History and Treatment Behind Mental Institutionalization
Shonna Carlson
University of New Haven
Within American History, it is clear that people have made some mistakes. There are points within the U.S’s past that fill citizens with question as to what the reasoning behind certain events and standards were. However, that history should never be ignored our it will end up repeating itself. When looking back at the history of mental institutionalization, it is crucial for people to be honest about what a dark time this was in America’s history. Mental health is still a subject in which professionals and individuals are still learning about. What was lost during the darker times of history was the realization …show more content…
It is a major reason that I have selected the major I have. When I was in high school, I was not sure of what I wanted to do with my college career. However, after reading this book and watching this film, I knew I wanted to study forensic psychology. Not only did the major combine my love of criminal behavior and psychology, it allowed me to be passion about something. I remember being so incredibly angry about how the patients were treated that I felt that I had to make a change. The filmmakers did an excellent job of showing what institutionalization truly looked like during this time. The patients were treated as animals rather than individuals who needed help. Rather than trying to aid the patients to improve their issues, the patients were controlled and silenced. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest did an amazing job of displaying that and getting the conversation started for ordinary people. I also believe that they actors did an incredible job in each of their roles. Each actor knew how to balance playing a part but being realistic beautifully. Charlie Cheswick, for example, was played with such conviction that I truly believed the actor was the character. In one scene in particular, Cheswick has an outburst towards the main nurse. When Cheswick feels as if he is being controlled, he stands up and explains that he will not take it any more. The episode itself is a bit childish but it is so accurate to how some sufferers behave. Stomping his feet like a small child and yelling to Nurse Ratched about his problems, Cheswick displays behavior that would be typical of someone under the age of 10 years old and the choices that the actor chose allowed the viewer to go with Cheswick on his journey throughout the film. It was simple to empathize with Cheswick because the actor made the reasons behind his choices very clear. Overall, I love this movie so much and think it is pretty accurate to the research I have
Shonna Carlson
University of New Haven
Within American History, it is clear that people have made some mistakes. There are points within the U.S’s past that fill citizens with question as to what the reasoning behind certain events and standards were. However, that history should never be ignored our it will end up repeating itself. When looking back at the history of mental institutionalization, it is crucial for people to be honest about what a dark time this was in America’s history. Mental health is still a subject in which professionals and individuals are still learning about. What was lost during the darker times of history was the realization …show more content…
It is a major reason that I have selected the major I have. When I was in high school, I was not sure of what I wanted to do with my college career. However, after reading this book and watching this film, I knew I wanted to study forensic psychology. Not only did the major combine my love of criminal behavior and psychology, it allowed me to be passion about something. I remember being so incredibly angry about how the patients were treated that I felt that I had to make a change. The filmmakers did an excellent job of showing what institutionalization truly looked like during this time. The patients were treated as animals rather than individuals who needed help. Rather than trying to aid the patients to improve their issues, the patients were controlled and silenced. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest did an amazing job of displaying that and getting the conversation started for ordinary people. I also believe that they actors did an incredible job in each of their roles. Each actor knew how to balance playing a part but being realistic beautifully. Charlie Cheswick, for example, was played with such conviction that I truly believed the actor was the character. In one scene in particular, Cheswick has an outburst towards the main nurse. When Cheswick feels as if he is being controlled, he stands up and explains that he will not take it any more. The episode itself is a bit childish but it is so accurate to how some sufferers behave. Stomping his feet like a small child and yelling to Nurse Ratched about his problems, Cheswick displays behavior that would be typical of someone under the age of 10 years old and the choices that the actor chose allowed the viewer to go with Cheswick on his journey throughout the film. It was simple to empathize with Cheswick because the actor made the reasons behind his choices very clear. Overall, I love this movie so much and think it is pretty accurate to the research I have