Introduction
Inequality is one of the problems of modern society, the struggle against which has been ongoing for many years and has only recently intensified. It may have different causes – ethnic, gender, social, or financial – but regardless of them, it must be defeated and eliminated in the process of the further development of civilization. Examples of this problem resonate in the works of various authors, from books to feature films.
This paper examines the film Titanic, directed by James Cameron, released on the big screen in 1997. This work not only describes the widely known tragedy of the sinking of the ocean liner but also describes the complexities of social relationships of those times. It reveals the profound problem of the gap between social classes. It draws parallels between the experiences and roles of the various strata of society and their survival in life, and the film’s message captures the essence of the problems of inequality in society.
The Lens of Social Inequality
In this case, the Lens of Social Inequality implies a specific approach to analyzing the primary source to identify social connections, roles, and dependencies. The focus is on the disadvantage of people or social groups who are different from the mainstream or who constitute a minority. In the film, people from different social classes show different levels of privilege, opportunity, and the attitudes of those around them (Sparkes). Through this lens, the main character, Jack, can be seen not as a third-class passenger but as a member of one of the lowest classes present on an ocean liner.
Through this analysis, the contemptuous and demeaning attitude of wealthy white first-class passengers toward those they consider inferior becomes apparent. One such high social-status passenger does not even consider Jack a human being: “You’re an Irish street rat.” (Cameron). The only exception is the second main character, Rose, who is also a first-class passenger but shows leniency and a good attitude. However, this attitude is due to her personal feelings for the main character, and the difficulties of their relationship are largely caused by the obvious gap that is observed between the working class and the business class (Sartika and Arianto 50). Thus, the lens of social inequality helps to define the layered society in the film and helps to highlight the characteristics and dependencies between these classes.
Social Divide
A major disconnect becomes evident when one considers the class affiliation of passengers and crew. Even the ship’s crew members are divided into gradations, and while being a captain or chief officer is prestigious, the important work of machinists or bilge workers is usually overlooked, ignored, or belittled (Cameron). Living conditions also differ dramatically – first-class travelers travel in luxurious conditions, occupying a disproportionate amount of space in their suites, restaurants, and recreational facilities (Sparkes). The second class travels in relatively acceptable conditions, while the third class has cramped and dirty quarters, poor food, and a lack of access to utilities.
Through the lens of social inequality, the film’s main event, the crash, is also worth examining. The chances of survival also depended directly on the passenger’s position in society – the priority of access to lifeboats for the first class is emphasized by the insufficient number of such lifeboats themselves (Sparkes). That is, when tickets were sold to the lowest class of passengers, they were considered a bargaining chip and did not pay attention to their safety. An outraged third-class passenger exclaims: “We could have made it if they’d only let us on the boats!” (Cameron). The value of the people whose labor ensures and maintains the wealth of the upper class is minimal. Another detail is the orchestra playing to the last – the attendants are also of no interest to the wealthy passengers. Moreover, on closer inspection, the reason for this game may lie not so much in a desire to ward off panic as in understanding their small chances on the part of the musicians themselves.
In some ways, the liner notes can be perceived as a scaled-down copy of the time society of the events described in the piece. The wealthy occupy their time exclusively with revelry and recreation, enjoying many advantages and life. The lower classes are forced to work hard to earn their own survival. This rigid distinction was probably the norm during the Titanic times. However, even today, poverty and social inequality are the scourge of society, contributing to the prominence and elevation of only a small percentage of people.
Gender Inequality
Social inequality also includes the gender issue, which was very acute in the times described in the film. This problem is still observed today and is most prominent in strict religious communities and traditional cultures (Nadal et al. 2). Its essence most often lies in the role assigned to women in a patriarchal and conservative society: a woman’s own opinion, desire or aspiration is positioned as secondary if it is paid attention to at all. Women’s social and physical mobility was largely restricted, and they were expected to be passive and subservient to men. An example of this is Rose, who is engaged to a wealthy businessman beyond her will (Cameron). Her presentation as a thing, the property of her future husband, emphasizes the disrespect and lack of equality toward women.
Rose’s challenge to society in the form of her fiancé and fellow travelers is an attempt to counteract inequality in two ways simultaneously. Communicating and even paying attention to one who, in her society’s opinion, has no right to be called a human is censured. Rose’s attempt to determine her own destiny and role as a woman in society is also not understood in her social circle. However, her confidence in her actions and willingness to go all the way is further emphasized by one of the film’s most famous phrases when she holds Jack’s hand after the crash: “I’ll never let go, Jack. I’ll never let go” (Cameron). Despite the sad ending, Rose herself still has the opportunity to fight social inequality in the future.
Conclusion
Thus, the thesis of the director’s revelation of the problem of social inequality in the legendary and controversial film Titanic is confirmed. Sharp differences in the characters’ lifestyles and personal experiences are portrayed to demonstrate the roles of each class in society at the time and the different opportunities to overcome difficulties. Moreover, this work of fiction is a reminder of the importance of justice and equality, drawing the audience’s attention to the deficiencies that still exist in contemporary society. Many themes concerning gender and racial inequalities are still relevant today, and the struggle to eradicate them is on the list of sustainable development objectives for all spheres of civilized human political, economic, and social life.
Works Cited
Cameron, James. Titanic. Paramount Pictures, 1997.
Nadal, Kevin L., et al. “The Legacies of Systemic and Internalized Oppression: Experiences of Microaggressions, Imposter Phenomenon, and Stereotype Threat on Historically Marginalized Groups.” New Ideas in Psychology, vol. 63, no. 100895, 2021, pp. 1–9, Web.
Sartika, Icha, and Tomi Arianto. “Race, Milieu, and Moment in ‘Titanic’ by James Cameron: Historical Approach.” EScience Humanity Journal, vol. 2, no. 1, 2022, pp. 47–52, Web.
Sparkes, Daryl. “Titanic at 25: Like the Ship Itself, James Cameron’s Film Is a Bit of a Wreck.” The Conversation, Web.