Blinded by the Light by Gurinder Chadha, is about the only son of a Pakistani, named Javed Khan, who lives in a small discriminating town in Luton, England in 1987. Struggling to find his true identity, racial discrimination, and lack of support from his father, Javed’s life immediately took a turn when he first heard the music by the American rockstar, Bruce Springsteen.
Javed grew up in a very strict and culture driven household. Only his father had the rights to talk and have an opinion in the family, since Javed is the only son, his father expected him to have a great well-paying job, and help the family. However, Javed was going through an identity crisis, and simply did not want to be what his father wanted him to be, but he did not have the voice to tell his father.
Feeling hopeless and isolated, he was even put more into pressure when he saw the violence and the hatred that some white people had towards people of color, more specifically “Pakis” or Pakistani descent. When he realized how poorly they were being treated, he instantly had the urge to stand up for his people, and help them to not be scared for their rights as human beings. Unfortunately, though he had good intentions, he simply did not have the courage to do so, and tell his parents, because he was raised to keep his mouth shut and his opinions to himself, thus he would always write his thoughts on his diaries. However, he wanted to be free from his culture, and follow what everyone else was doing, but he did not have the guts to do so until one of his Pakistani friends from school showed him Bruce Springsteen’s music.
At first Javed was doubtful because he thought that music would not understand him. One song later, and his life was never the same. He fell deeply connected to his music, and started living his life using Bruce’s lyrics and ideology. He became obsessed and started to follow his dreams on becoming a writer. Unfortunately, his father did not support him at first. He would be ashamed of his work, even though people recognized how great of a writer Javed is. His father simply believed that writing would not be enough for a living, but Javed thought otherwise. After Javed left to follow his dreams to become a writer, his father realized his mistake after reading one of Javed’s writings. He realized that Javed only wanted to follow his dreams in order to help his family, and not ruin their relationship. Shortly after, His dad became his biggest supporter and even started listening to Bruce as well. He then attended Manchester University to pursue his dream to become a writer.
In conclusion, this film showed the power of music and how it can turn someone’s life around. In this case, Javed was able to find a part of his missing identity, and resist racial discriminations that he faced in his neighborhood. It showed how music can guide someone pass through tough times, and be able to have the power to push through and reach for your dreams no matter what.
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