italian immigrant …show more content…
That’s why Apollo Creed supposedly won the match, not due to practicing his craft, but because he’s innately better at boxing than Rocky. This causes animosity towards Black Americans by having individuals believe that Black Americans receive more success in their life without actually working for it, whereas white workers have to put in twice the effort, but it still ends up being futile in the end. This downplays the effort that Black athletes actually put forth in order to be successful, because all skilled and successful athletes put in time and effort to enhance their abilities and to improve in their