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1. The film that I chose, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, really spoke to me about the issue of social deviance being categorized as mental illness. We all know someone who is “just a bit different” and can be disruptive or inflammatory. The question then becomes: “What constitutes mental illness?” Why are today’s jails so filled with people who need mental health assistance? Is criminal behavior a by-product of mental disease? Conversely, is mental disease the result of incarceration stress?
2. One of the other main themes in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is power and control. Over the last several weeks we have talked about asylums and the abuse of mentally ill patients. When does exercising control for the good of the patient and facility transition into abuse? Mental patients have been abused for centuries. Do you think we will ever reach a global humanitarian mindset that is more sympathetic and protective of the mentally ill? Even if the mentally ill person is combative or dangerous?
Submitted by Bonnie Akkerman I pledge…
1. One of the major topics in Spinning Out (2019) is the fear of losing your friends and place in society if your condition is found out. Do you think that this fear is justified in our society or is it just a way to build up drama in a TV show?
2. Spinning Out shows a figure skater as she deals with the up and downs of living and competing with a mental health disorder. The show depicts the difficulties of being an athlete who feels like she cannot truly compete because of her condition. What are your thoughts on how mental health is discussed and treated in the professional athlete world?
Submitted by Audrey Schroeder. I pledge…