Relection on Movie “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” Essay Example

also look to explain Arnie’s condition from an environmental perspective.

From an environmental perspective, there are several factors that may contribute to mental retardation, among them are the absence of stimulation, the lack of attention and reinforcement from parents or significant others, chronic stress and frustration, poor nutrition, and an chronic illness or injury. The Grape’s family functioning has been quite dysfunctional for many years since the death of their father. Mr.Grape committed suicide more than ten years ago in the basement of the families’ home. Since the suicide, Mrs. Grape has not left the home.

She appears to be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due the lost of her husband. PTSD is a response to a specific stressor that lasts longer than thirty days and is characterized by intrusive memories of the traumatic event and emotional withdrawal. People suffering from PTSD try to avoid anything that may remind them of the event, therefore they may withdraw physically and emotionally.Mrs. Grape’s daily activity consists of sitting on the sofa eating and watching television.

Mrs. Grape has gained a significant amount of weight, which has resulted in her being severely obese due to poor nutrition and lack of activity. Mrs. Grape appears to have low self-esteem due to her weight issue and feels as though she is a burden to her children. The family is supported by Gilbert, and his two sisters, Ellen and Annie.

The grapes had a total of five children, however Larry, the oldest of the children, no longer visits the family.The family has become quite dependent on Gilbert, especially financially, since the death of their father. Gilbert believes that it

is his responsibility to take care of the family now that their father is dead. Gilbert works long hours at a grocery store to support the family. He takes Arnie along with him wherever he goes.

Gilbert has unresolved feelings about his life and his responsibility to his family, and he makes it clear that he has become disgusted with his mother’s appearance. Gilbert is currently engaging in a sexual relationship with one of his married customers, Mrs.Carver. Mrs. Carver is significantly older than Gilbert, which may insinuate that Gilbert is suffering from an attachment disorder due to the lack of attention and affection from his parents. Due to the lack of accurate and often misleading information, society has primarily viewed all mental diseases as hopeless conditions, and those suffering from mental retardation have been associated with stigma and stereotypes that often interferes with people's perceptions of these children and adults.

Throughout history, it was believed that institutionalization was the only way to deal with those suffering from a mental disease. It is common for individuals that are suffering from a mental disease to be placed in the criminal justice system due to their erratic behaviors, which may result in them breaking a law. This was apparent in Arnie’s case. Due to Arnie climbing the local tower over and over, the police eventually arrested him.

I’m assuming this offense was inappropriate because it could result in public danger and it disturbed the peace. Although, many townspeople gathered around and cheered or Arnie as he climbed to the top of the tower, the town’s sheriff did not approve of his behavior. In the small town of Endora

where Arnie lives, generally speaking the townspeople are aware of Arnie’s disorder and tend to look out for him. Currently, there are organizations that strive to help individuals with mental retardation function effectively and independently in society. The Association for Retarded Citizens estimates that 75 percent of children with mental retardation can become completely self-supporting adults if given appropriate education and training.Many schools offer special services for children who suffer from mental retardation while attending school, however, it appears that Arnie is not currently enrolled in school.

Although Arnie is a fictional character, I believe that Arnie represents thousands of individuals that are apart of today’s society. Arnie is too dependent on his brother Gilbert and will probably continue to be for the rest of his life, which is not effective if Arnie ever wants to have a functioning adult life.Due to the family relocating to a bigger city, I believe that it would be effective for Arnie to get involved in a program that is centered around others who are also suffering from mental retardation. Arnie has never been taught effective social and vocational skills that may benefit him later in life. I also believe that if Gilbert would like to continue taking care of Arnie, I would suggest that he receives training and education on how to properly care for someone with mental retardation.

In today’s society, most adults with mental retardation are usually treated like children.It is very common in today’s society for family members to say that they are protecting the individual however, in reality they are limiting the individual with mental retardation from experiencing life on their own because they

want to keep them from being harmed. For example, Gilbert never encouraged Arnie to get in the water because he knew that Arnie was afraid. However, Becky believed that Arnie could do it and would probably enjoy being in the water.

Due to Becky’s encouragement, Arnie got in the water and enjoyed it. In conclusion, people with mental retardation can achieve more than what society has deemed as possible.