High Probability Of Institutionalization Essay Example
High Probability Of Institutionalization Essay Example

High Probability Of Institutionalization Essay Example

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  • Pages: 7 (1779 words)
  • Published: September 19, 2018
  • Type: Essay
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The text examines the possibility of institutionalization resulting from extended periods of imprisonment. This issue is explored in various works, such as the documentary "Who Killed Malcolm Smith?" directed by Richard Frankland and the feature film "The Shawshank Redemption" by Frank Darabont. In "Who Killed Malcolm Smith?", Frankland utilizes specific details to convince the audience about racial inequality in Australian custody. Similarly, in "The Shawshank Redemption," Darabont employs visual techniques to effectively depict Brooks' emotional challenges when trying to reintegrate into society after being released from prison.

Tell Me I'm Here by Anne Deveson presents a contrasting perspective on institutions. Through the use of first person point of view and vivid descriptive language, Deveson expresses her desperation when dealing with her schizophrenic son whom the authorities refused to institutionalize, despite it

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being evident that it was necessary. Through analyzing various texts, it becomes evident that multiple versions of reality exist and there is no definite truth.

In terms of our point of view, the manner in which truth is conveyed to us holds great importance. Different texts employ different techniques to present their perspectives and persuade us. Suicidal Tendencies' song "Institutionalised," belonging to the genres of hardcore punk and thrash metal, effectively employs colloquial, descriptive, and emotive language to portray Mike's interpretation of society and our irrational dependence on meaningless institutions that exist solely to stifle our individuality.

The lyrics depict Mike's entrance into a mental institution and evoke our empathy by presenting the world from his perspective in a logical and familiar way. This creates a relatable situation, even if it may be on a smaller scale. When his parents insist he "need

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help," he counters with the reasoning that he has experienced their schools, churches, and other structured learning environments, questioning how they can label him as crazy. This argument is understandable since it seems absurd for his parents to brand him as mentally unstable when they played a role in shaping his life.

The band employs colloquial language to emphasize the stark reality of the situation. Additionally, the rhythmic lyrics effectively captivate the listener's attention, and convey the raw emotions expressed by the singer. Towards the song's conclusion, Mike articulates his perspective on institutions with the lyrics: "They Alleviate my suffering and my pain. But by the time they fix my head, Mentally I'll be dead." This song boldly declares a powerful stance and deviates from typical texts in terms of its unique viewpoint.

The band Suicidal Tendencies' song delves into Mike's perspective on institutionalisation, expressing his awareness of what lies ahead but his inability to alter the situation. Through rhythm, language, and impactful words, the band persuades others to adopt Mike's standpoint. Their message centers around skepticism towards institutions and society as a whole. Consequently, the song presents an unorthodox yet compelling insight into the reality of institutionalisation.

The documentary Who Killed Malcolm Smith? effectively utilizes dynamic visual techniques and specific detail selection to convey the director Richard Frankland's perspective. Through examining the life and case of Malcolm Smith (1953-1982), Frankland aims to persuade the audience about the widespread mistreatment of Aboriginals in Australian custody. This is achieved by presenting interviews with family members and cell mates who knew Smith well, illustrating the sense of desolate isolation he experienced upon his initial release from jail.

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According to his cell-mate, after being released from prison, he wanted to show love to his family but found it difficult because he no longer recognized them. Being separated from his family since the age of seven had made him institutionalized and unable to express emotions or interact with others. Smith's story reveals how easily institutionalized people struggle when they are suddenly expected to be independent. This case study brings attention to the mistreatment of indigenous people in Australian custody.

Frankland highlights the issue by contrasting the official state documents that label Smith as 'Lazy' and 'Slow' with personal interviews with individuals like the Jail physiotherapist, who knew the true Malcolm. According to her, he was friendly, sporty, and talented. This stark difference leads viewers to conclude that the Australian Government mistreated Malcolm Smith in an impersonal manner, and by extension, Aboriginals in general.

Franklands' clever design aims to highlight the maltreatment of Aborigines in Australian Custody. This is done through the examination of Malcolm Smith's case, as it answers the rhetorical question posed in the title of the documentary: society and government institutions were responsible for Malcolm Smith's death due to their unfeeling impersonality. These entities pushed him into institutionalization, resulting in a cycle of reoffending upon his release from jail, as it was the only familiar place he knew.

Frankland employed carefully positioned information and effectively persuasive techniques to present his notion of 'truth' and persuade the audience of its validity. The concept of institutionalization is depicted as harmful in this instance. This technique is frequently observed in various genres of texts, emphasizing that our perception of truth relies on its presentation. The

film adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption, helmed by Frank Darabont and based on the book, portrays the stories of the central characters Red and Andy, and the challenges they confront. Among these challenges is the prevalence of institutionalization among the inmates.

After Brooks is released from prison, he explores the town he hasn't seen in over forty years using techniques that disorient the viewer. The camera captures the outside world as unfamiliar and frightening, making Brooks feel vulnerable and alone. Simultaneously, the film depicts Brooks' final moments before his suicide. We hear his voice as he reads a letter he wrote to Red and Andy in prison, expressing his disbelief at how rapidly things have changed outside. He reminisces about only seeing one automobile as a child but now seeing them everywhere."

I have trouble sleeping at night and often have bad dreams about falling. Sometimes I even think about robbing the Foodway so they'll send me home. The character Brooks in the movie is a perfect example of institutionalization. The director, Darabont, effectively shows his opposition to this problem by using Brooks' story as the reason for the loss of a beloved character. Through the character Red, Darabont further explains the concept of institutionalization when Red tells another inmate that these prison walls become a part of you and eventually you depend on them, which is called being "institutionalized". Darabont supports the common belief of institutionalization by using heart-wrenching effects like high camera angles to depict the vulnerability and helplessness of Brooks, who is actually a harmless and kind-hearted man trapped in a cruel and impersonal justice system. By playing on human emotions

and manipulating reality through his directing, Darabont strives to convey a certain truth. He uses various techniques throughout The Shawshank Redemption to persuade the audience of the reality of this truth.

The novel Tell Me I'm Here by Anne Deveson explores the concept of truth from different perspectives. In our contemporary society, there is a generally negative view towards institutionalization, and Deveson's book reflects this sentiment. However, what sets her book apart is that it doesn't completely shy away from the idea of being placed in an institution. While many other texts portray institutionalization as something damaging or undesirable, Deveson presents a nuanced perspective.

Despite the challenges they face, Tell Me I'm Here offers readers a firsthand perspective of Anne Deveson and her family as they navigate the trials of living with her schizophrenic son, Jonathan. Deveson's use of honest and vivid language effectively conveys the terrifying experiences she encounters while trying to support her son during difficult times. Additionally, she reveals her frustrating encounters with authorities who consistently disregarded her pleas for assistance. The only respite she finds is when Jonathan is in safe hands and receiving proper care, something she herself is unable to provide due to his unpredictable nature and her own limitations.

The significance of Jonathon's tumultuous life lies in its ability to provide a firsthand perspective on the challenges of interacting with a person suffering from schizophrenia. This perspective fosters sympathy for the Deveson family and contributes to the development of their characters. To effectively delve into Australia's flawed healthcare system, which is a central theme in her narrative, Deveson employs a cyclical structure by foreshadowing Jonathon's death early on.

In addition, Deveson highlights the detrimental impact of inadequate support from institutions on her son's well-being. While Jonathon's story encompasses various aspects of his life, institutions play a significant role.

Deveson utilizes her personal experience to highlight a perspective on the Australian health system. Through Tell Me I'm Here, she offers a distinct viewpoint on institutions and institutionalization, challenging the common association between the two terms. Unlike in other texts where institutionalization is considered inevitable when discussing institutions, this novel presents the idea of institutions as a potential escape, while disregarding the concept of institutionalization altogether. This omission may be attributed to Deveson's overwhelming circumstances at the time, leaving little room for concern about future implications.

In her firsthand account, Deveson skillfully tells a genuine story, offering her own interpretation of reality. While her perspective is based on her personal experiences, it is important to acknowledge that storytelling inherently involves selectivity and construction. Even this text itself is a constructed version of the truth. The undeniable truth about texts in any society is that there is no singular truth. Individuals, groups, and societies possess varying versions of truth that shape their lives. Each new text presents a fresh perspective.

Texts employ different techniques to present the truth they want to convey. The use of these techniques can vary depending on the genre. Institutionalization is a pervasive issue in our society and is explored in various texts. It is typically depicted as something to be avoided as it brings sorrow into our lives. For example, in The Shawshank Redemption, institutionalization leads to the death of a beloved character named Brooks. However, some texts provide a more

positive perspective on the journey towards institutionalization, suggesting that it may be the only way to live for some individuals.

This viewpoint is apparent in Tell Me I'm Here. Jonathon was unable to live independently, and his safety relied on being in a government institution, whether it was a hospital or prison. Both perspectives may be valid, but our understanding of the actual reality depends on how the directors and authors presented it. Regardless of the arguments, perceptions of the truth cannot be deemed incorrect because there is no absolute truth in terms of context and perspective. Truth is simply a product of construction.

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