IndexUnemployment and PovertyClass Inequality and Social StigmaResilience and the Human SpiritConclusionCinderella Man, directed by Ron Howard and released in 2005, is a film that portrays an individual's struggle during the Great Depression. The film offers a glimpse into the social issues and challenges faced by the working class during this tumultuous time in American history. Through the story of James J. Braddock, a former boxer who falls on hard times but ultimately finds redemption in the ring, the film sheds light on various social issues such as poverty, unemployment and the struggle for survival. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Unemployment and Poverty One of the central social problems described in Cinderella Man is the widespread unemployment and poverty that plagued the working class during the Great Depression. The film is set in the 1930s, a time when millions of Americans were out of work and families struggled to make ends meet. According to historian David Kennedy, the unemployment rate in the United States reached a staggering 25% in 1933, and the average income of American families fell by 40% between 1929 and 1932 (Kennedy, 2001). These statistics highlight the dire economic conditions faced by ordinary people during this period, which are vividly depicted in the film. In Cinderella Man, James J. Braddock and his family experience the harsh realities of unemployment and poverty. Braddock, once a successful boxer, finds himself unable to secure stable work and is forced to rely on government assistance to feed his family. The film powerfully captures the sense of hopelessness and hopelessness that many individuals and families faced during the Great Depression, as they struggled to survive despite widespread economic hardship. Class Inequality and Social Stigma Another social issue addressed in Cinderella Man is the pervasive class inequality and social stigma associated with poverty. The film portrays the stark divide between the wealthy elite, who continue to live in luxury despite the economic crisis, and the working-class individuals who are left to fend for themselves. According to historian Robert McElvaine, in 1929 the richest 1% of the US population controlled 59% of the wealth, and this disparity only grew during the Great Depression (McElvaine, 1993). This extreme gap in wealth is reflected in the film through the lavish lifestyles of the upper class contrasted with the poverty of the working class. Furthermore, Cinderella Man highlights the social stigma attached to poverty and the shame that individuals like Braddock feel as they struggle to provide for themselves. for their families. The film depicts the reluctance of individuals to seek help from government assistance programs, as they fear being labeled "charity cases" and losing their sense of dignity and self-worth. This depiction of the social and psychological impact of poverty adds depth to the film's exploration of class inequality and the challenges faced by the working class during the Great Depression. Resilience and the Human Spirit Among the social issues and hardships depicted in Cinderella Man, the film also celebrates the resilience and strength of the human spirit. James J. Braddock's determination to overcome adversity and provide for his family serves as a powerful example of the indomitable human will in the face of overwhelming odds. According to psychologist Rollo May, the human spirit has an innate capacity for resilience and the ability to find meaning and purpose even in the most difficult circumstances..