The film “October Baby” sparked controversy when it was released to select theaters around the country on March 23. Created by the American Family Association, the movie has a strong anti-abortion message many contend is inappropriate for theaters.
While presenting a heartwarming story about a college freshman searching for her birth mother, the filmmakers clearly encourage movie-goers to become pro-life because the girl was nearly aborted. “October Baby” was successful in its opening weekend, making $1.7 million second only to “The Hunger Games” at the box office. The question remains: is it acceptable for a big-screen, corporately-funded movie to push such a strong political agenda?
In response to such a question, the first thing that comes to mind is that it’s a matter of free speech. Can I not make a video about homelessness and showcase it to family and classmates in the hopes that they will reach out?
American Family Association did just the same thing with an issue they care about. They just did it on a bigger scale.stay focused on the aspect of “corporately-funded movie”
The public seems to be afraid the movie will cause a widespread change in opinion about abortion, fearing that a pro-choice individual will watch the film and have a change of heart, and claims that American Family Association is trying to manipulate the public into following its beliefs by showing them a sob story and eating at their compassion. But so what if it is?
We’re allowed to speak up about an issue that we care about. In fact, that’s generally encouraged. And what better way to do that than through a film?
It’s entertaining and emotional, and it draws a large audience. Many would argue that movies are the best medium used to send a message. If American Family’s message is presented in a moral way, I see no reason why it shouldn’t reach the masses.
The movie, as much of a sob story as it may be, does present something real. It was inspired by a true story of a girl who was almost aborted, and there are surely many other stories like it.
That’s what makes this story a legitimate argument against abortion. Just like presenting a list of facts or writing a book, the movie contains truth about the issue that cannot be ignored when determining which side you take.
I happen to be pro-choice, but the movie’s message did make me think twice about why I believe what I do. It wasn’t enough to change my mind, but at least it made me realize the validity of the other side. There’s never anything wrong with a film that gets people thinking.
If the movie changes the opinion of a large amount of viewers, then it has done its job. The viewers haven’t been manipulated into changing their minds, but rather shown an aspect of the story they were previously less aware of.
If it is enough to change minds, then so be it, and if that is enough to eventually change political policy, then maybe that policy should have been changed from the beginning.
