One of the first connections the audience has with the film is racism. Even though race relation is a sensitive topic to talk about, the director took a different approach and turned it into a humorous scene. In this scene, the audience is able to get a feel of what it was like when desegregation took place. While Forrest was attending the University of Alabama, a historical event was taking place. The university became desegregated and it allowed two African American students to enroll. As Forrest got closer to the university, he sees a group of people protesting and asked one of the members what is happening. The young man responded to Forrest saying “coons,” an offensive name for people of color, were trying to get into the University.
