Depiction of Course Concepts in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is Jonathan Demme’s American legal drama created in 1993. It introduces the story of Andrew Beckett, a prosperous law firm’s senior associate, who hires an attorney, Joe Miller, to sue his employers for seemingly discriminative dismissal. By depicting the course concepts of organizational culture, business ethics, and discrimination in the workplace, the film meaningfully shows how an absence of collaboration and openness that leads to immoral actions of employees may affect an individual.
Workplace Discrimination
First of all, as Beckett is a homosexual man with AIDS, his termination vividly reflects discrimination against people based on their health status and sexual orientation (Demme, 1993). At the same time, the way in which Beckett was fired demonstrates a lack of communication and corporate rules that would prohibit unethical behavior.
The film provides new perspectives related to workplace discrimination, its nature, and the possibility to be minimized. First of all, Philadelphia taught that discrimination may be closely connected with ethical dilemmas. On the one hand, Beckett has the right to be respected as a human and as a competent specialist, regardless of his health condition. On the other hand, the film addresses people’s concerns related to their safety when they contact Beckett (Demme, 1993).
Lessons Learned from the Film
In this case, it is essential to follow the law that prohibits discrimination rather than personal prejudice. Therefore, another associated lesson is the necessity of forming organizational culture on the basis of reason and awareness. In the film, through the doctor, viewers, along with Miller, receive an opportunity to learn about the ways in which AIDS is transmitted (Demme, 1993). However, the backstabbing actions of Beckett’s employees that led to the man’s dismissal demonstrate an absence of norms that would regulate people’s awareness of others’ conditions to prevent discriminative practices.
Suggestions for Role Players
As a result, it is suggested that Beckett’s management would improve a firm’s organizational culture about employees’ adherence to ethical norms, regulations, and mutual trust and respect. In particular, when Beckett’s partner notices his lesion, he could inform managers about his concerns about the man’s possible disease. Subsequently, the firm’s management could initiate inner research dedicated to AIDS and the ways of its transmission to ensure that working with Beckett will not interfere with others’ safety. Finally, open communication with Beckett could result in positive consequences for his career and the absence of a legal case described in the film.
Reference
Demme, J. (1993). Philadelphia [Film]. TriStar Pictures.